A City Proclamation was presented to Martin Hernandez for his decades of service to many Heritage Valley organizations.

At Tuesday's regular City Council meeting a City Proclamation was presented to Martin Hernandez by Mayor Manuel Minjares for his decades of service to many organizations in the Heritage Valley.

The Mayor also presented a Certificate of Recognition to Katrionna Furness for promoting sportsmanship and winning 1st Place in the 100 yard backstroke and 3rd Place in the 100 yard freestyle at the 2018 CIF Southern Section Division 4 Swimming Championships, the first in Fillmore Unified School Districts 109 year history.

A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Mike and Cindy Blatt for providing support and promoting sportsmanship to the youth in our community as youth coaches and for their part in helping Katrionna Furness in winning the 2018 CIF Southern Section Division 4 Swimming Championship.

The Council approved the introduction and first reading of Ordinance 18-893, modifying the City’s fireworks regulations to include a strict liability for homeowners, tenants, or those deemed in control of a property where illegal fireworks are being sold, possessed or used.

Council approved the First Amendment to the Concessionaire agreement amending the term to December 31, 2018 and authorize the Mayor to sign the amendment in a form approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.

Council deliberated the future of the Equestrian Center at length. The discussion centered on the Obringer Concessionaire Agreement. The issue of future management and/or ownership of the Center was continued.

The City Council was requested to approve the Second Amendment to the City’s agreement with City Manager David Rowlands. A one-time payment in lieu of a raise to Mr. Rowlands was agreed to.

The payment would be 4% of his current salary ($184,642.00) in acknowledgment that while all other employees received a 5% step increase this year the City currently has a deficit budget.

Each Council Member gave a thoughtful explanation for the Manager's one-time bonus in lieu of a raise. Each agreed that Mr. Rowlands has done an exceptional job of managing the City's affairs, especially in view of the severe fiscal problems he had to deal with upon taking the job. This action was taken with strong, unanimous agreement among Council Members.

Gabriel Tobias, 36, Fillmore

On August 21, 2018, the Ventura County Sheriff’s West County Street Narcotic Team concluded a month long investigation into the narcotic trafficking activities of Gabriel Tobias with the execution of a search warrant at his residence and his arrest for narcotic violations.

On August 21, 2018, Detectives detained and arrested Tobias at his work site in Ventura while simultaneously executing a signed narcotic search warrant at his residence in Fillmore, California. After a search of the residence, detectives located and seized approximately 13 ounces of methamphetamine as well as related paraphernalia indicative of narcotics sales.

Tobias was booked into the Ventura County Sheriff’s Pre-Trial Detention Facility for possessing methamphetamine for the purpose of sales. He remains in the custody of the Sheriff’s Department with a bail of $55,000.00. His next court appearance is scheduled for 08/27/2018 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 14.

The West County Street Narcotics Team is comprised of narcotic detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Oxnard Police Department and the Port Hueneme Police Department.

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Guy Moody - Ventura County Sheriff’s
Approved by: Captain Robert Thomas

City of Fillmore

The City of Fillmore is pleased to welcome our new Parks and Recreation Coordinators Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards. Krista began working on Monday, July 30th and Sandra started Monday, August 27th.

Mrs. Martinez has experience working with facilities management and recreational programs through the United States Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. As the spouse of an enlisted sailor Krista traveled the world and gained a diverse background in recreation. Her husband was raised in Fillmore and after completing his service they moved to Fillmore to raise their family. Krista is currently working on her Bachelors degree.

Mrs. Edwards grew up in Fillmore and has her Associates of Science in Social & Behavioral Sciences from Ventura Community College. Most recently she was employed as a Programming and Promotions Manager for Ventura County’s largest radio station. She has extensive experience in social media and public/community relations and outreach.

“We found two high caliber individuals who will continue to move the Parks and Recreation Department forward. said David W. Rowlands, City Manager.

