 Tuesday, February 20th at Fillmore City Hall Fillmore/Piru GSA Board of Directors held a meeting where they voted unanimously to oppose the Sespe Aquifer Exemption proposal. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
The Fillmore/Piru GSA Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose the Sespe Aquifer Exemption proposal, and to send a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board, stating their position. Director Glen Pace recused himself because he represents the Piru Pumpers, but he also spoke in support of the board opposing the exemption. The GSA board received at least 60 emails from residents in Fillmore and across Ventura County, urging them to protect Fillmore’s water by opposing the exemption, and drafting a letter, like the City of Fillmore’s, to the State Water Resources Control Board. About 30 Fillmore residents attended the meeting. Most everyone in the room stood when asked if they opposed the exemption, and several made public comments to that effect, as did CFROG, Keep Sespe Wild and Los Padres ForestWatch, who were there at the invitation of Fillmore residents. One individual spoke in favor of exempting the Sespe aquifer from Clean Drinking Water protection, a representative from Seneca Resources. Courtesy Rebecca August, Public Lands Advocate • Los Padres ForestWatch |
 At last night’s school board meeting the Board covered multiple topics concerning state testing, school safety plans for all FUSD schools and more. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Fillmore Unified School District Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) Fall 2017 Results Approve 2017-2018 Comprehensive School Safety Plans for all Fillmore USD Schools Approve Resolution Number 17-18-11 to Adopt a Developer Fee Justification Study for the District and an Increase in the Statutory School Facility Fee (Level I Fee) on New Residential and Commercial/Industrial Developments Award Bid for Metal Roof Restoration at District Office Room 17 and Sierra High School Rooms 3, 4, and 7 Personnel Recommendations |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Old Glory, in front of the Fillmore Police Station, flies at half-mast in honor of the 17 victims of the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. The school shooting is one of the deadliest in modern American history. Enlarge Photo |
 On Wednesday, February 21st the Fillmore Library held a community meeting to discuss the planned expansion project. They reviewed the goals of the expansion and funding for the project, as well how the community can help. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
On Wednesday, February 21st 7pm at the Fillmore Library, 502 Second St., Fillmore a community meeting was held to discuss the expansion project for the Fillmore Library. They discussed the goals of the overall project as well as ways the community can help. The expansion plan is to add 2,200 square feet to the library, which is currently 2,900 square feet. The project is expected to cost between $1.3 million and $1.5 million. A portion of the budget will come from the Lucille Wigley estate, a Fillmore resident who passed away in 1995 and left $425,000 to the county library system, to be used for the Fillmore’s library. The City of Fillmore will also contribute to the project by using fees paid by developers that could total $200,000 or more. They expect the fundraising to take around two years, and the expansion to start in 2020. Project goals include: Project partners include: the City of Fillmore, Ventura County Library Foundation, and Friends of the Fillmore Library. Fillmore Library is located at 502 Second St., Fillmore, CA 93015. Hours of service are Mondays and Tuesdays 2pm – 7pm; Wednesdays 10am – 5pm; Thursdays through Saturdays 12pm – 5pm. Ventura County Library: Inspiring our community to explore, discover, and connect. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Pictured is Rotary member Renee Swenson with Police Chief Dave Wareham after her presentation to the club. The ReGen Haus is phase 1 of her new adventure and is a yoga and movement studio which also includes dance, and health and fitness classes. Phase 2 of her adventure will be to open a Vintage Shop including antiques and crafts by local artisans. Phase 3 will be to add a coffee house meeting place with games etc. The ReGen Haus Yoga and Movement Studio can be found at 448 Santa Clara Street. Courtesy Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Fillmore’s new Ventura County Fire Station on the corner of River and C Streets, which began this past summer, is still a work in progress. Crews are seen daily working hard outside and inside the building. Every week there seems to be more progress being made. Enlarge Photo |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
In 1978, the first test tube baby was born, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted, and Fillmore High produced a great group of seniors as they began their journey in life marching through the Shasta Daisy arches at graduation. It's been 40 years since that day, and they are ready to celebrate their 40 year class reunion at the 2018 FHS Alumni Dinner on June 9th. The Alumni Association will have a special area just for their class to have their reunion at the Dinner. By having their reunion at the dinner, they will not only be able to see each other, but they will also be able to reunite with friends from other classes. We hope many alumni make it to this year’s 105th Annual Alumni Dinner & Dance. Last year’s dinner was sold out, so get your reservations in early! It's the event of the year in Fillmore and the great class of 1978 will not be left behind. Calling all FHS Alumni to the 105th Alumni Dinner. Reservations are available online now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events/2018/1/15/105th-annual-fillmore-high-a... |
