Fillmore Unified School Board Meeting Highlights:

WELCOME! Micheline G. Miglis, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services
The Board approved Micheline G. Miglis as the new Assistant Superintendent of Education Services.

Dashboard Local Indicators
The Board received a report regarding the Dashboard Local Indicators. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez.

Approve Management/Confidential/Supervisory Off-Schedule One Time Payment
The Board approved the staff recommendation for Management/Confidential/Supervisory employees to receive a 2% off schedule payment based on 2016-2017 earnings.

Approved Tentative Agreement Between California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter #421 and Fillmore Unified School District
The Board approved the Tentative Agreement between CSEA and FUSD.

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

Ten-year-old Presley McLain was selected from nominations all over the state as the 2016 California Division Statewide Recognizing Excellence Special Recognition Youth Engagement Recipient. “The mission of the American Cancer Society is fueled by its volunteer efforts. Your commitment and dedication have played a very important part in making a difference in ending the pain and suffering caused by this disease. Thank you.” stated Cynthia LeBlanc Dir. CA Division Awards Team in a letter sent to Miss McLain in May 2017. This year Presley has raised $7633.00. for Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru by asking family and friends to donate to RFL in lieu of birthday gifts. Presley invites the public to attend the RFL this year scheduled for Sept. 23-24, 2017 at Shiells Park in Fillmore. The daughter of Lori and Bobby McLain, Presley aspires to continue raising money for a cure for cancer and someday would like to be the Events Chair for Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru like her mother Lori. This year Presley is on the Luminaria committee. If you are interested in making a donation, forming a team or have any questions please contact Caitlin Barringer 800.227.2345 or Caitlin.Barringer@cancer.org

Bob Crum

She really said that about my photo of the week.

It's OK. Actually, it's a gift of sorts. It provides a grand opportunity to discuss the “subjective” nature of photography. The freedictionary.com defines “subjective” as: “belonging to, proceeding from, or relating to the mind of the thinking subject and not the nature of the object being considered.”

The subject of the subjectivity is my Photo of the Week last week. A photographer friend said: “No offense but that picture is hideous. (gasp!) There's way too much stuff going on that picture and you lose the drama of what you were trying to say. You've lost the plan light and you had so many colors I don't know where to put my eyes in the sky oh it's terrible.”

Last week's Gazette provided a great example of the subjective nature of photography. On the front page was the staff photo of the U.S. Flag flying from the Fillmore Fire Department ladder truck. I too shot a similar photo about 1 p.m.. Not satisfied, the rogue in me opted for a something different. Try to tell a story, not just shoot a photo.

My friend claimed too much stuff going on. My plan involved vehicles traveling underneath the flag to provide a perspective of the flag size relative to the vehicles. Obviously she didn't get my intent. What about you?

She also said that “you've lost the plain light and you had so many colors I don't know where to put my eyes in the sky oh it's terrible.”

All afternoon I hoped for sunset colors in the clouds. I preferred a 9/11 sundown. Near sundown, I took position and waited 30 minutes. As hoped the clouds lit up. Shoot. Not yet. I had to wait for some traffic. Finally, three vehicles came into view. Shoot! Mission accomplished.

Or was it. Did my story get lost in all the hubbub? Is simple better... just a static flag photo? What do you think? I can handle it! Remember, hideous has already been used. Her ghastly comment about my photo is simply her subjective opinion. Realizing this, I didn't take offense. But now neither will she get a gift this Christmas!

Technical issues involved maintaining proper exposure on the beautifully back-lit flag while maintaining the cloud colors. I only got one shot. No time for exposure adjustments or retakes. If I didn't properly program the camera... the plan would fail.

Art in any form is totally subjective. As people look at art–a painting or sculpture or a photo–it's natural to critique. As do I. More about this in a future column.

The Photo of the Week is Mr. Fishbreath of San Luis Bay at Avila Beach. I made my annual journey to Gopher Glen Apple Farm last Sunday. Think heritage apples! Anyway, I also always visit the nearby Harford Pier. Think nature photography. Other than a few seagulls landing nearby and a lone pelican flying around not much was happening and it was getting late. About to leave I noticed a large dark object twenty-five feet below swimming towards me. A mermaid??? Just as I pointed my camera in the general direction, a large sea lion surfaced for a brief moment, smiled and quickly disappeared under the pier. It all happened in a blink! Thank you Mr. Fishbreath!

Shooting at water is challenging. I had the camera in manual mode and ISO on 'auto'. For exposure's sake, I almost always let ISO float on auto for waterscapes because reflections change and the light changes with every camera position relative to the sunlight.

