Cal Fire

In the past week, over 245,000 acres have burned across California. More than 11,000 firefighters continue making progress on 12 large wildfires burning in the State. The death toll remains at 41, and more than 5,700 structures destroyed.

As containment figures continue to increase, many of the evacuations across the fires in Northern California have been lifted. Over 34,000 people remain evacuated, but many of the evacuation orders are being reevaluated. Residents returning home are urged to be cautious as hazardous conditions may remain. Learn more tips on how to return home after a wildfire at www.fire.ca.gov.

The weather today will be warm with low humidity, which will continue to challenge firefighters, but only light winds are forecast. A chance of precipitation is expected to arrive later in the week, bringing relief from the dry conditions.
Fires of Interest:

**CAL FIRE Incidents**

CENTRAL LNU COMPLEX (4 fires)
▪ In unified command with Santa Rosa Fire Department & Sonoma County Sheriff
▪ CAL FIRE Incident Management Team assigned
▪ 22 civilian fatalities & 1 private water tender operator

Tubbs Fire, Sonoma and Napa Counties (more info…)
Between Calistoga and Santa Rosa
▪ 36,432 acres, 82% contained
▪ Significant number of structures destroyed

Pocket Fire, Sonoma County (more info…)
North of Geyserville
▪ 12,430 acres, 58% contained

Nuns Fire, Sonoma County (more info…)
East of Hwy 12 from east Santa Rosa to east of Sonoma
▪ 52,894 acres, 68% contained

Oakmont Fire, Sonoma County
Near Oakmont
▪ 1,029 acres, 27% contained

SOUTHERN LNU COMPLEX (1 fire)
▪ CAL FIRE Incident Management Team assigned

Atlas Fire, Napa & Solano Counties (more info…)
South of Lake Berryessa and northeast of Napa
▪ 51,064 acres, 77% contained
▪ 6 civilian fatalities
▪ Significant structures destroyed

MENDOCINO-LAKE COMPLEX (2 fires)
▪ CAL FIRE Incident Management Team assigned

Redwood Valley, Mendocino County (more info…)
North of Hwy 20 in Potter Valley and Redwood Valley
▪ 35,800 acres, 60% contained
▪ 8 civilian fatalities
▪ Significant structures destroyed

Sulphur Fire, Lake County (more info…)
Clearlake Oaks
▪ 2,207 acres, 92% contained

WIND COMPLEX (3 fires)

Cascade Fire, Yuba County (more info…)
Loma Rica area
▪ 9,989 acres, 98% contained
▪ 4 civilian fatalities
▪ Significant number of structures destroyed

Lobo Fire, Nevada County (more info…)
Rough and Ready area
▪ 821 acres, 97% contained
▪ Multiple structures destroyed

LaPorte Fire, Butte County (more info…)
Bangor area
▪ 6,151 acres, 98% contained

OTHER FIRES

Bear Fire, Santa Cruz County (more info…) **NEW**
Bear Creek Canyon Rd, northeast of Boulder Creek
▪ 125 acres timber and brush, 0% contained

Wilson Fire, San Diego County FINAL
Wilson Road at Rancho Feliz Ranch, Warner Springs
25 acres, 100% contained

**Unified Command Incidents**

Canyon 2 Fire, Orange County (more info…) FINAL
Hwy 91 & Gypsum Canyon Rd, Anaheim City
▪ 9,217 acres, 100% contained

**Local Incidents**

York Fire, Monterey County FINAL
York Road & S Boundary Rd, southwest of Fort Ord
▪ 40 acres grass and brush, 100% contained

**Federal Incidents**

River Fire, Trinity County
Community of Mad River
US Forest Service – Six Rivers National Forest
▪ 148 acres, 85% contained

California Governor Edmund G Brown Jr. today declared a state of emergency to help control the state’s hepatitis A outbreak and increase the supply of adult hepatitis A vaccines to meet current needs.

“Vaccinating people at risk of exposure is the most effective tool we have to prevent the spread of hepatitis A infection during an outbreak,” said California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith.

To help combat the outbreak, CDPH has already distributed nearly 80,000 doses of the vaccine that were obtained through the federal vaccine program, but those supplies must be increased to continue to address the outbreak. Today’s declaration allows CDPH to immediately purchase additional vaccines directly from manufacturers and coordinate distribution to people at greatest risk in affected areas.

The adult hepatitis A vaccine is different than the one given to children, of which there is ample supply.

The risk of hepatitis A infection is associated with poor sanitation and hygiene and is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food and drink or through direct contact with an infectious person. The current outbreak has largely impacted people experiencing homelessness and some illicit drug users. The virus can live for months in a contaminated environment, particularly in the absence of good sanitation.

To control this outbreak and prevent further spread, CDPH recommends the vaccination of people in affected areas who are homeless or using illicit drugs. CDPH also recommends vaccination of people who have frequent, close contact with at-risk populations in affected areas. CDPH is working with impacted counties to monitor the outbreak and implement vaccination efforts and is also providing guidance on improving sanitation, including access to handwashing facilities and toilets, to lessen the spread of the virus.

