In Fillmore, the first Ventura County location in the SONIC Drive-In chain is slated to open in summer 2019, according to Johnny Jones, its vice president of development and construction. The restaurant known for its drive-thru service model and specialty drinks (hello, Pickle Juice Slush) will be at what is now a vacant lot at 643 W. Ventura St., also known as Highway 126. Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, last month announced plans to buy the Oklahoma-based SONIC chain for $2.3 billion

The Falcon 9 launched into orbit at 7:21 p.m., Sunday, October 7, from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base about 158 miles (254 kilometers) north of Los Angeles to deliver the Earth-observation radar satellite SAOCOM-1A into orbit for Argentina’s national space agency. That mission was a success, and SpaceX also landed the first stage of the Falcon 9 at a new site (Landing Zone 4) near its Vandenberg launchpad in a historic first. But it was the spectacular views of the rocket streaking into the night sky, its two stages clearly visible after separation which wowed spectators across the region.

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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the suspect in the attached photographs. The suspect is responsible for using a Ventura County resident’s identity and other personal information to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account at different bank branches.

On 08-24-18 and on 09-01-18, the suspect used the victim’s checking account number and other personal information to fill out withdrawal slips to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account at Chase Bank branches in Thousand Oaks, Northridge and Van Nuys. The suspect was successful in withdrawing nearly $4,000 from the victim’s bank account.

The suspect was described as a mid-forties to early sixties heavy-set black female, approximately 5-5” in height and weighing 215 pounds. The female appears to wear different wigs in the separate transactions to alter her appearance.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Bill Meixner at (805) 524-2235 or at William.Meixner@ventura.org.

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).

Prepared by: Detective Bill Meixner
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

Pictured is FHS Scholarship Committee member Lori Wileman Bennett (Class of 1985) and FHS Alumi Arlinda Reyes (Class of 2015). Arlinda is entering her final year at Wagner College with a major in Arts Administration. Wagner College is located in Staten Island New York. Arlinda received a 2018 Continuation Grant award from the Alumni Association. Any graduate of Fillmore High School who is continuing their education at a college, university, community college or trade school may apply for a Continuation Grant. Applicants must be entering their second year of post secondary education. Applications may be obtained from the Alumni Association website or from the Alumni Store and must be received no later than June 30th of that year. To see a complete list of this year’s awardees, please visit www.FillmoreHighAlumni.com and click on the "Members Only" section. Thank you for your continued support of the Fillmore High Alumni Association.

Bob Crum

In the previous column, I discussed awareness which helps to develop a photographer's eye. Based on the questions I received on the subject, my explanation was insufficient. I understand! However, it's a challenge to present such concepts while constrained to 600 words.

OK, let's explore this further. You arrive upon a stunning scene. Don't immediately take a snapshot. Stop and engage the scene with mindfulness in the present moment. Camera settings and techniques aside for a moment, indulge the full experience of SEEING the grandeur. Rid the mind of frivolous thoughts. This frees your mind to SEE the scene. As you imbibe in SEEING, not just looking, you'll visualize a photo composition. Awareness enables a photographer's 'eye' to SEE a compelling image before even touching the camera. Soon you'll notice that your photography begins to evolve intuitively. At the opportune moment, make your photo. Afterward, don't quickly take your leave. Look around. Many times, totally unexpected, you'll SEE other stupendous photo ops. Stay aware! Got it?

For example, a recent trip to photograph the Kern River. Considering the 360-degree scenery, it's foolish to shoot and run. Many times a magnificent photo op exists behind you. Just turn around before moving on, and you'll often SEE more great photo ops. Note that this all comes from discipline which comes from experience which is acquired by, ahem, practice. Isn't it interesting how this all works?

I went to the Ventura Harbor last Sunday to 'see' the recent arrival of a double haul sailing canoe. Hokule'a is the Hawaiian canoe traveling the world by a map of the stars. Forty years ago, a group of Native Hawaiians and anthropologists built the Hokule'a to revive the ancient art of Polynesian wayfinding, which had been forgotten.