 Photo of the week "Tall Ship Hawaiian Chieftain firing canon donut at the Lady Washington" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Manual mode, ISO 500, Tamron 16-300mm lens @16mm with circular polarizer, f/22, shutter speed 1/250 second. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
Tall ships a tall order
 Bob Crum In years past, I intended to sail on a tall ship. Didn't happen for various reasons. Upon hearing the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington were in port, again the sea beckoned. I answered with a boarding pass to make intention become reality. Rrrrrr mate! Greeted at the dock by none other than the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. Capt. Jack was accompanied by several pirate fiends...er…friends. One might have thought it was a Key West Mallory Square party with mateys singing the Disney song A Pirate's Life for Me - Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirates life for me. At 2PM on weekends, the two ships set sail and engage each other in a mock cannon battle. My boarding pass was for the Saturday sailing on the Lady Washington. I preferred the Lady Washington because the Hawaiian Chieftain looked the more photogenic of the two ships. Photo ops were replete but proved challenging. Ships are in constant motion... rocking to and fro. I wish I had my camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal. My body could have made good use of a stabilizing gimbal... or a flask of rum. As I write this I'm still rocking to and fro... without rum! It wasn't just the constant motion that proved problematic, every which way I turned to capture a photo, there were ropes... oops... lines. Also had to deal with 42 other passengers. Worse, the center of the ship where the cannons sat was off limits. Crowding passengers to the fore and aft decks limited the already scarce space on the gunwales. But you know I'll find a way... even if it means pulling rank. Out of my WAY mateys... press here! Nah. Instead, I just pushed overboard those that dared to get in the way of my shot! On the way to the battle ground, staff led passengers singing sea shanties. Sea shanties are work songs that were used on sailing ships. Their rhythms coordinated the efforts of many sailors hauling on lines. Laid end to end, Lady Washington’s 156 lines of running rigging would extend three miles. Hoisting the sails is quite a feat. Afterward, no in-boom furling the mainsails or jib on this ship. Up the masts like monkeys go crew members to secure the sheets. Tally-ho mates! Watching the Lady Washington crew pull the lines to raise the sails confirmed my suspicion that I might have made a great pirate... as the ship's captain. Hauling lines is too much work. Photographically speaking, multiple issues. Besides constant motion of the boat affecting my vertical stability, 'twas a bright sunny day. To deal with glare on the water, I installed a circular polarizing filter on the lens. Unfortunately not the total solution. Remember, polarizing filters work most effectively when 45° angle from the sun. The Lady Washington's captain forgot about that as the two ships positioned for battle. C'est la vie. Challenges aside, it was an exciting and fun-filled three hours aboard the Lady Washington as its cannons blasted holes in the Hawaiian Chieftain. Of course Lady Washington took few hits--fortunately all above the water line. Escaping the battle unscathed was a relief. Returning to port, delighted to see Mermaid Lucy basking on the sea buoy! Muah! So many photos to choose from!!! The Photo of the Week is the Hawaiian Chieftain firing a rare canon doughnut at the Lady Washington. Boom!!! The two tall ships are docked at the Ventura Harbor Village through March 5, 2018. Their schedule is here... http://www.historicalseaport.org/public-tours-sails/sailing-schedule/ven... Happy photoing. Send comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on February 7, 2018, investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Contractors State License Board (CLSB), and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (BOI) conducted a joint operation at cleanup and repair sites within the Thomas Fire disaster area to ensure compliance with California law. Investigators contacted 55 business entities operating at 44 fire disaster sites. Most companies contacted were operating properly. However, five companies were ordered to stop working as a result of violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws. Investigations into these violations are ongoing and additional compliance sweeps are anticipated. “We are pleased that most of our businesses are operating responsibly in helping residents to recover from the Thomas Fire. For those few who are not, we will take appropriate action to hold them accountable and to ensure future compliance,” said Totten. Contracting without a license in a disaster area is a felony crime. Workers’ compensation insurance laws apply to all contractors, regardless of whether they are properly licensed. Anyone with information about violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws should contact the Contractors State License Board (800-962-1125), California Department of Insurance (800-927-4357), or the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (805-662-1750). The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the offices eligible for election in the June 5, 2018 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices below may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2018, at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018. Voter-Nominated Offices: Nonpartisan Offices: Information regarding filing for these offices and the filing fee amounts may be obtained by calling the Ventura County Elections Division at (805) 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: http://www.venturavote.org |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) today warned people not to eat cactus pads, or nopales, imported from Mexico sold at specific retail and wholesale locations around the state due to the presence of