Bob Crum

I spent a whole year helping y'all wean from silly phonetography to real photography. Resistance is futile you know. It's true, with each new generation of cell phones there is a semi-legitimate argument for not needing a “real camera”. Cell phones are lightweight and fit in your pockets, uncomplicated and easy to use and share images immediately online. But so many limitations!

Advantages of a “real camera” are: Interchangeable lenses from macro to zoom for greater options, superior image quality overall, the ability to take artistic control over the exposure, larger image file-size capacity, higher resolution images and more detailed photos, better dynamic range & color accuracy, the ability to create high depth-of-field, adjustable shutter speeds for shooting action or sports to name a few. Of course you've heard me extol those attributes all year. Just imagine becoming a “real” photographer!

'Tis the season you know so I expect that many of you have your photography list done for Santa. If not, the following are some ideas starting with point-and-shoot (P&S) cameras.

Buying an easy-to-use P&S digital camera but have a limited budget? here are a few great cameras for starters. First, a Canon Powershot SX610 HS. The SX610 HS features an 18x optical zoom lens, a 20-megapixel sensor and an improved grip plus built in Wi-Fi and NFC.

Another worthy P&S is the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX220, a 10x optical zoom, 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, NFC, and Wi-Fi built-in.

For the Nikon enthusiasts, the Nikon COOLPIX S5300 features a 16Mp CMOS sensor, 8x optical zoom and up to 16x Dynamic Fine Zoom & built in Wi-Fi.

The Panasonic Lumix SZ10 has a tilting selfie screen, 12x optical zoom lens and built-in image stabilisation & built-in Wi-Fi. Another cool compact camera is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 which has a wide focal range, flip-up LCD, Wi-Fi and image stabilization. For a rugged-and-waterproof camera, consider the Olympus Tough TG-5 which has lots of options for above and underwater photography.

If you think you need more than a P&S, dSLRs deliver a big step up in image quality from a compact camera or smartphone, offering far more manual control and the ability to change lenses to tackle a huge variety of projects. The following are a few entry-level dSLRs to consider: Nikon D3400 or D3300 or Canon EOS Rebel T7i or T6i. The Sony Alpha 6800 is another fine dSLR entry-level camera. The Rebel is awesome!

You may also want to consider a mirrorless camera as an alternative. Panasonic, Sony, and Olympus have excellent mirrorless cameras. For any camera considered, check the manufacturer's website for full specifications.

A few caveats…Excepting P&S cameras, consider a dSLR camera a “system”. When you buy a dSLR camera: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic or Pentax, think “system”. A vital component of a dDLR system is the “lens”. Look at the lens selection for a given camera brand. Also, 3rd party lens manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron, build lenses with Canon, Nikon and in some cases Sony mounts. Thus, I use a Canon 7D MKII. The lens selection by Canon, Tamron and Sigma is huge. Also consider the kit lens with the purchase of your first dSLR which are a great value! Lastly, to insure warranty service, buy from an authorized dealer. A gray market item may be cheaper but manufacturers don't have to honor products bought from unauthorized dealers.

Photo of the week is the wildfire on the hillside west of Fillmore Monday evening about 10:30 pm.

Happy photoing. As always, send your comments, suggestions and questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

Ventura County Department of Public Health

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith today advised residents where wildfires have been burning in Southern California, along with people in the smoke’s path, to stay indoors and reduce outdoor activity.

“Smoke from wildfires can cause eye and lung irritation. Breathing smoke can also make asthma symptoms worse. People with underlying lung or heart problems should limit their exposure by staying indoors,” said Dr. Smith. “Heavy smoke exposure can also cause more serious disorders, including reduced lung function and bronchitis.”

People who must be outdoors for long periods, in areas with heavy smoke, or where ash is disturbed, should wear an N95 respirator mask. Since wearing a respirator can make it harder to breathe, those with lung or heart problems should ask their doctor before using one. For more information on the use of particulate respirators (masks) to protect from wildfire smoke or ash, please visit CDPH’s website.

