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:
• Rancho San Miguel Markets, Madera
• La Monarca Market, Lower Lake
• FreshPoint Central California, Turlock
• Arteaga’s Food Center, Sacramento
• Stater Bros. Distribution Center, San Bernardino
• S&L Wholesale Produce, San Francisco

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.

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.

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.

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
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

(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.
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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

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:
• Consumer issues
• Assistance with debt issues
• Landlord-Tenant
• Employment and labor law
• SS Disability
• Small Claims
• Expungement assistance (misdemeanors and infractions)

FAQ's:
Cost?
SCV Legal Aid does not charge for services.

Do I qualify for SCV Legal Aid free assistance?
If you are getting public benefits, are a low-income person, or barely have enough income to pay for your household’s basic needs you will likely qualify for free assistance. SCV Legal Aid is here to support the goals of equal access to justice.

I do not have legal immigration status. Can SCV Legal Aid help me?
Every legal aid clinic has its own rules. SCV Legal Aid volunteers and attorneys work do not get paid and since its inception, does not apply for or receive government funding of any kind. This means we can help. Although SCV Legal Aid does not provide immigration status assistance, no matter your immigration status, in many cases we can provide guidance and support for victims of wage abuse, domestic violence, uninhabitable housing and many other matters.

Are there matters that SCV Legal Aid does not handle?
Yes. There are many areas of law that SCV Legal Aid does not handle or advise, including criminal law, family law or any civil cases in which most attorneys are available, such as wrongful death and medical malpractice.

Where can I go for assistance with family law matters like custody and child support?
The Ventura Family Law Self-Help Center is located at the Ventura Courthouse, 800 South Victoria Avenue, on the third floor, in Room 30 outside of the family law courts.

For more help, there is also the Self-Help Legal Access Center
http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/shlac.html

Locations
Ventura: The Ventura Self-Help Legal Access Center is located at the Ventura Courthouse, 800 South Victoria Avenue, on the first floor, in Room 106. For recorded information, please call (805) 289-8724.

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.

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 occasionally when I need to email a photo quickly. However, mobile phones provide limited creative control if any at all.

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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ATTENTION COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL VEHICLE OWNERS
The City of Fillmore and the Fillmore Police Department wish to inform owners of commercial and recreational vehicles that, effective March 1, 2018, the following municipal code sections will be enforced throughout the city. While these ordinances have been the law for many years, required signs have only recently been installed. Refer to the Fillmore Municipal Code for complete information. If you have any questions, you may contact the police department at (805) 524-2233.

ATENCIÓN PROPIETARIOS DE VEHÍCULOS COMERCIALES Y RECREACIONALES
La Ciudad de Fillmore y el Departamento de Policía de Fillmore desean informar a los propietarios de vehículos comerciales y vehículos recreacionales que, a partir del 1 de marzo de 2018, se aplicarán las siguientes secciones de códigos municipales. Estas ordenanzas han sido la ley durante muchos años, las señales requeridas se han instalado recientemente. Si tiene alguna pregunta, puede comunicarse con el departamento de policía al (805) 524-2233.

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Fillmore’s Webelo Scout Troop 3400 toured the workshops at Fillmore’s Packinghouse Creative on the evening of Tuesday January 30th. The Packinghouse Creative is a collection of craftspeople working out of the citrus packing house located at 341 A Street in Fillmore.

The tour was organized by Packinghouse Creative member Bruce Johnson, Webelo Den Leader Chano Ibarra, and Assistant Cub Master Jaclyn Ibarra.

Den Leader Ibarra said, “The tour was part of our regular series of adventures designed to teach scouts lessons on a variety of topics. This particular tour focused on teaching scouts about tools and their use, about local history, and about learning what’s happening in their community.”

Bruce Johnson, a professional guitar maker (also known as a Luthier) said, “He had a great time hosting the scouts and teaching them about all the tools he uses to make a guitar from scratch.”

About The Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is one of the largest scouting organizations in the United States of America and one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with more than 2.4 million youth participants and nearly one million adult volunteers. Learn more at https://www.scouting.org

About Packinghouse Creative
The Packinghouse Creative is a collection of craftspeople working out of a converted citrus packing house located in Fillmore, California. The Packinghouse Creative is not open to the public does host events and open houses throughout the year. Learn more at https://www.packinghousecreative.com

Bob Crum

I have often mentioned that I capture photos while letting the ISO float. Along comes Doug K of Oxnard asking me to explain how I do that. I can do that. Just not this second. It's a secret.

Remember, ISO is one leg of the exposure triangle. In manual mode, each leg—aperture (Av), shutter speed (Tv) & ISO—are adjustable. They each affect exposure levels. Increasing ISO increases exposure—brightens the photo. Decreasing ISO darkens the photo with Av & Tv fixed. Beware: Fixed ISO often problematic.

As a photojournalist shooting events, time to make camera adjustments is nonexistent. Depending on creative decisions, I'll preprogram shutter speed and aperture. If DOF (Depth-of-Field) is paramount, I'll set aperture at f/11 or smaller. For depicting action, I'll create blur by slowing the shutter speed. In these cases, I'll let ISO float. Also note that I'm creating a desired image affect by camera settings! Creativity rules!

Photoing outdoor events is exasperating. Perhaps one second I'm facing the sun potentially overexposing the photos. Turn around and shadows drive the image dark. A fixed ISO at any value will most assuredly be wrong. No time to adjust ISO for every photo op. Belly dancing with mermaids likely easier!