unapproved pesticides. Routine surveillance samples collected by DPR inspectors found various pesticides, including dimethoate, omethoate, monocrotophos and methidathion, at levels that pose a health risk to humans. Both monocrotophos and methidathion have been banned for food use in the United States for several years. “Anyone feeling ill after consuming cactus products should consult their health care provider,” said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “The symptoms of acute poisoning may include sweating, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Consumption of monocrotophos can lead to neurotoxicity and permanent nerve damage.” DPR sampled contaminated cactus pads that were offered for sale to consumers and wholesale customers between January 23-29 at the following locations: DPR immediately removed the cactus pads it could locate from store shelves and distribution centers. The items were quarantined or destroyed so that they do not pose a threat to consumers. However, DPR believes it is possible that some of the cactus pads may have been sold to other stores in California, Nevada and Oregon. The tainted produce was packaged with the brand names “Mexpogroup Fresh Produce,” “Aramburo,” or “Los Tres Huastecos”. “Many Californians eat cactus as part of their diet, but the pesticide levels we have found at some specific locations are concerning,” said Brian Leahy, DPR director. “We are not aware of any illnesses that have been reported to date, but we suggest that anyone who bought this product from these locations recently, return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it in the garbage.” Washing or peeling the cactus is not effective and people should not try to salvage any of this contaminated produce. CDPH and CDPR have alerted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the issue Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232. |
 At last night’s City Council meeting City Manager Dave Rowlands welcomed new Fillmore Police Chief Eric Tennessen. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 City of Fillmore In the coming weeks we will have a new Chief of Police, Eric Tennessen, who will be replacing our present, retiring Chief, Dave Wareham. No official information is available as yet as to time. Welcome Chief Tennessen. We will be sorry to lose Chief Wareham who has served Fillmore so faithfully over the years. A public hearing concerning a decision to join the LACCE Joint Powers Authority was postponed for further information. Approval was granted to spend an estimated $270,000 on California Waters Development Inc., for the Heritage Valley Parks Fountain Entry Feature Renovation Project. The proposed Maxwell extension #5 and Modification #4 to Tentative Tract Map 5803 for property within the Business Park was tabled to March 13. A license agreement with Seneca Resources Corporation to allow the use of public property was approved. A hearing on the Los Angeles Community Choice Energy Aggregation (LACCE) was denied until staff has finished its research. Hearing on proposal to create an electric car station was not granted. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 Rudy Mora, 28 of Fillmore An attempted carjacking took place on Monday, February 5th at around 6:00pm near the intersection of B and Third Street in Fillmore. The suspect attempted to take the car along with the adult victim’s two children who were in the vehicle. The victim was able to fight off the suspect and gave a description of the suspect to the police. The suspect was later identified as Rudy Mora, 28 of Fillmore. Mora was taken into custody on suspicion of felony carjacking and bail was set at $200,000. He was arraigned on Wednesday, February 7th. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Beginning Wednesday, February 21st, 2018, the Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a 12-week Public Safety Academy for the community. The academy is designed to provide community members with an inside look at law enforcement, first responders, the criminal justice system, and other public safety agencies. The program will allow students to meet with members of the Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Superior Court, District Attorney’s Office, and Probation Department and discuss relevant issues affecting our community. Classes will be held Wednesday nights, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at the Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. Spanish translation services will be provided upon request. For an application, requirements, and additional information, please go to www.fillmoreca.com or contact the Fillmore Police Department. Prepared by: Sgt. Kevin Vaden |
 On Saturday, February 3rd ReGEN Haus Yoga and Movement Studio held their grand opening. Pictured are several Fillmore city council members who were there to celebrate. (l-r) Fillmore Mayor Manny Minjares, owner Renee Swenson, Fillmore Council Member Mark Austin, instructor Melissa Diaz, Council Members Carrie Broggie and Tim Holmgren, and ex-Council Member Ernie Villegas. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 (l-r) Instructors, Melissa Diaz, Hannah Faith, Gladys Racette, Renee Swenson, Jennefer Hime, Ruth Ricards, Carrie Sherwood, Jeanne Benson and Ernie Villegas from the City of Fillmore. Enlarge Photo ReGEN Haus Yoga and Movement Studio celebrated their grand opening on Saturday, February 3, 2018 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility and an opportunity to meet with the instructors. Owner Renee Swenson sees ReGen Haus as an alternative to the traditional gym. The studio will focus on the wellness experience, mind, body and spirit. Phase one of the ReGEN Haus approach is the yoga studio with future phases including an antique retail store, and hopefully, a coffee house. There is a wide variety of classes ranging from gentle yoga, Nia, dance movement, meditation and strength conditioning. For the full schedule of classes and workshops go to: regenyoga.com and/or get the app: Mind Body Online under ReGen Haus Yoga and Movement. Renee Swenson invites the public to come and visit. They are located downtown at 448 Santa Clara St.in Fillmore. If you are interested in hosting or teaching a workshop or class contact Renee 310.403.4647 or email: info@regenyoga.com |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