When it is safe for residents to return home, caution should be used during the clean-up process. Ash from trees burned in wildfires is relatively nontoxic and similar to ash that might be found in your fireplace. However, ash from burned homes and other items will likely contain metals, chemicals, and potentially asbestos, items that may be considered toxic if breathed in or touched with wet skin.

If ash is inhaled, it can be irritating to the nose, throat, and lungs. Exposure to airborne ash may trigger asthmatic attacks in people who already have the respiratory condition. In order to avoid possible health problems, the following steps are recommended for people in burned areas with ash:

• Do not allow children to play in ash or be in an area where ash-covered materials are being disturbed. Wash ash off toys before children play with them. Clean ash off pets.

• Wear a tight-fitting N95 or P100 respirator mask, gloves, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when cleaning up ash. Avoid skin contact. If you do get ash on your skin, wash it off immediately. Some wet ash can cause chemical burns.

• Avoid getting ash into the air as much as possible, for example, by avoiding sweeping it up dry. Use water and wet cloth or a mop to clean items and surfaces. Do not use leaf blowers or take other actions that will put ash into the air.

• Shop vacuums and other common vacuum cleaners do not filter out small particles. They blow such particles out the exhaust into the air where they can be inhaled. The use of shop vacuums and other non-HEPA filter vacuums is not recommended. HEPA filter vacuums could be used, if available.

“Residents should seek medical care if they experience health issues such as chest pain, chest tightness or shortness of breath. It is especially important to monitor children and young adults as they may be more susceptible to the health and emotional effects of fire recovery,” said Dr. Smith.

www.cdph.ca.gov

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that a jury found Michael Bresnak (DOB 12/22/63), of Ventura, guilty of second-degree murder for killing Jeffrey Korber on March 22, 2011.

After murdering the victim, Bresnak kept his body hidden in a freezer at a storage unit for over two years. The case was initially investigated as a missing person but a tip to police from a confidential informant led to the discovery of the victim’s body in June 2013. Bresnak was first tried in early 2016, which resulted in an 11-1 hung jury in favor of guilt.

Jurors deliberated approximately two days before returning a guilty verdict on the sole count of second-degree murder. Bresnak faces the possibility of 18 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled on February 7, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 25 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura.

All of us at Fillmore Animal Hospital (FAH) are extremely grateful to you, the community of Fillmore, for coming together so quickly and effectively during the fire. Our heart is full and we want to assist our community and our Fur Friends. The Dobie and Little Paws Rescue was evacuated and is currently sheltering their dogs in the back yard at our hospital. We have received many calls asking how to help. One way is by assisting this rescue group.

There is great need for blankets, towels, crates, Clorox wipes, food, bowls, cleaning supplies, pooper scoopers, doggie waste bags, etc. And, very importantly, we need volunteers to walk the dogs Saturday morning and return again around 3 pm to help some more, as well as to snuggle and reassure the dogs. The Dobie and Little Paws Rescue will shelter in our back yard until they can return home. Donations may be dropped off at FAH. Cash donations may be made through their email or website, dobiesrescue@earthlink.net or www.dobiesandlittlepawsrescue.org.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 805-223-5995 or message me on our Fillmore Animal Hospital Facebook page. We want to thank everyone for the generous donations, time, and concern about the animals of our community. When a crisis occurs, Fillmore comes together! We are proud to be part of such a special town.

Thank you,
Shauna Lidikay and the Staff of Fillmore Animal Hospital

Cal Fire

Almost 9,000 firefighters remain on the line, successfully making progress in some containment of the fires burning in southern California. As of today, these fires have burned nearly 260,000 acres and destroyed nearly 1,200 structures.

Red Flag Warnings remain for most of Los Angeles and Ventura counties and have been extended into Wednesday. Strong gusts of between 20 and 40 mph expected in the Los Angeles and Ventura county wind prone areas. Local gusts to between 15 and 25 mph expected below the hills of Montecito the next few nights. Humidity remains in the single digits coupled with Santa Ana wind gusts and warm temperatures continue to elevate fire danger. Warm and dry conditions continue across the state, with no chance of precipitation in the current forecast.