This was the first time a sea lion suddenly appeared from the depths and smiled! Made my day!!! I giggled all the way home!!!

Happy photoing.

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

VENTURA, CA – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Percy Stanley (DOB 07/24/1989), of San Bernardino, pled guilty to pimping a minor. Sentencing is set for October 17, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., in the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura, courtroom 12. He is expected to receive a three-year prison sentence.

Co-defendant, Asia Jones (DOB 10/31/1998), of Moreno Valley, pled guilty in March to causing a minor to engage in commercial sex acts. In April 2017, Jones was sentenced to local jail and placed on three years of formal probation. Jones now must register as a sex offender.

On January 11, 2017, police received a call from a resident reporting a possible act of prostitution. The caller reported that a silver Mercedes-Benz had dropped off a woman in the area, and moments later a male met up with the young woman. The two walked into a neighbor’s side yard, dropped their pants, and began having sex in plain view.

Members from the Ventura Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit, Patrol Task Force, and Ventura County Human Trafficking Enforcement Team responded to assist in the investigation.

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.
Follow the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) lifted health advisories today related to certain sport-harvested bivalve shellfish in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. For these counties, the advisories are being lifted for whole scallops and all clams. The advisories were issued due to dangerous levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause illness or death. Recent testing shows concentrations of domoic acid have declined to safe or undetectable levels. There have been no reported illnesses associated with this event.

The CDPH warnings against eating sport-harvested razor clams from Del Norte and Humboldt counties and clams and whole scallops from Los Angeles County due to dangerous levels of domoic acid, remain in effect, as well as the statewide annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels. The annual quarantine applies to all species of mussels harvested along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31.

Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short term memory, coma or death. No cases of human poisoning from domoic acid are known to have occurred in California.

You can get the most current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Web page or the CDPH Annual Mussel Quarantine - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Web page.

CDPH Senior Environmental Scientist Vanessa Zubkousky-White discusses the lifting of these warnings.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Ari Larson

The Santa Clara Valley Hospice is pleased to announce their new board director Ari Larson. One of Ari's goals, as a Fillmore resident is to better promote the resources available to the Fillmore and Piru community. In addition to Fillmore and Piru the Santa Clara Valley Hospice serves, Santa Paula, Somis and Saugus. "I look forward
to working with the dedicated board directors and Martha Navarette the Director of the SCV Hospice," said Ari Larson.

"For example, some of the lesser known resources available at SCV Hospice include medical equipment and supplies, available for loan and medical transport to doctor visits and medical therapists," said Ari. To find out more and to tour their facility, the public is invited to the Grand Re-Opening of their new location on Friday, Sept. 15th at 5pm at 217 N. 10th St. Santa Paula, CA 93060. If you have any questions please call their office 805.525.1333 or scvhospicehs@yahoo.com

At Tuesday's regular City Council meeting, City Engineer Roxanne Hughes, presented a City Pavement Report to the Council, and Approval of Project List for RMRA Fund Eligibility. The City Council also approved a recommended project list and associated budget amendments to meet the funding eligibility guidelines for receipt of Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA). Council approved unanimously.

For complete details please refer to Council Agenda for 9-13, 2017.

The Council appointed Council members Diane McCall and Mark Austin to the Fillmore Development Council (FDC) Ad Hoc Committee.

During Public Comment, resident Bill Faith asked the Council to seek some solution to the problem of long-bed pickup trucks parking on Central Avenue. Trucks that extend beyond the designated parking length of spaces, and extend several feet into the traffic lanes pose a safety problem as well as a nuisance. The Council will look into the problem.

A second reading of an ordinance prohibiting trucks on River Street between "A" Street and Central Avenue to limit truck traffic and request to post traffic signs noting this prohibition was observed.

A discussion of Draft August 2017 Valley Express Fare Increases was made. Martin Erickson of VCTC gave a presentation on the new rate proposals.

A history of Valley Express, launched March 2, 2015 was noted, as was a new local fixed route service, and a new fleet of 15 busses. During the past year Valley Express held public meetings approving the expansion of general public Dial-A-Ride to the entire Heritage Valley area. Also discussed was potential fare increases. The Committees approved expanding the General Public Dial-A-Ride to be available to all riders in the Heritage Valley service area, not just to seniors or just those with disabilities. All riders in the Valley Express service area are now able to request door-to-door bus service. The price is $2.00 per trip.

For complete information on Valley Express schedules and prices please consult www.valleyexpressbus.org.