Founded in 1996, Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid is a vibrant, community-based legal aid nonprofit program where people can confer with an attorney or a Social Security disability representative, in a convenient neighborhood setting at 642 Lemon Way in Fillmore every Thursday from 6 - 7:30 pm. A Spanish - English translator is also available. SCV Legal Aid provides advocacy, assistance, encouragement, advice, guidance and support for self-help for the communities of Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula. Areas of support include: FAQ's: Do I qualify for SCV Legal Aid free assistance? I do not have legal immigration status. Can SCV Legal Aid help me? Are there matters that SCV Legal Aid does not handle? Where can I go for assistance with family law matters like custody and child support? For more help, there is also the Self-Help Legal Access Center Locations Oxnard: The Oxnard Self-Help Center is located in the Juvenile and Probate Courthouse at 4353 E. Vineyard Avenue, Room 206, in Oxnard (El Rio). For recorded information, please call (805) 289-8724. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 Work has begun on the post office mailbox drive-thru access, and the City of Fillmore is making good on its word and progress. The boxes were removed about a month ago, and complaints were heard and acknowledged at City Hall. The placement area of the boxes has been secured with steel bollards and once the boxes are returned, east access will again be available from your car. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 Fillmore Rotary Club Welcomed their newest member Theresa Robledo with open arms as she smiles for a photo with Rotary Club President Dave Wareham. Courtesy Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo |
 Photo of the week "Northbound whales off the Ventura coast" by Bob Crum. Photo data: ISO 640, Tamron 70-300mm lens @81mm, f/5.6, 1/1500 second shutter speed. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
What does it take?
Bob Crum If I had a dollar for every time someone said “to get such great photos you must have a great camera” I'd have enough money to buy a bungalow on a Cambria cliff with ocean views from the front porch. Oh, and mermaids for neighbors. Truth be told, my cameras and lenses are average. No high-end stuff. Anyway, I once read: “It's not necessarily about the camera. Often what makes a good photographer is the... ahem... personality of the person behind the camera.” Ahem... now you know that it's my charisma that make my photos exceptionally fantabulous! Seriously, it's possible to capture good photos without having to take out a second mortgage to buy a camera. Camera? Who needs a camera when a mobile phone takes great photos!?!? Phonetographers use mobile phones to take snapshots. Some of my friends are phonetographers. Admittedly snapshooters. Sure, snapshots are OK. I even engage in the practice The selection of cameras—dSLR or mirrorless—available these days include many that are affordable by most. Photos from point & shoot or 'compact' cameras are getting really good. Plus they provide creative control when making a photo. Even capture RAW mode photos. If you don't presently have a camera, I encourage you to seriously consider buying one. Think about the excitement of creating a photo rather than taking snapshots! Can a relatively inexpensive 10 megapixel camera produce respectable photos? Yes! As K. Rockwell wrote: “A guy who breaks a wrist asks his doctor: "Will I be able to play the piano after this heals?" The doctor replies "Absolutely, no problem!" Great, the man says, because I never could play the piano before!” It's an artist's eye & patience that makes a photo as much as mastery of the camera. Does buying a Steinway Grand piano make you a pianist? Similarly, why think that buying a 50 megapixel camera will make you a better photographer? Cameras don't make photos, photographers do. A camera (not a mobile phone) is a wonderful artist's tool. Furthermore, your equipment has nothing to do with the all-important composition. The less time and effort you spend worrying about your gear the more time and effort you can spend creating great images. Key word: Creating. Better equipment just makes it easier, faster or more convenient for you to get the results you desire. Don't forget the quality of the lens affects the technical quality of a photo. Beyond the gear, post processing software is very important. My axiom: No image straight out of the camera is as good as it can be! In digital cameras a computer interprets the data from the sensor to form an image with information regarding exposure and color. Camera engineers are designing some fabulous algorithms but a camera is without eyes. Digital data alone cannot create a photo exactly as my eyes see the scene in real time. Post processing is where I finish creating the photo. Photo of the week is of whales northbound in the Santa Barbara channel. These huge animals breaching and spouting are thrilling to watch. Whale watching season runs from now through mid-April as they make their northward migration to the feeding grounds off Alaska. For fees and schedules, check with channelislandssportfishing.com, 805-382-1612 or islandpackers.com, 805-642-1393. Cameras UP! Remember, for great photos smile when pushing the shutter button. And don't forget the lens wipes! Happy photoing. Send your comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 13th, 2018
ATTENTION COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OWNERS ATENCIÓN PROPIETARIOS DE VEHÍCULOS COMERCIALES Y RECREACIONALES |