For more information on Fillmore, visit www.fillmoreca.com

California Highway Patrol

Saturday morning, August 25th at 9:55am California Highway Patrol received a report that the cab of a semi truck hauling lemons had caught fire on Highway 126 east of Piru. The truck reportedly burned to the ground by the time CHP arrived, traffic in both directions was affected by the fire. Ventura County Fire was able to extinguish the flames and CHP was able to reopen both westbound lanes an one eastbound lane by 11:15am. Cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Bob Crum

First, I enjoyed a whole weekend of much needed rest & relaxation. No assignments! After walking miles to photograph airplanes, bucking bulls or hurdling pigs my bones ached, my tendons taut. The deep seaweed massage by Mermaid Megan was delightful! Like the yogurt motto: Oui to me time. However, I got bored silly which is eminently and frightfully depressing. Faithful readers know that I thrive on photographic challenges. Even miscues are fantastic learning opportunities. But I digress.

Nikon finally released a pair of mirrorless cameras: Z6, 24.5MP (megapixels) and a Z7, 45.7MP with an ISO range of 64-25,600. Ho hum some say.

Some Nikon aficionados are already decrying the video recording limitations. They wonder why Nikon limits their latest, greatest camera to Ultra HD 4K at 30 frames per second? Shame on the scorners. Perhaps Nikon engineers preferred to design a mirrorless “camera”, not a super camcorder!

But the scorners have a point. Panasonic GH4 owners have been shooting at Nikon's present resolution and frame rate since 2014. “Going further into the video territory,” says David Murphy at PetaPixel, “let’s talk slow motion. Nikon is offering a measly 1080/120p. I’m not saying this won’t give you some buttery smooth slow motion, but again, when my two-year-old Panasonic GH5 can outclass this by giving me a stellar 1080/180p, I just find it hard to be impressed.”

A big misstep in my opinion is Nikon's requirement to use costly Sony QXD memory cards. A 32GB QXD card costs approx $90.00. My 32GB high speed SD cards for my Canon 7D2 cost me $25.00. I have 10 cards. Do the math.

There are some Nikon redeeming attributes: 45.7MP full-frame sensor (if you really need 45.7MP), touchscreen interface, 5-axis IS system (Sony and Olympus have this) and 493-point AF system.

Depending on your lens requirements, perhaps best to wait before rushing to buy either a Z6 or Z7. Remember, you don't merely buy a camera you buy into a “system”. A very important part of the system are lenses. Nikon is releasing only three lenses for their new mirrorless cameras: 24-70mm f/4 S, 35mm f/1.8 S, and 50mm f/1.8 S.

Want the trio of wide-angle, medium zoom and telephoto, you'll have to wait till 2021. If you're a Nikon shooter with Nikon lenses, an adapter will be available soon, says Nikon. But regular readers know that I think adapters are usually problematic. Nothing better than native lenses on a camera sans adapter.

Ready to get into a mirrorless camera system? Go for it! Olympus, Fujifilm, Sony and Panasonic make excellent mirrorless cameras. Again, lens availability should be your priority, not the camera brand. At this time, none have a universal 16-300mm or 18-400mm lens that allows me to shoot a ton of stuff without having to constantly change lenses. Because of lens availability, I continue to shoot with my trusty Canon 7D Mark II camera. For now!

Photo of the week is a BMX stunt rider at the Ventura County Fair. Two riders performed several jumps but I didn't want a ho-hum photo of rider in the air. Even a phonetographer can get that shot. I wanted the rider in the air and in the smoke burst. This didn't come easily. Again, it's about being ready and timing. I think it was the 7th or 8th jump when the photo op materialized. BAM! Got it! Aaaaaah. BTW, I pre-visualized this shot after watching them perform last year. Joy is absolute when visualization manifests. Any wonder why I love photography? Happy photoing!