City Manager David Rowlands reported that a resolution of the contractual problems between the FCTC and Fillmore & Western Railroad has been reached. The Railroad will continue to operate as usual under the new settlement.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that many county residents have likely been affected by the Equifax data breach and advises that they consider appropriate steps to protect their personal data. Equifax is one of three major credit reporting agencies. According to Equifax, from mid-May through July 2017, they suffered a data breach that affected the personal identifying information of 143 million Americans and 15 million Californians. Be aware that Equifax representatives will not call residents unless the residents first call Equifax. Unsolicited calls could be a scam.

Consumers may contact Equifax to learn whether their data was potentially exposed. Contact may be made in one of two ways:
- Visit the Equifax website at www.eguifaxsecurity2017.com. Be sure to use a secure computer and, if using wi-fi, be sure that it is a secure network, or,
- Call (866) 447-7559.

According to the Equifax website, even if one’s data was not exposed, Equifax will enroll consumers in the TrustedID Premier service if requested by November 21, 2017. This provides, free of charge:
- A copy of the consumer’s Equifax credit report.
- Credit file monitoring for all three credit monitoring companies; Equifax, Experian, and
Transunion.

- Social security number monitoring. Equifax will search for suspicious websites for the consumer’s social security number.

- Identity theft insurance of up to $1,000,000.

- Equifax Credit Report lock. This prevents access to the consumer’s Equifax credit report by third parties, with certain exceptions. This acts as a “red flag” to credit issuers and is designed to lead to the consumer being notified before the lock is lifted. However, this only applies to Equifax reports. Consumers are encouraged to contact the other two major credit reporting agencies to place a red flag (free) or a lock (up to $35). The contact information is:

- TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 / www.transunion.com/fraud
- Experian 1-888-397-3742 / www.experian.com/fraud/centerhtml

All consumers that sign up for TrustedID Premier will be asked for the last six numbers of their social security number and will be issued a randomly generated PIN number. They will not be asked to provide credit card information nor will they be charged after the year of Trusted ID Premier has expired. Equifax has also changed its policy and those that take advantage of Equifax’s offer will not waive any rights to take legal action against Equifax.

For more information on the Equifax breach go to:
- www.eguifaxsecurity2017.com

To check your credit reports for free visit:
- www.annualcreditreport.gov. Accounts you do not recognize may indicate identity theft.

For more information on what to do as a result of a breach and to avoid identity theft go to:
- www.identitflheft.gov
- www.oag.ca.gov/idtheft
The Ventura County District Attomey’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. Follow the Ventura County District Attomey’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice.

Bob Crum

I'm overwhelmed with so many readers' questions that I'm contemplating taking a three month vacation in Hawaii. Between Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Moloka'i and The Big Island there are at least 23 mermaids at last count. Paradise! But I digress.

Again, the most asked question lately is about photo editing, aka post processing. Though challenging, it's an important question because as I'm want to say: No photo straight out of the camera is as good as it can be.

Relax. Photo editing might seem daunting because it's not quite zippity-doo-dah easy. But I'm not going to get technically wonky. If you can drive a car... you can learn how to create awesome photos with some editing knowledge and the appropriate computer programs.

Ever since I (reluctantly) went digital , I capture images in the RAW format. RAW is a file format that includes all the image data from the camera sensor unprocessed by the camera. While RAW provides for greater editing flexibility in a non-destructive way, I have to start with RAW photos because the majority of my clients require high resolution photos. My Canon 7D MKII produces 300ppi (pixels per inch) RAW images. After editing, I adjust the resolution to meet client's requirements.

Jpegs are processed and compressed by the camera's computer. In the compression process, the camera throws away a big chunk of the photo pixels. Ouch! Camera companies claim that their camera is optimized to produce lovely looking jpeg images. Really? Try this: A skunk (a camera) is a beautiful black and white animal whose byproduct (jpegs) is odorous... and not in a good way.

I dramatize! Don't misunderstand me. While jpegs are compromised images, I don't mean to imply that all jpegs stink. They don't! A fairly good camera can produce very good jpeg images. My 7DMark II produces very nice jpegs. Some cameras only produce jpegs... RAW not an option.

There are some advantages to shooting jpegs. Jpegs are less stressful. For snapshots of Johnny's BD party, or Dirk and Susie's anniversary, or snapshots of a turtle race, jpegs are the cat's meow. No editing... shoot and immediately share on social media. For the creative urge in you, many cameras provide jpeg “picture style” options. Oh joy! Learn them and apply when appropriate. BTW, the images I submit for publication were RAW converted to jpegs, albeit high resolution jpegs. There you go!

However what if you crave something a little better (you know you do)? Hello photo editing. Of course the granddaddy is Photoshop. It's powerful. So powerful it scares me. I seldom use Photoshop because I seldom need it. Photoshop Elements, a baby Photoshop, is a great editing program. It's what I mostly use.