“Local public health officials are working hard to offer vaccines to people who are at the most at risk of infection, including homeless Californians,” said Dr. Smith. “Today’s order will help ensure communities can continue to deliver the vaccines where they are needed most.”

Hepatitis A infection typically causes fever, a general ill feeling with lack of appetite and nausea, and, later in the course of the infection, yellowness of the skin and eyes. Severe hepatitis A infection is rare but does occur in people with underlying liver disease and can cause the liver to fail, potentially leading to death.

For more information about hepatitis A, review our frequently asked questions and visit CDPH’s website. www.cdph.ca.gov

American Red Cross of Ventura County

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to support cancer patients and others.

Mary Alice Donofrio gave blood for the first time in memory of her mother who received several blood transfusions while being treated for breast cancer. “I had no idea what to expect, but the experience was very easy and quite rewarding. Ever since then, I try and give blood as often as I can, and every time it gives me a good feeling in my heart. It is so nice to know that taking just an hour or so out of my day can help save the lives of others.”

According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1.7 million new cases of cancer are expected in the U.S. this year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with nearly 253,000 women expected to be diagnosed in 2017. Cancer patients may need blood products during chemotherapy, surgery or treatment for complications.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Oct. 16-31
Ventura

Oak Park
10/25/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Oak Park High School, 899 North Kanan Road
10/26/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Oak Hills Elementary, 1010 Kanan Rd

Oxnard
10/24/2017: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave
10/24/2017: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
10/21/2017: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
10/26/2017: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Simi Valley High School, 5400 Cochran Street
10/27/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Simi Valley Rancho Santa Suzanna Community, 5005 E Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
10/18/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/23/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/25/2017: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
10/27/2017: 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thousand Oaks High School, 2323 N Moorpark Rd

Ventura
10/17/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.
10/31/2017: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

City of Fillmore

At the council's regular Tuesday meeting, Cliff Knight (State Dept. of Conservation) gave a presentation explaining the extent of present oil extraction (by so-called "fracking") immediately north of Fillmore. The Seneca oil company is seeking an exemption from the 1973 Sespe aquifer protection law. Knight showed numerous projections of oil extraction locations north of the city, areas within one mile of Fillmore's deep aquifer.

No questions would be taken at the meeting. Instead, a meeting in Ventura, October 24, at 5 p.m. was announced. Knight assured the council that all questions would be answered at that time.

The presentation amounted to a complicated series of geological maps and graphic renderings of the zones presently fracking for oil, and the area into which Seneca seeks to extend its operations.

Four residents spoke out against this drilling extention, citing the fact that the entire area is undercut by a an earthquake fault which allegedly threatens the risk of a 7.8 quake. Concerns were raised about the possibility of a catastrophic breach of the Sespe aquifer basin which could destroy Fillmore's fresh water supply. The proposal was said to meet state and federal guidelines.

One concerned resident who spoke against the proposed Seneca fracking extention, referenced a video on the subject of fracking entitled "Blue Gold". Concerned residents are encouraged to attend the meeting in Ventura on October 24.

****

The adoption of Ordinance 877 permitting a zoning change to permit structures to be 40 feet in height, or 3 stories, in the residential high density zone was approved unanimously.

****

Following discussion, the council also unanimously agreed to take steps to remove the one-third retail requirement in the Central Avenue business district, to improve tourist traffic on that main commercial area.

****

It was unanimously agreed that Rotorcraft, a new business to Fillmore, could purchase recycled water from the city at a reduced rate of $2.93 per unit (approximately 700 gals.) for a period of two years. Rotorcraft will begin construction of its plant in the Business Park this month. Considerable weight was given to the fact that this new business will also bring 85 new jobs to the city. Encouraging new companies in the Business Park was noted as the number one goal for the city.

Submitted by Brian Wilson.

The Fillmore Lions Club, chartered on August 15, 1927, recently celebrated their 90th anniversary.

Members of the Fillmore Lions Club are very visible in the community. Some of the most visible events include the Highway 126 Cleanup, Annual November Enchilada Dinner, Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Fireworks Booth and the May Festival Bingo Booth.

Lions is an International organization of about 1.35 million men and women in 207 countries. In 1925 Helen Keller challenged Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness," the Lions accepted. Today, sight programs remain one of Lions defining causes. For nearly 100 years, Lions Club members Internationally have worked on projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve eye health and eye care for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

The Fillmore Lions Club is involved in many international and local community service projects. They include; Scholarships for local Fillmore High School Seniors, the Scout Foundation to help maintain the Fillmore Scout House, where the Fillmore Lions also meet on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 PM, financial assistance to local Fillmore residents and students in need of examinations and if needed eye glasses, Peace Poster Contest for Middle School, students to enter a poster in the District 4-A3 Lions Annual Peace Poster Contest, and the Lions Student Speaker Contest, sponsoring a local Fillmore High School student to enter the District 4-A3.