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

Ventura County Department of Public Health

As students return to school, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges parents and guardians to ensure immunizations are on their back-to-school checklist. Many vaccine-preventable diseases, such as whooping cough and measles, can easily spread in child care and school settings.

“Immunization can help keep our children healthy, in school and ready to learn,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “If you haven’t done so already, check with your child’s doctor to find out what vaccines your child needs. Vaccinations are the best way to ensure that students are protected against serious and preventable diseases.”

When children are not vaccinated, they are at increased risk for getting sick and spreading diseases to students in their classrooms, and children and adults within their communities. Babies who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and people with weakened immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions are especially susceptible.

California law requires students to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private elementary and secondary schools as well as licensed childcare centers. Schools and licensed childcare centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report students’ immunization statuses to CDPH.

Families that are having difficulty obtaining required immunizations prior to the start of school can contact their local health department for assistance in finding other local immunization providers.

Visit www.ShotsforSchool.org for more information on immunization laws and required vaccinations for students in California.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Courtesy Mike Van De Mheen, Fillmore Air Conditioning & Heating

For those that haven’t heard my work van full of all the tools I use to make a living was stolen from in front of my home at 4:41 a.m., on 8-15-18. Having been in business for 23 years and surviving through tough times like the recession and new competitors, I knew I would make it through this.

What surprised me was how much support I would receive from this community. As soon as the news spread, I starting getting calls of support. People have offered to loan their work trucks, tools, money and a secured yard to store my truck. Several have offered a reward. Many have just said they would do whatever they can to help and are keeping an eye out for my van. Several neighbors offered security footage of the suspect’s car.

Thanks to Patrick Maynard for checking city video. The Sheriff’s Department has been great. Deputy Peterson was very thorough in taking the report. Detective Meixner has called daily with any updates. He seemed to have taken it personally since he had a family member who was in the construction business and knew how important the tools were to make a living.

At this point we have a very poor video of the suspect walking around my van and stealing it, as well as the suspect’s car making a U-turn at the corner of Mountain View and Second Street at 4:18 a.m. before he steals it. I know the tools are gone. It’s a waiting game to see if my van shows up and in what condition.

I have heard some people complain about the crime in this town. People have to realize that the population hasn’t grown that much compared to most cities but the amount of strangers driving past us on Hwy 126 has seemed to have gone up 500% in the last 10 years.

I have never been prouder to have Fillmore in large letters as my Logo.

If you have any information on this theft you can contact Detective Meixner at the Sheriff’s office 805-524-2233.

Thank you,
Mike Van De Mheen

UPDATE:
I originally wrote this last night and sent it to the Gazette and was going to have my wife post it today. At 8:45 this morning I was at my shop still numb and trying to figure out what to do for a van. Then I get a call from a 626 number and I crossed my fingers it was the call I have been waiting for since Wednesday morning. It was. The office manager from Assembly Automation called to inform me that a suspect drove around their parking lot with my van for around 10 minutes, parked after a few minutes and walked away. If it wasn’t for her and her co-workers paying attention to this suspicious activity and taking the time to call me there could have been more damage done to the van (unlocked and didn’t need a key anymore to start it). The investigation continues so hopefully they can catch the thief so maybe they won’t visit this little town we all love so much. Once again THANK YOU FILLMORE!
Mike Van De Mheen

Any information on this crime please Contact Detective Meixner at 805-524-2233

Superintendent Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D launched an enormous number of school improvements during the summer break. The synthetic track was resurfaced at a cost of $372,822. Site-wide exterior painting at Mountain Vista Elementary School and the Middle School was completed. Projects extended to paving, striping, carpeting, roofing, and renovation of bathrooms. A slide presentation of improvements was given by Andrea McNeill at Tuesday’s School Board meeting.

FUSD Summer Projects Update
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

FUSD Enrollment by Site
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Approve Resolution No. 18-19-01 Assignments of Teachers Who Are Teaching Outside of Their Credential Authorization or on an Emergency Permit
The Governing Board approved Resolution No. 18-19-01.