More about awareness and a case of doing as I say, not what I do. (grin) After the port visit, I walked over to the beach hoping for a stunning sunset. Whoa! Immediately saw large waves smashing on the jetty sending huge plumes of spray into the air. I walked to the eastern side of the jetty and watched the rhythm of the waves: four small waves, then a large one. I also observed larger splashes on the other side of the jetty. You know, the greener grass syndrome. I moved. I shouldn't have. I didn't notice the water rising higher on the north side. My attention was so fixated on the waves crashing on the jetty end that I was not, ahem, AWARE of where I was standing. Along came a sneaker wave, the cold water washing over my shoes soaking my feet! (expletives deleted)

I went back to the south side of the breakwater. Aha... now a fisherman on the jetty. Hallelujah! A subject to juxtapose! The sun was still approximately 30 minutes from sunset. From the right position, I visualized a smashing photo, so to speak. But I needed a smashing wave just as the sun kissed the horizon.

As the sun dropped, I continually moved to keep the angler positioned in front of the setting sun. At the speed the sun was dropping, I had only about 10-12 seconds to capture the visualized photo. At the moment the sun was about to caress the horizon, I anxiously waited. Come on waves: NOW! Finally, serendipity blessed me. As I pressed the shutter button, the feeling of accomplishment was immense. Awareness works!
The photo of the week is how I visualized it 20 minutes before making the photo. These experiences are what makes photography so exhilarating, so fulfilling and so addictive! SEE the photo in color online at fillmoregazette.com. Happy photoing.

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

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

Official District Sponsored Social Media
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos regarding the Official District Sponsored Social Media https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/

Approve the Annual Title III Local Plan Update
Governing Board approved the Annual Title III Local Plan Update

Approve Resolution 18-19-07 of the Governing Board of the Fillmore Unified School District Opposing Marijuana Dispensaries, Deliveries, Personal and Commercial Cultivation, Sales and Other Commercial Activities in the City of Fillmore
The Governing Board unanimously approved Resolution 18-19-07.

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

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Fillmore Police Department would like to warn Fillmore residents about several ongoing scams occurring within our community. During the past month, citizens have reported IRS, Cashier’s Check and Internet scams.

In one scam, a resident received a phone call from a subject purportedly from the IRS. The subject claimed the victim had unpaid taxes and threatened arrest by local law enforcement if payment was not received. In another scam, a resident responded to a “pop-up” window on their computer claiming the computer was infected with a virus. The victim paid money for the virus to be removed, only realizing later that they were the victim of a scam. In yet another scam, a victim received a cashier’s check and a cover letter from a reputable company. The victim was directed to cash the check, keep a small amount for themselves and send the rest to an address in another state.

None of the scenarios described above are legitimate transactions.

In order to avoid being the victim of a scam, Fillmore residents are encouraged to:
Never cash cashier’s checks sent to you in the mail from an unfamiliar person.
Always contact your local financial institution to verify the authenticity of any check.
Never give out any personal or banking information over the phone or through the internet.
If your computer/laptop indicates it has a virus, always consult an electronics specialist for repairs.

If you have questions about an interaction and you think it might be a scam, stop and call the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2233.

Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ or call 877-382-4357.

For more information regarding scams, visit https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety or https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scamsconsumer-alerts

Prepared by: Deputy Isaiah Miramontes
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

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Submitted by Charice Guerra, Principal at Mountain Vista Elementary

The third graders at Mountain Vista Elementary School are learning about how our government works. Mayor Minjares visited Mrs. Ramos’s and Mrs. Davis’s classes on Thursday, September 20. The Mayor explained what the City Council does and his role as mayor. The students asked questions like, “How much do you get paid?” The answer is $300 per month if you are wondering. Mrs. Davis’s class wanted the mayor to autograph their notebooks. The mayor happily signed each child’s notebook and encouraged them to register to vote when they are old enough.