For the frugal among you, there are free photo editing programs. Gimp is the most popular. Many say that Gimp is an exceptional photo editor, rivaling premium software. Never used it so can't vouch for the hype. Other free programs include Paint.net, Photo Pos Pro and Photoscape among others. Google them for details.

Which one to choose? Depends on your requirements. Different tasks require different tools. Check the websites, reviews, and decide. Check youtube for tutorials on the various programs.

Photoshop Elements is good but better with NIK plugins (secret sauce) installed. They're free from Google. I use Color Efex Pro 4 and Viveza 2. Caution: Google quit supporting NIK plugins. Ugh! Thus, not guaranteed to work in an Elements version higher than 12. I am still using Elements 11 on Windows 7 Pro because it works! Version 11 is cheap on eBay! Once you learn and use NIK you'll be a photo editing genius.

Photo editing is not without a learning curve but well worth the time and effort if you have any interest in producing the best photos possible. Just sayin'.

Happy photoing.

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

Who puts tables and chairs on Central Avenue and asks the community of Fillmore to come out and break bread with their Neighbors? The FHS Alumni Association does, that's who. On Thursday evening September 21st from 5-9pm, the FHS Alumni Association will close down Central Avenue between Sespe Avenue and Main Street to celebrate Homecoming 2017. We ask all Alumni and the community to come out early and eat downtown. There will be plenty of tables and chairs and different food vendors to choose from. There will be a DJ (Danny Ibarra 'FHS '85) playing in front of Central Station, and a live Band (Richard Carrillo, Class of '75) will have his "Country Roads" band near Main Street playing all your favorites, old and new for everyone to enjoy. Once you get your meal and a place to sit, sit back, relax, and watch Fillmore High's Homecoming Parade 2017. The parade starts promptly at 6:30pm from the corner of 2nd and Central. The parade will continue down Central Avenue and end at Main Street. Right after the parade, the high school will crown the Homecoming King and Queen on a stage under the Town Theater marquee. So much fun in Fillmore next Thursday evening. Calling all Alumni from around the county and the community of Fillmore to come out for Food, Family, and Fun in Beautiful Downtown Fillmore. Go Flashes!!

Jose “Froggy” Estrada is back and ready for the Combate Americas “El Grito en la Jaula” (Translation: Americas Battle Cry of the Cage). On Friday September 15th in Redlands California he will take on Izic Fernandez who has a 2–3 record. Froggy looks to advance his record to 4-1, as he makes his debuted in the Featherweight class (145lbs) with this fight. The fight will be at Splash Kingdom Amphitheater in Redlands California. Doors open at 5pm. You can tune in on Azteca TV, ESPN Deportes or ESPN. Tickets can be purchased at www.tickton.com

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE ON SEPTEMBER 21: Soroptimists will once again host the celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 21 at 6:00p.m. at the Peace Pole in City Park. The event will celebrate peace makers in our community and a special dedication to Janine Rees. Come to help us remember that peace starts with each of us! For information, contact Lynn Edmonds 907-6576.

Today, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched a health information and education campaign about what’s legal in California and potential health impacts of cannabis use. Senate Bill 94 (SB 94) - Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) - makes it legal for adults 21 or older to possess, consume and cultivate cannabis in California. Sale of cannabis from licensed retail outlets will become legal January 1, 2018.

CDPH received funding to develop a campaign, as detailed in SB 94, describing:
• The scientific basis for restricting access of cannabis and cannabis products for persons under the age of 21 years;
• The penalties for providing access to cannabis and cannabis products to persons under the age of 21 years;
• The potential harms of using cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding; and
• The potential harms of overusing cannabis or cannabis products.

“CDPH engaged in extensive conversations with stakeholders in California and partners in other states with legalized cannabis to target the most vulnerable populations and apply their lessons learned,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “We are committed to providing Californians with science-based information to ensure safe and informed choices.” CDPH has and will continue to incorporate the latest data available into public messages to increase awareness about how cannabis affects bodies, minds and health.

On CDPH’s website, individuals can find information about legal, safe and responsible use, and health information for youth, pregnant and breastfeeding women, parents and mentors, and health care providers. CDPH produced fact sheets with safe storage tips and the important things Californians need to know about purchasing and possessing cannabis for personal use. An educational digital toolkit for local governments and community organizations will be available in the future.

For additional information, visit the Let’s Talk Cannabis web page at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/DO/letstalkcannabis/Pages/LetsTalkCanna...

www.cdph.ca.gov