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

Soroptimist International of Fillmore installed Cathy Krushell as the new president on August 15, 2018. The 2018-2019 Officers also include: Vice President, Jane David, Recording Secretary, Marianne Crane, Correspondence Secretary, Betty Carpenter, Treasurer, Patti Walker and One Year Director, Darlene Lorenz. SI of Fillmore celebrated their 60th Anniversary this year. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that economically empowers women and girls by providing access to education, the single most effective anti-poverty intervention. If you would like more information on scholarships or would like to become a member please contact Membership Chair Darlene Lorenz at 805.524.9929 or email Languages33@aol.com

On Thursday, August 9th at approximately 3:40pm a crash occurred on Highway 126 outside of Piru killing a man from Bakersfield. Troy Jackson was driving a 2002 Jeep and it had been reported to CHP that the Jeep was swerving in and out of lanes. Shortly after CHP received calls reporting the Jeep had crashed into an avocado tree on the northbound side of the highway. The driver received fatal injuries. Cause of the accident is still under investigation.

Submitted by Ari Larson, President Elect

Scott’s program was on the Bardsdale Cemetery, which was formed by the people, in 1895. It is an independent Special District separate from the City or County, governed by a five member Board, of local residents, appointed by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors. Scott stated that people are unprepared for what they want when they pass away. There are many options now for burial traditional, stacking, in-ground cremations and niche wall. Plots can also be purchased ahead of time.

Bardsdale Cemetery is not funded by the state, county or by the city of Fillmore, but is primarily funded through burial fees, which are declining and supplemented through a small portion of local property taxes and a special $5 annual parcel tax approved by the voters in 1981 and has never been increased. In order to continue operating and maintaining this cemetery, as it has in the past, the cemetery district considered proposing a new ballot measure, but prior to that a survey was taken, by voters within his district and a majority said they didn’t want a higher tax. So until this can happen the cemetery will continue on as best they can and people who complain about things there need to realize why it’s the way it is.

On Tuesday, August 4th, Saint Bonaventure High School football coach reported equipment was missing from the boys’ locker room. Police conducted an investigation and found that approximately $3,000 worth of football gear had been stolen. Between interviewed witnesses and surveillance footage police learned that three male suspects from Fillmore had scaled a fence in order to get on school grounds. Ventura police department was able to get two of the suspects’ faces on camera, contacted their parents, and on August 5th the two suspects returned the equipment and admitted to the burglary. By August 14th the two 16 year olds and the 14 year old were arrested on suspicion of felony burglary and conspiracy and were all released to their parents.

A poetry reading event to raise money for the Ventura County Arts Council was held August 17, 2018 in the Fillmore office of Diamond Realty. Approximately 15 poets read original poetry, several about the theme of the event “Scuffed Diamonds.”

The event was sponsored by Diamond Realty and hosted by Fernando Albert Salinas, Ventura County Arts Council Board Member and professor at Brooks College. Fillmore Middle School art teacher Doris Nichols painted while poetry was in motion.

Contributors to the event included Vallartas Mexican Restaurant, Starbucks, Fidelity National Title, Stewart Title, First American Title, Lawyers Title & Nickelodeon. The amount raised exceeded expectations and will be used to fund the publishing of book containing a collection of student poetry.

Theresa Robledo, owner of Diamond Realty said, “It was an honor to host such a diverse group of poets from cities throughout Ventura County. Thank you to everyone who attended and donated, thank you to the businesses that contributed, and thank you to all the wonderful poets who created beautiful art from the power and beauty of spoken word.”