Wondering when you will be allowed to return home? There is safety hazardous that that officials have to address before determining if the area if safe. It is always our goal to get residents back in their homes as soon as possible. Once allowed back home there are things to look out for to keep you and your family safe, click here.

Fires of Interest:

Thomas Fire, Ventura/Santa Barbara County (more info…)
Santa Paula
• 234,200 acres, 20% contained
• Evacuations and road closures in effect
• 18,000 homes threatened, 95,000 residents evacuated
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 4 (Derum) assigned

Lilac Fire, San Diego County (more info…)
Bonsall
• 4,100 acres, 92% contained
• Evacuations and road closures have been lifted
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 1 (Gouvea) assigned

Creek Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
Kagel Canyon
• 15,619 acres, 98% contained
• CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 (Bravo)

Rye Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
Santa Clarita
• 6,049 acres, 96% contained

Skirball Fire, Los Angeles County (more info…)
North of Brentwood
• 422 acres, 85% contained

Since Monday, the Humane Society of Ventura County has taken in hundreds of animals displaced by the Thomas Fire. The animals, being housed at the HSVC’s Ojai shelter, all are safe and in good shape, but funds are critically needed to maintain their care, as the evacuations wear on and the animals have nowhere else to go.

“The shelter has been staffed 24/7 since the fire began on Monday night,” said Greg Cooper, the HSVC’s director of community outreach. “Donations are pouring in and are greatly appreciated, but the need is monumental and ongoing.”

Cooper added, “If people want to donate, money is our No. 1 ask since we can appropriate the funds to specific needs for fire relief.”

The HSVC has set up a donation link on its website so all funds go toward Thomas Fire Relief; to donate, go to hsvc.org/thomasfire.

“We’ve also received hundreds of individuals who have donated their time,” Cooper said, “and we accept them with open arms. For those who want to volunteer, they need to be in communication with our volunteer coordinator, Amanda Volden, by emailing her at volunteer@hsvc.org.

Media requests should go through Cooper, who’s available at GregC@hsvc.org.

The heroic stories of survival have kept everyone going at the Ojai shelter, at 402 Bryant St., Cooper said. “We have families who lost their homes and still donated to the HSVC,” he said. “We have vets and a vet tech volunteering their time, including bringing in a mobile clinic to the shelter to assist with any injuries or questions.

“We have a dog here named Mike who’s our hero,” he said on Saturday. “He was brought in last night by his owners with singed hair burns on all four paws and his back. But he’s a fighter and he’s doing OK.”

His wounds were treated, but the owners opted to keep Mike at the shelter, where he could receive around-the-clock care.

AT A GLANCE
WHAT: The Humane Society of Ventura County is in extreme need of money and other donations to help the staff at its Ojai shelter care for the hundreds of animals living there after being displaced by the Thomas Fire.
TO DONATE: Visit hasvc.org/thomasfire
TO VOLUNTEER: Email Amanda Volden at volunteer@hsvc.org
TO DROP OFF FOOD AND SUPPLIES: Go to the Ojai shelter, at 402 Bryant St.
FOR ADDITIONAL INQUIRIES: Email Greg Cooper at GregC@hsvc.org

City of Fillmore

Thomas Fire - Fillmore Community Meeting Thursday, Dec 14 @ 7:30 pm, Fillmore Middle School Gym, 543 A Street. Spanish translation provided. Meeting for residents of Fillmore and unincorporated parts of Ventura County near Fillmore.