Bob Crum

French impressionist artist Claude Monet said: "We all look at the same things, yet we see things differently." It's my experience that while we may all look at the same things, few are those that 'see.' The recent journey to Santa Cruz Island was proof.

Upon arriving at Frys Harbor, perched high on the hillside sat an osprey. I managed a photo from the skiff that took us from the ship to the beach. Of the five others in the dinghy, none seemed interested in the magnificent raptor. At the outset, this stark realization: Photography enables a photographic eye by which we 'see' what others don't. Quite a phenomenon.

Onshore I went exploring and surprised to discover rusty railroad tracks. These were used in the late 1800s to transport quarried rock to waiting barges in the harbor. Interesting but more interesting was that no one else was interested. Beach loungers all! Not a judgment, merely an observation.

Then came time for the naturalist-led hike into the canyon where I anticipated oodles of photo ops. I was not disappointed. I stayed at the rear of the group so I could stop to make a photo without holding up the parade of hikers. As we walked single file along the trail, I watched the others. So much splendor going under the awareness radar of the multitudes. We were walking in an ancient grove of trees where for centuries Chumash Indians once traipsed. I sensed a specialness of these sacred grounds. The others just kept walking.

Quoting Jonathan Swift: “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” To that, I'll add another description of a photographer's 'eye': The unique ability to 'see' what is readily dismissed by most others. Let's... ahem... see how that applies.

The trail meandered around several downed trees and crossed a natural spring-fed creek. No wind to speak of so the tree's leaves were still. This meant that even in the shade I could set the aperture at f/11 for extended depth of field. Were it windy, I'd have to significantly increase the shutter speed to compensate for moving limbs and leaves. This would necessitate opening the aperture at the expense of depth of field. Got that picture?

Along the trail, I felt compelled to stop and take note of the glorious scene I was 'seeing.' I didn't just see a group of trees and ignore them. The sunlight peering through the canopy above pranced and danced on the ground as if in a playground. The rays of light also seemed to illuminate exactly what nature wanted me to 'see.' Even the often considered innocuous boulders along the spring-fed creek splendidly complimented the scene. I became intrigued with the curving, ambling oak tree limbs. The shadows falling ever so gently on the sprawling limbs of the mighty oaks caressing them with love. Without touching I could sense the texture of the tree's bark. Every time I moved the angle of light changed causing me to see a different and delightful scene. Photo ops at every turn.

Photography is fascinating on so many levels. Note, however, that it's just as much about 'awareness' as it is about seeing. Awareness effectuates 'seeing' automatically. The more aware you become, the more you 'see' about everything. Practicing awareness every day is key to developing a photographer's eye. Soon thereafter, you'll create more compelling photographs.

Photo of the week: The majestic osprey at Frys Harbor, Santa Cruz Island. Link to the Santa Cruz Island trip photo slideshow: https://youtu.be/uUV6ztHnX6k

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

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced today that Vote By Mail ballots for the November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election will be available beginning Monday, October 8, 2018. All voters have the option to vote by mail. This method allows voters to vote from home at their convenience and return their ballot by mail.

Vote By Mail ballots will be delivered to post offices on Monday, October 8, 2018. Voters who are not on the permanent Vote By Mail ballot list and want to vote by mail should complete and return the application on the Elections Division website http://venturavote.org on the Elections Forms menu. Voters may also apply in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Elections Division located in the Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

Completed Vote By Mail ballots may be dropped off before Election Day at the Elections Division or in one of the two 24-hour ballot drop off boxes located in front of the Hall of Administration at the Government Center. Ballots may also be dropped off at any local City Hall during their business hours, starting October 8, 2018 through Election Day. All voted ballots must be postmarked or returned to any Ventura County polling place or to the Elections Division, by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 6, 2018.

A complete list of Ballot Drop Box locations can be found at: http://venturavote.org.

For additional information, call the Elections Division at (805) 654-2664.