Because I can't adjust ISO fast enough to assure correct exposure, I simply inhale some “He” (helium) and float it. I mean I put ISO on “automatic”. With ISO on 'auto', the camera's exposure meter will adjust (float) to whatever value it needs to be for correct exposure. Alas... my secret exposed.

However, floating ISO is not without consequences. If the camera's exposure meter takes the ISO value too high because of a fixed aperture and shutter speed, the result is excessive noise. Digital image noise looks like yesteryear's film grain. Analogous to static when turning the hi-fi audio to the maximum level.

Digital noise can be 'treated' in post processing but there are limitations. Even with the best program algorithm, sharpness is sacrificed when aggressively attempting to reduce visible noise. When shooting in low light, I float the ISO so much my digital world is full of noise requiring post processing compromises. The ISO of the wave splashing, previous photo of the week, was extremely high. See any noise in the image? Mission accomplished!

Setting aperture and shutter speed in manual mode not always best. Circumstances often dictate a better method. Flexibility rules. Many times semi-manual is best. If depth-of-field is more important, I'll set the aperture at f/11 (Av mode) and float shutter speed. If it's more important to have rock-solid photos I'll increase the shutter speed and float aperture. For event shooting, I usually float ISO when I fix both shutter speed and aperture. Got it Doug? Don't forget the helium.

The photo of the week is a rare (for me) image of a deer & fox in the same composition. I was previously shooting landscapes with my Canon EF-S 15-85mm lens telephoto lens. Driving, I saw the fox cross the road ahead. Braked at the crossing. Quietly exited the truck camera in hand. No time to change the lens because wildlife waits for no photographer. As I raised the camera and quickly focused on the fox, a deer bolted from out of the woods. Surprise! As the fox crossed in front of the deer 30 yards away, I had only one fleeting chance to capture the photo. In a blink the fox was out of sight & the deer retreated to the woods. I cherish such serendipity.

Happy photoing!

Send comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that a jury convicted Jesus Lopez (DOB 1/9/97), of Moorpark, on February 5, 2018, of one count of engaging in prostitution. The trial judge sentenced Lopez to one day in jail and 36 months of unsupervised probation.

On July 21, 2017, Lopez met a woman online and agreed to pay for sexual intercourse. The woman responded, then fled the residence after a disagreement. Lopez chased the woman, demanding a refund. He then called 911 to report that the woman would not refund his money. This case was investigated by the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.

The District Attorney's Office has a designated prosecutor who handles cases against sex purchasers as part of a coordinated effort to combat human trafficking by prosecuting those who contribute to the demand for prostitution and sexual exploitation.

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.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office has released an amended version of its original press release regarding Anna Maria Ruiz. Here is the link to the Ventura County Star’s Website with the Amended Version: http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/ojai/2018/02/01/ojai-...

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Anna Maria Ruiz (DOB 10/20/1981), of Ojai, pled guilty to 11 counts of Penal Code section 550(a)(1), felony insurance fraud. In addition, she admitted an excessive taking allegation for stealing over $65,000 and an aggravated white-collar crime special allegation for taking over $100,000. This case was the result of an investigation by the Valencia office of the California Department of Insurance.

Ruiz was employed at Identity Management Services Organization in Ventura. From January 2011 to September 2013, she used her knowledge of medical billing to submit 30 fraudulent insurance claims to victim American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. She received payments of $127,710 for these completely fabricated insurance claims.

Ruiz is scheduled to be sentenced on March 21, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 12 of the Ventura County Superior Court.

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.

Shortly after 4:30 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) Ventura Communication Center (VCC) began receiving 9-1-1 calls reporting an injury traffic collision on State Route (SR)126 (East Telegraph Road), at Camulos Ranch, east of Center Street. Personnel from the CHP's Moorpark Area office, Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD) and American Medical Response (AMR) were dispatched.

Kenneth Lee Coombes, 29 years old, of Castaic, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado eastbound within the #1 lane of SR 126. Louis Lee, 45 years old, of Lancaster, was driving a Chevrolet 2500 series truck also eastbound on SR 126 ahead of the Silverado within the #1 lane. Anthony Romasanta was driving a Toyota Camry within the #1 lane of westbound SR 126 with one occupant in the right front seat. For reasons still under investigation, the front of the Silverado driven by Mr. Coombes collided with the rear of the 2500 series truck traveling ahead of him. After the initial impact, the Silverado crossed the center divider of SR 126 and collided "head-on" with the Camry traveling westbound. As a result of the collision, Mr. Coombes received major injuries to his lower extremities and was transported by AMR to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital for treatment. Mr. Lee had complaint of pain and was treated by VCFD personnel on scene. Mr. Lee related he would seek his own medical aid. Mr. Romasanta was flown by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Air Squad 6 to Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center for treatment. Mr. Romasanta had major injuries to his upper and lower extremities. The 57 year old female passenger traveling with Mr. Romasanta received fatal injuries as a result of the collision. The identity of the deceased will be released when appropriate by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Caltrans and Ventura County Sheriff’s Department deputies responded to the scene to assist with traffic control and partial closure of SR 126. SR 126 was partially closed for approximately three hours and was restricted to one eastbound and one westbound lane until approximately 8:10 PM.

There is no indication at this time that alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in this collision. This collision remains under investigation by the California Highway Patrol's Moorpark Area office. Any witnesses are encouraged to contact the CHP's Moorpark Area office at (805) 553-0800.