American Red Cross of Ventura County

The American Red Cross is continuing to provide relief to hundreds of residents, as they seek refuge in multiple shelters across Southern California. Overnight, almost 590 people took refuge from the fires in 12 Red Cross and community shelters. The following Red Cross shelter locations are open to assist anyone affected by wildfires:

Ventura County Fairgrounds,10 W Harbor Boulevard, Ventura, CA 93001
Nordhoff High School, 1401 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai, CA 93023
Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave., Oxnard, CA 93033
UCSB Recreation Center, 516 Ocean Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93117 (Parking in Lot 16)
Santa Paula Community Center, 530 W. Main Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060
Sylmar Recreation Center, 13109 Borden Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342
Branford Recreation Center, 13306 Branford St., Arleta, CA 91331
Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

“More than 250 Red Cross workers are on hand to provide safe lodging, hot meals, health services, and more to hundreds of residents impacted by these fires,” said Red Cross Executive Director Kimberly Coley. “The Red Cross will be here as long as there is a need, making sure that anyone affected is safe and comfortable.”

How to Help
The Red Cross is able to provide disaster relief services during wildfire season thanks to the generosity of the community. Call, click or text to give: call 1-800 RED CROSS, visit redcross.org, or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Each disaster is unique and so are the needs of its victims. Financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to the people who need it most. The Red Cross is actively working to identify community partners who can collect, sort, and redistribute donated goods. In contrast, financial donations can be accessed quickly and put to use right away to directly help and support those affected.

The Red Cross is accepting new volunteers who are interested in supporting wildfire relief efforts. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to begin an application. Once submitted, Red Cross representatives will contact the applicants regarding orientation and volunteer opportunities.

Stay Connected
Impacted residents can safely and securely list themselves as safe and well by registering at redcross.org/safeandwell. Friends and family are able to search the database for messages from their loved ones.

Download the Red Cross Emergency App for preparedness information and shelter locations at your fingertips. Look for it in your app store, or text GETEMERGENCY to 90999.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

In the wake of Thomas Fire, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that charity and home repair scams often follow disasters. The Sheriff’s Office warns people about urgent appeals for charitable donations, and cautions residents in stricken areas about fraudulent home repair offers. The scammers often play on the emotions of people especially during major incidents.

If you are asked to make a charitable donation to help people in disaster affected areas, consider these tips:

Donate to charities you know and trust.

Be alert for charities that seem to have sprung up overnight.

Do not give out personal or financial information including your credit card or bank account number unless you know the charity is reputable.

Never send cash by mail.

Be suspicious of random calls requesting a donation.

Be cautious about clicking on links in emails requesting a donation.

Check out a charity before you donate by contacting the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance at 703-276-0100 or at website www.give.org

Remember, fraudsters also target disaster affected areas, hoping to cash in on insurance settlements. Home and business owners who need to hire a contractor should:

Check the contractor’s identification and references.

Verify the contractor’s license though the State Contractors Board at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/

Ask for copies of the contractor’s general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.

Avoid paying more than the minimum in advance.

Deal with reputable people in your community.

Call local law enforcement if you suspect a con.

For more information on giving to victims of the Thomas Fire you can contact the below charities:

Ventura County United Way - http://vcunitedway.org/ or by calling (805) 485-6288.
Salvation Army - http://www.salvationarmy.org/ or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/ or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Mandatory evacuations for the following areas:

Area encompassed by Hall Road on the west, Sespe Creek on the east, Highway 126 on the south, and Las Padres National Forest on the north.

Evacuation Center - Santa Paula Community Center - 530 West Main Street in Santa Paula.

Incident hotline 805-465-6650

http://www.readyventuracounty.org for more info.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Voluntary evacuations are now in effect for the following areas near city of Fillmore:

Sespe Creek on the west, Fillmore City limits on the south, Burson Ranch Road on the east, and the Los Padres National Forest boundary to the north.

Residents within those boundaries should be prepared to evacuate immediately. They should have valuables packed and be ready to leave when notified to do so.

People with mobility restrictions or in need of assistance should call 911 if they need help evacuating the area. Those requiring assistance should make arrangements to leave now.

Residents evacuating from the Fillmore area can go to the Santa Paula evacuation shelter at the Santa Paula Community Center at 530 W. Main Street in the city of Santa Paula.
Instructions:

Evacuate to the Santa Paula Community Center at 530 W. Main Street in the city of Santa Paula