The 14th Annual NAMI Ventura County Walk – NAMI Ventura County Mental Health Hero’s Remaining Strong benefitting the National Alliance on Mental Illness will be on Saturday October 13, 2018 at the San Buenaventura State Beach Parking (near the Pier). Check in and registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the start time for the 5k walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Walk will be held rain or shine. There will be a pre-walk program from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. which will feature speakers from the Ventura County community.

The Walk is a tradition that provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the facts of mental illness, to erase the stigma associated with mental illness, and to raise funds so that NAMI Ventura County can continue to offer all their programs and services at no cost to persons who can be helped by those services. It gives everyone a chance to show their support for the efforts put forth by NAMI Ventura County.

NAMI bases their mission on the principles of support, education, and advocacy for persons impacted by mental illness. They provide classes for family members, providers, and persons with a lived experience of mental illness. They also present in schools, hold support groups for family members, and provide outreach to persons who come to see persons who are in the inpatient psychiatric units in Ventura County. NAMI Ventura County also has a Peer to Peer class for persons in recovery and a Connections support group for persons in recovery as well.

The Walk in Ventura County is a fun family event with activities for children and opportunities to socialize. It also provides our community with a way for us all to come together to show our support for needed services for all persons impacted by mental illness.

To register as an individual walker or to form a team and/or to find information about sponsorships please call 805.641.2426 or visit www.namiventura.org.

Sheriff-Elect Bill Ayub is pleased to announce that Monica McGrath has been selected to fill the position of Undersheriff and Chris Dunn will be appointed to fill the position of Assistant Sheriff. These high-level organizational vacancies are behind the upcoming retirements of Undersheriff Gary Pentis and Sheriff Geoff Dean and will be effective November 18, 2018.

Monica McGrath is a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and has a wide diversity of experience in every division of the organization. Monica rose through the ranks and achieved the position of sheriff’s commander. Along the way she worked many assignments including recruit training officer, property crimes and sexual assault detective, internal affairs investigator, and chief of police for the cities of Fillmore and Camarillo. Having retired in 2016, Monica’s return to service with the Sheriff’s Office at the executive level adds an essential depth of perspective and experience needed to help guide the agency into the future. As the Undersheriff, Monica will serve as the Acting Sheriff in the Sheriff’s absence and she will have executive oversight of the entire agency’s operations.

Chris Dunn is a 33-year veteran of law enforcement. Having begun his professional career as a Ventura County Sheriff’s Cadet, Chris became a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy sheriff in 1988. He transferred to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1994 and has served the citizens of Ventura County for the past 24 years. Chris has climbed each of the ranks and worked challenging assignments in every division of the Sheriff’s Office, including major crimes Investigator and acting police chief for the cities of Ojai and Camarillo. He is also a recently retired lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Reserve. Chris currently serves as the commander of the Sheriff’s Support Services Division. As one of two Assistant Sheriffs, Chris will have executive-level oversight of the Patrol and Special Services Divisions.

The Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in Ventura County, having more than 1,200 employees and providing police services to the unincorporated areas of the county, as well as the cities of Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Ojai, Fillmore, and Camarillo. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office staffs and operates the county jails, courthouse security, a crime laboratory, a regional training center, an aviation unit, search & rescue resources, the Office of Emergency Services, and much more. For more information about the Sheriff’s Office, please visit our website at www.vcsd.org and follow us on Facebook/VenturaCountySheriff, Twitter@VenturaSheriff, and Instagram/VCSheriff.

Prepared by: Sheriff-Elect Bill Ayub
Approved by: Sheriff-Elect Bill Ayub

At Tuesday's Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission the following new business occurred:
Resident Norma Amaro reminded Council of the special October 6 open house in the Central Avenue business district. Special pricing on many products will be available.

NEW BUSINESS
A review and design comment on three traffic circles within the Heritage Valley Parks Specific Plan area was undertaken. Unanimous approval was given to the placement of a tree in the landscaping area.

The applicant, Hearthstone Multi-Asset, Entity C, LLC, is constructing public improvements (Rio Vista Park, streets, traffic circles, bike paths, etc.) in Tract 5496, which is known as The Bridges subdivision. The traffic circles are one of the remaining public improvements to be constructed that do not yet have a final approved design.