About The Ventura County Arts Council
The Ventura County Arts Council advocates for the arts and for increased arts instruction in schools. We foster community development through the arts, serving county artists, arts organizations and the general public through partnerships with arts supporters, businesses, foundations, and community leaders. We embrace the diversity of our county and strive to reach low income and minority communities with programs designed to engage these diverse populations. Learn more at http://vcartscouncil.org

About Diamond Realty
Diamond Realty is a full service real estate agency servicing Ventura and North Los Angeles Counties. Diamond Realty prides itself on establishing long term relationships based on mutual respect and trust with our clients, customers and agents. Diamond Realty is located at 460 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. (805) 524-2121. https://www.diamondrealtyteam.com

Enlarge Photo

On Sunday, August 19, 2018 an open house was held at Beylik Family Farms in Fillmore. The event was held in appreciation of Beylik Family Farm’s farmer’s market customers throughout southern California.

The event included food, a farmer’s market style produce stand, and tours of the farm starting every half-hour. Attendees were treated to pulled pork BBQ, hot dogs, and Laura Beylik's world famous salsa.

If you would like to buy locally grown produce from Beylik Family Farms, you can visit any of the farmers market's they regularly attend listed on their website at www.beylikfarms.com/where-to-buy.

About Beylik Family Farms
Beylik Family Farms produces the highest quality hydroponically grown tomatoes, cucumbers & other produce sold exclusively through Certified Farmers Markets from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles since 1971. Please visit us at any of the Farmers Markets listed here https://www.beylikfarms.com/where-to-buy

Bob Crum

I'm tired of walking. Walked 35 miles at the County Fair... so it seemed. More walking at the Wings Over Camarillo (WOC) air show this past weekend. I'm considering buying a donkey as a service animal!

Tracking fast flying airplanes with a camera is more challenging than capturing a bronc rider tossed off a bucking horse. Besides tracking fast enough to get the plane properly composed, focus is also a huge issue. Learning ballet to replace photography is being considered.

I hereby declare, as usual, that experience and practice are invaluable. More so when shooting fast flying aircraft. Note also that if one practices a lot, one obtains experience. Funny how that works.

For example, last spring at the Los Angeles County air show I had just photographed a jet fighter demo. Thus my shutter speed was set at 1/1000th of a second. Fast shutter speeds help reduce slight blurs that, for me, normally results when tracking fast planes with a heavy telephoto lens. The jet fighter was followed by a prop plane and a jet flying together. It was thrilling to watch two warplanes of vastly different generations. I started shooting. The camera shutter speed was still 1/000th of a second. This is best for the jet but freezes the prop on the other plane. Scientific fact: Prop planes can't fly unless the props are turning. Lesson learned: Best not to get so involved in the event that you forget to properly program the camera.

I applied that lesson to the WOC photo shoot. First, I shot the entire air show in Tv mode. That does not mean I watched the show on a TV. Tv mode is shutter priority mode which means the shutter is adjusted according to circumstances. ISO and aperture left in auto mode. This all means that if I set the shutter speed at 1/60th of a second, the camera's exposure meter will adjust the aperture and the ISO for appropriate exposure.

The air show opened with an F-18 fighter jet. I quickly set shutter speed to 1/1250th of a second. Good grief, I had trouble turning my head fast enough to keep up with that speed demon let alone photography it. See it coming... poof... GONE!

That performance was followed by a jet and prop plane duo. Oh oh! Click... click... shutter speed reset to 125th of a second. Alas I got the prop action perfect and with lens stabilization on and holding the camera steady, tracking blur minimized. BINGO! No gotcha this time!

The process was the same throughout the show... adjusting only the shutter speed according to the plane flying at the time. Hint: The advantage of shooting in Tv mode is that shutter speed can be adjusted very quickly by the thumb-wheel on top of the camera. Aperture is unimportant because depth-of-field is irrelevant.

Photographing such fast moving aircraft makes composition a constant challenge. Some times I anticipated incorrectly and only got an image of the nose of the plane. Other times, I tracked too late and got only the the tail of the plane. I suppose I could put the two parts together in Photoshop, you know, digitally pin the tail on the nose. You wouldn't tell, right?

