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

Every 2nd Tuesday of the month, there will be Bunco game nights at the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial Building (located at 511 Second Street in Fillmore) from 6pm-8pm. It is $5 to play & you are encouraged to pre-register at Fillmore City Hall, you may buy-in on the night of each game night if there is player space available. There will be a cash bar available to purchase drinks (alcohol & non-alcoholic) along with shopping opportunities from approximately 10 vendors each game night.

This event is part of the “Raise the Roof” Fundraiser series benefitting the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial Building’s efforts in raising money towards a new roof.

For more information please call 524-1500 ext 713.

Bob Crum

Alas, wet, juicy rain from on high. Except for a leaky umbrella, I'm not complaining. Nosireebob! The much-needed water is greatly appreciated. However, the dainty Sespe Creek mermaids don't enjoy frolicking in a muddy torrent. A text told me they left for calmer, and clearer, Ventura Harbor waters. But I digress.

Sespe Creek, with headwaters at Potrero Seco at 5,280 feet in the eastern Sierra Madre Mountain, is approximately 61 miles long. From beginning to end, more than thirty tributary streams of the Sierra Madre and Topatopa Mountains feed the unrestrained free-flowing Sespe.

The sprawling territory of the watershed encompasses 260 square miles. If my math is correct, that's 166,499.294 acres. That's a large area for rain to dump on and run down to the creek. Since hills are covered with soil, the runoff is, well, you know, muddy.

Streams, creeks and rivers - each with unique and fascinating personalities - are interesting bodies of water as well as exciting photo ops. From any vantage point, observe any flowing body of water at any time of the year and you will see unique characteristics. Two weeks later, from the same place, you'll often find that it's different. A month ago there wasn't a drop of water flowing in Sespe Creek. It's now a raging torrent.

During a break in the weather last Saturday afternoon, the Sespe beckoned. I first made several photos from the bank north of the railroad bridge. As dusk drew nigh, time for plan B: Sunset photo on the bank of the roaring Sespe. As you might guess, good photos don't just happen. They require four things: planning, composition, appropriate camera programming and some post-processing. Oh, and one other thing: Patience. Planning and composition meant I needed to skedaddle over to a location south of Old Telegraph road.

Now on the eastern bank (location!), I was greeted with an exposure dilemma. The sun was very bright. If I set exposure settings for the brightness, the muddy water was too dark. Expose for the dark muddy water and the sky was blown out. Bountiful clouds off on the horizon. Hmmm. I waited. And waited. Patience, remember? As hoped, the sun began dipping behind some clouds. Hallelujah! Now, with the right aperture and shutter speed, I could balance the light of the sky and on the water. Bingo! Whoa! Not one and done! It's never a good idea to merely make one photo and skadoo thinking that you've got the best possible photo! Varying the composition can produce entirely different images. Equally important, various combinations of aperture and shutter speed produce different exposures, one of which will ultimately be the best. As the sun steadily descended, and ISO on auto, I continued to shoot varying the aperture and shutter speed. The tally? A scant 38 photos. I hope that I was legally allowed to have so much fun!

In case you're wondering, I did consider shooting the scene in HDR (high dynamic range) mode, bracketing the exposure in 5 successive frames. But when the sun ducked behind the clouds, I was confident I could achieve a relatively balanced and correct exposure without HDR. HDR processing sometimes produces artifacts that degrade the image.

Later at home, I sorted the photos selecting one to post process. I further tweaked the exposure with my computer darkroom using Adobe Lightroom (LR). The graduated filter in LR is an awesome aid for fine-tuning exposure balance. I polished the image with NIK plugins in Photoshop Elements. Bingo! Photo of the week! Happy photoing!

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

Exercise Citadel Shield / Solid Curtain 2019 (SC/SC-19) will be conducted on naval installations within the continental United States, 4 - 15 February, 2019.

This annual exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy Security Forces. Exercise CS/SC-19 is not in response to any specific threat, but a regularly scheduled exercise.

Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions within local communities and to normal base operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise.

During the Citadel Shield / Solid Curtain 2019 exercise, the Visitor Control Center hours will remain the same; Monday-Friday 0645-1445.

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

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 of4thStreet 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 regardingthis crime, please contact DetectiveBeau Rodriguez at 805-384-4723 or at Beau.Rodriguez@ventura.org.Prepared by:Detective Beau Rodriguez #3591NewsRelease Date:01/30/2019Media Follow-Up Contact:Detective Beau Rodriguez805-290-0645/ Beau.Rodriguez@ventura.orgApproved by:Captain Jeff MillerVentura 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 call may remain anonymous. The caller is not recorded.
Call Crimestoppers at 888-222-8477.

The Sweetheart Hop is the first big occurrence in the "Raise the Roof" Fundraiser series with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Fillmore Post 9637 & the Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial District benefiting the Veterans Memorial Building!

Our wonderful community building needs a new roof & a few other renovations, so why not have fun while we "Raise the Roof" on February 16th 2019 at the Veterans Memorial Building.

Come out for a night of dinner, dessert & dancing... Music Performance by Studio C Band, Cash bar, photo-op + silent auction!
Ticket options are as follows:

5:30pm entrance:
- $45 a person , ticket includes dinner
- $350 8 person table, ticket includes dinner

7:00pm entrance:
- $25 a person, ticket does not include dinner

Purchase tickets at Fillmore City Hall, 250 Central Avenue downstairs at the finance window.

** To purchase an 8 person table, contact the Parks and Recreation department to see if a table is still available to reserve. 524-1500 ext 713 (upstairs, 2nd floor of City Hall)

*** To sponsor a table, call 524-1500 ext 713

Submitted by Sue Zeider On Tuesday, January 22, the Fillmore Historical Museum presented a program on the 155 years of Rancho Sespe to the Fillmore Middle School. In conjunction with the presentation, the students can participate in an essay contest on Rancho Sespe sponsored by the Museum. There are separate categories for fiction and non-fiction. Students are encouraged to interview friends and family who have memories of living or working at the Rancho.