A single tree in the center of the traffic circle was decided upon. The cost of a "specimen" tree would be $173,010. This was determined to be the least expensive among 14 alternatives. The Planning Commission reviewed the above alternative and, based upon City staff recommendation, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council accept the design of a Large Specimen Tree (California Live Oak, 8’x’8’ box).

PUBLIC HEARING - INITIATION OF REORGANIZATION (ANNEXATION 17-01) FOR A 2.03-ACRE PARCEL AS PART OF HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS SPECIFIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION (APN 054-0-010-335).
The annexation is proposed for a City-owned parcel which will include the east entry and Heritage Valley Parkway. It is located immediately south of State Route (“SR”) -126 and north of the Santa Paula Branch Line railroad tracks. Use of the property would be for a public road (the extension of Heritage Valley Parkway from Phase 1 through the Phase 2 area, connecting with SR 126), entry design features, and a drainage/water quality facility.

Phase 1 of the Specific Plan is currently under construction and will soon be complete.

Phase 2 of the Specific Plan includes the construction of 459 dwelling units, a community park, and infrastructure to support the build-out of the Specific Plan area. This annexation is for an area necessary for infrastructure including the extension of Heritage Valley Parkway from the Phase 1 area, through the Phase 2 residential area, and connecting to SR 126 in the proposed annexation area.

The Planning Commission reviewed the Annexation request on August 15, 2018 and had no comments and supported the annexation.

The plan was unanimously approved by the Council.

DESIGN REVIEW OF THE CITY GATEWAY (EAST ENTRY) OF THE HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS (BRIDGES) SUBDIVSION
Two of the eight green bridge sections owned by the City shall be installed by the Applicant as part of the projects easterly entry. The project entry shall be completed including the theme boulevard intersection at Hwy 126 and appropriate Hwy 126 improvements prior to occupancy of the second 50% of Phase 2 or the first unit of the Villas which ever shall first occur. This action was approved unanimously by Council.

SIDEWALK ASSESSMENT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
The City Council approved an agreement with Precision Concrete Cutting (“Precision”) for Sidewalk Assessment and Maintenance Services. The motion passed unanimously, following a discussion of safety issues.

AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FILLMORE ROPING CLUB TO USE THE FILLMORE EQUESTRIAN CENTER was approved unanimously. The Club has used the facility for more than 20-years.

Monday, Oct. 1, 7:00 - 7:50 PM at Fillmore City Council Chambers, 250 Central Avenue.

Candidates Forum for Fillmore City Council (3 candidates).

For more information or questions, please contact David Maron at 805-469-4900 or davidm@maronsoftware.com.

Jessica Largey, a 2004 graduate of Fillmore High School, is now the starred Chef at Simone- a new restaurant opening Thursday night, September 20, 2018. Simone, named after legendary singer Nina Simone, partnered with film director Joe Russo (Avengers: Infinity Wars) and Bruno Bagbeni (Fraiche and Bastide). Food and Wine describes Simone as “a stunner.” Located in the Arts District in Los Angeles, it is billed as one of the most anticipated Los Angeles restaurant openings in years. Jessica was trained at the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena and honed her skills in fine dining restaurants, such as Providence on Melrose in Los Angeles under the mentorship of Chef Michael Cimarusti; Bastide in West Hollywood; world famous The Fat Duck in England, and as chef de cuisine at 3 Michelin Star Manresa in Los Gatos, CA under head chef David Kinch. After Manressa, Jessica collaborated on a joint menu at the rotating chef restaurant Intro in Chicago.

In 2013, Zagat named Jessica as one of their "30 under 30" for San Francisco, as well as winning the title of Rising Star Chef from StarChefs.com and Eater.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Largey - cite_note-intro-2 In 2015, at the Lincoln Center in New York City, Jessica was presented with the James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year - dubbed the culinary “Oscar” because there is no higher culinary award.

On Wednesday CONTINUED »