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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 »

A drive-by shooting took place on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 4:37 p.m. in the area of Clay and Bard Street, Fillmore. Approximately a half hour later a victim with a gunshot wound was admitted to Santa Paula Hospital. It was not confirmed whether the victim and the Fillmore incident were related. The victim’s wound was non-life-threatening. Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau is investigating.

Bob Crum

It was so exciting I hardly know where to begin but begin I must. Last Sunday, aboard Island Packer's ship the Islander, I sailed to Fry's Harbor at Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park. So many photo ops. So much frustration!

The trip from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island requires crossing the Santa Barbara channel. Though not a travel column, a little background info is pertinent.

The Santa Barbara Channel, extending from Point Conception to Cape Colnett, Baja, CA, is an incredibly diverse and biologically productive ecosystem. Flowing between two land masses creates a transition zone. This transition zone promotes large concentrations of both biomass and species diversity. The upwelling provides unusually high levels of nutrients, especially macrozooplankton, which are one of the primary driving forces behind the Channel’s biological productivity and diversity. Thus it's a vast cafeteria for many predators including dolphin which on average need to eat 20-50 pounds of fish/day. And the munchies are plentiful in the Channel.

On the way to the island, we first encountered a pod of relatively rare Risso dolphins. First time seeing these cetaceans. As described by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, “Risso dolphins, like a battered boxer, the bulky, blunt-headed Risso's dolphin bear lots of scars. Its Latin species name griseus refers to the skin's ghostly gray-white mottling—an effect enhanced with age by extensive scarring made by the teeth of its own kind or by beaks and tentacles of squid, its preferred prey.” It was not a large pod. Difficult to photograph because they were not leaping, only cruising. Dorsal fins themselves are not exciting.

Closer to the island, we encountered a huge pod of the more common bottle-nose dolphin. I confess I need more experience photographing these frolicking animals. So many dolphins over a large area it's nearly impossible to know where to point the camera. Point over there, and they leap over here. Point here, and many suddenly leap over there. An exasperating guessing game. Luck also comes to mind. It's much more challenging to accomplish than one might imagine.

On to Fry's Harbor. But first a side trip up to the Painted Cave. Oh my, what a treat! Captain Luke took the big ship a little way into the cave. Interesting! Then back to Fry's Harbor. The Islander anchors 100 yards from shore. A small motorized skiff transports us six at a time to the beach. On the way, I got a photo of an osprey up on a cliff.

On the island, a naturalist led a hike through a dense oak grove through which a small creek flowed fed by a natural spring. Two species of oaks, the imported species from the mainland with sprawling limbs being the most photogenic. In the shade, an 1860's campground used by islanders of yore.

After many island photos, time to return. A few miles later, another huge pod of bottle-nose dolphin. After another exhaustive attempt to get the 'wowza' dolphin photo, I put the camera aside and just gleefully watched the fascinating creatures. If only I had a boat!

Photographically, because of adverse glare, I used a circular polarizing filter on the lens. Also, because the boat is in constant motion, and the dolphin always moving fast, I used a fast shutter speed. Proper exposure accomplished by adjusting aperture with ISO on auto.

So many exciting photographs from which to choose, it was difficult selecting just one for the photo of the week. Ultimately I selected a photo of the bottle-nose dolphin. I need to go again!

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

Career Technical Education Facilities Program Application for Agriscience and Agricultural Mechanics for Fillmore High School
-Information was presented to the Governing Board by Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos and Director of Special Programs, Tom Chan

Approve Resolution 18-19-4 for Approval of Administrators Week: October 8-14, 2018
-Resolution was approved by the Governing Board

Approve Career Technical Education Facilities Program Application for Agriscience and Agricultural Mechanics for Fillmore High School
-The Governing Board approved the application for CTEFP Agriscience and Agricultural Mechanics

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

Brandon Lloyd, 23, Fillmore

On September 12, 2018, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit concluded a two month long investigation into the unlawful firearm activity of Brandon Lloyd with the execution of a search warrant at his residence and his arrest for firearm violations.

On September 12, 2018, Lloyd was detained pursuant to a signed search warrant, while simultaneously executing the search warrant at his residence in Fillmore, California. After a search of the residence, detectives located and seized a handgun, two handgun manufacturing kits, two AK-47 manufacturing kits, ammunition, and further evidence to substantiate Lloyd manufacturing firearms.

Due to Lloyd’s previous criminal convictions, he is prohibited from owning and possessing firearms and ammunition. Lloyd was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for unlawfully possessing the firearm, firearm manufacturing kits, and ammunition. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed four felony counts for unlawfully possessing the firearm, firearm manufacturing kits, and ammunition.

Prepared by: Detective Jeff Jacobs
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis

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).

Jose Manuel Rojas, 34, Santa Paula

On 9-13-18, a male transient from Santa Paula was arrested for assaulting a Fillmore transient in Fillmore during the evening of 9-11-18.

On 9-12-18 at approximately 8:00 AM, deputies from the Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s station responded to a call of a male covered in blood and with injuries to his face staggering on the sidewalk on A Street near Santa Clara Street. Deputies responded along with the Fillmore Fire Department and found a 49-year old male transient suffering from significant facial injuries that appeared to be the result of an assault. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted for treatment of facial fractures and wounds to his neck.

Deputies and detectives from the Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit responded and began investigating. With assistance from the Sheriff’s Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC), Jose Manual Rojas, a transient from the Santa Paula area, was identified as a suspect. Deputies spent the next twenty-four hours searching homeless encampments in and around the Santa Paula area before locating Rojas in a tent near Mill Park. Evidence from the assault was located in Rojas’ tent. Rojas was arrested without incident, and he was booked at the Main Jail for assault with a deadly weapon and battery causing serious bodily injury. His bail was set at $500,000 and he remains in custody. The motive for the assault is still under investigation.

Anyone who might have information on the assault are encouraged to call Detective Bill Meixner.

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

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).

David W. Rowlands, Fillmore City Manager

Trunk or Treat Event
Wednesday, October 31 from 5 – 7 pm along Central Avenue between Sespe Avenue and Main Street the Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting our first Trunk or Treat Event. Trunk or Treaters will be spending the evening going from trunk to trunk, collecting candy and prizes from the participating spaces along our downtown city block. Public Safety will be displaying their equipment at both ends of the event.

“Trunkers” will be asked to decorate their trunk, tailgate or hatchback and provide treats (Teal Pumpkin Projects welcome) for the “Treaters”. There will be a Peoples’ Choice Award Decoration contest.

Teal Pumpkin Project is a safe way for kids with allergies to still enjoy the holidays with everyone else. It helps with those who have food allergies be able to still participate and have other options during trick or treating such as glow sticks or small toys.

Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft is anticipating opening their doors by the first of the year. Construction is nearly complete. We are looking forward to establishing a long-lasting relationship with them.

Community Pool Season Extend for Trial Lap Swim Program
City Council approved extending the pool season until November 31, 2018 to allow lap swimming to continue. The program participants pay a monthly fee to cover the cost of a lifeguard. This is a trial program brought forward by members of the Fillmore community.

Session I – September 17-September 28
Session II – October 1 – October 31 (pool closed Veteran’s Day and Columbus Day)
Session III – November 1 – November 30 (pool closed Thanksgiving and the day after.)

Let’s work together to keep Fillmore the “Best Last Small Town.”