Photo of the week is my first photo of an F-18 fighter jet with a vapor cone. Conditions were perfect! A vapor cone is a visible cloud of condensed water which usually forms around an aircraft moving at high speed through moist air. Another bucket list shot done! Color me thrilled!

Send comments, suggestions and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the extension of the nomination period to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, for 25 offices that are scheduled to be voted upon at the November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election. The extension applies to the offices of:

CITIES
Moorpark City Council
Ojai City Council
Port Hueneme City Council
Santa Paula City Council
Simi Valley Mayor
Simi Valley City Council
Thousand Oaks City Council

SCHOOL DISTRICTS
Ventura County Community College District, Area 1
Conejo Valley Unified School District
Cuyama Joint Unified School District*
El Tejon Unified School District*
Simi Valley Unified School District, Short Term
Simi Valley Unified School District, Full Term
Ventura Unified School District, Area 4
Hueneme School District
Mesa Union School District*
Mupu School District
Pleasant Valley School District
Somis Union School District, Short Term

SPECIAL DISTRICTS
Channel Islands Beach Community Services District
Montalvo Community Services District*
Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council*
Conejo Recreation and Park District
Saticoy Sanitary District*
United Water Conservation District, Division 2
Casitas Municipal Water District, Division 1*

The extension is only applicable to candidates other than the incumbent. Nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices may be obtained from either the District Office or from the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

*Candidates for these districts must obtain and file nomination documents with the County Elections Division.

Nomination documents for city offices must be obtained and filed with the City Clerk. Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures for city offices may be obtained from your respective City Clerk’s office.

Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division by calling (805) 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: www.venturavote.org

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), a local non-profit community economic development organization, has created a disaster recovery assistance grant program for Ventura and Santa Barbara County residents who were affected by the Thomas Fire and/or Montecito Mudslides. The funds come from an $800,000 commitment made by Wells Fargo to assist with economic recovery for those affected by the Thomas Fire and Montecito Mudslide. The initial $300,000 in grant funds were awarded to five local non-profits, including VCCDC, Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV), Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), Red Cross and Food Share, Inc. The remaining $500,000 will be distributed to nonprofits in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties over the course of the year, as plans and programs are developed to address current and emerging community needs.

VCCDC plans to use the funds it was awarded through this grant to provide individual grants of up to $1,000 for households affected by the disasters. Applicants must be residents of Ventura or Santa Barbara County and must demonstrate a financial loss due to the fire and/or mudslides. The funds will be given directly to the applicant to be used for existing needs ranging anywhere from housing to living expense needs caused by loss of wages or business losses caused by disasters. There are no income or household size limits. One grant per eligible household or business will be awarded. Additional criteria and requirements apply.

“Although eight months have passed since the Thomas Fire began its destructive path in Ventura County and attention has shifted, the need for financial assistance for those affected is still very much present. We are grateful to our community partner, Wells Fargo, for stepping up to show their support for our community during the recovery period. Our hope is that through these small individual grants we can lessen the financial burden that the affected families are still feeling,” says VCCDC Executive Director, Bertha Garcia.

Full application, document requirements, eligibility criteria, and submission details can be found at www.vccdc.org/wfgrant starting on Monday, August 27th at 10am. Applications will be accepted until all qualified recipients have been identified.

For questions please contact Keily Victoria, Administration Support Manager for VCCDC, at 805-273-7800 or kvictoria@vccdc.org.

About VCCDC
Since it was founded in 2001 as a local non-profit organization, VCCDC has worked to increase homeownership and economic stability in underserved communities of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. VCCDC is dedicated to ensuring that homebuyers are prepared for homeownership with the support of certified professionals who provide education and guidance, assisting with planning and problem solving. All VCCDC staff is bilingual, proudly serving the community. VCCDC accomplishes its work in partnership with other community organizations, and is financially supported by private and public funds. Visit us at www.vccdc.org and www.facebook.com/vccdc