Monies raised by the Fillmore Lions Club through projects such as their Fourth of July Fireworks sales are designated annually to many other organizations within Fillmore: The Fillmore Art Show, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scout House Foundation, Grad Nite Live, Fillmore Pageant, Friends of the Library, Santa Clara Valley Hospice, Fillmore Little League, AYSO, Relay for Life, Fillmore High School athletics, Fillmore Historical Society, and Koats for Kids.

Bob Crum

Last week I asked y'all about your preferences, desires and expectations. Get more technical or stay the course i.e. relate photography experiences while imparting tech details.

Hundreds responded. Awesome! Thanks!

Only a few stated they prefer more technical info. Focus stacking... HDR... timelapse etc. However, presenting tech info without illustrations is challenging in a column. But I'll try when logically feasible.

Some unmentionables boldly requested that I reveal my mermaid boudoir photography secrets. If you're one of them, best that you don't hold your breath.

The majority voted for more of the same. I can do that!

Recall last week. I discussed techniques for photographing vibrant fall foliage. To refresh, a polarizing filter reduces – if not eliminates - glare. It also helps to capture the richness of the colors.

Time of day to shoot is important. Richly colored leaves are photographed at their best at dawn. Awakening before the rooster crows is often necessary in order to get to a predetermined location at sunrise for that oh-so rewarding photo. Golden hour at sundown also a great time.

Location is also important. But how does one determine the best location in relation to the sunrise and at the prime time? Hark! I have the answer: The Photographer's Ephemeris.

The Photographer's Ephemeris (TPE) helps plan outdoor photography shoots in natural light. It’s a map-centric sun and moon calculator: see how the light will fall on the land, day or night, for any location on earth.

Created for photographers by a photographer in 2009, TPE is a software tool available for desktop and mobile devices to help you plan outdoor photography shoots to ensure the best possible natural light. You'll find it here: http://photoephemeris.com/.

The Ephemeris is not without a little learning curve but easily learned with a modicum of determination... i.e... you can do it.

I have used the Ephemeris often. For example, to photograph a Brush Creek waterfall north of Kernville. (See photo of the Week) Early morning puts the waterfall in shadow because the sun rises behind it. High noon not the best time. So what is? I can enter the GPS location of the falls into the Ephermeris – or locate it on the Ephermeris map – and follow the arc of the sun throughout the day. Alas, I will discover that I have a 45 minute window as the sun sets in the west but before it dips below the mountains. You see, now I know just how much time I have for a lunch break and a nap and be on scene at exactly the best time. Love it!

The TPE can be used for any scene at any GPS location. Most times I do pre-planning at home with Google Earth and TPE. But I also have TPE on my LG V3 cellphone just in case I discover a great new location along the way. Download TPE and learn it. It's very useful.

When you head for the hills, expect to move around. A compelling image consists of great composition. Don't just take a snapshot (gasp!) and leave. Move around with a creative eye looking for a different perspective. Sometimes moving only a few feet nails a better composition. When I arrive upon a scene, I'll take a moment to scan it and soak it all in before lifting the camera. This provides an opportunity to determine how to best capture the rapture. I'll take several photos from various spots... at least as many as the terrain permits without falling off a cliff... striving to capture the most compelling photograph. Accept the challenge. Go! Enjoy!

Happy photoing!

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

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 09/22/17, a residence on the 700 block of Third Street was burglarized and the victim’s vehicle was stolen. On 09/30/17, a concerned citizen contacted the Fillmore Police Department, reporting a suspicious subject was possibly in the residence. Upon deputies arrival at the residence, the victim’s stolen vehicle was in the driveway and deputies contacted (S) James Mabb inside the residence.

During the investigation, Mabb was found to have two felony warrants out of Los Angeles County. When searched, Mabb was in possession of property belonging to the victim, along with a small amount of suspected methamphetamine. Mabb was also suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

Based on witness statements, it was determined Mabb was the sole driver of the stolen vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and property belonging to the burglary victim, including a loaded handgun, ammunition, and personal information of the victim’s used for identity theft, was found inside the vehicle. Mabb is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing any firearms and ammunition.

Mabb was arrested for multiple felony charges including being in possession of a firearm while under the influence, residential burglary, auto theft and identity theft. Mabb was booked at the Main Jail in Ventura, Ca.

Prepared by: Deputy Tumbleson 4673
Approved by: Captain Fryhoff

Enlarge Photo

“Today 9/30/17 at 11:15am when driving north on Old Telegraph just past B street I saw a Crow fall out of the sky into the middle of the road. I stopped the car and the Crow was still alive. I didn’t know what happened but picked up the bird and moved it out of the street. I also noticed another Crow injured on the ground on the sidewalk. I then heard what sounded like a pellet gun being shot. This shot sounded like it came from one of the 3 houses on Meadowlark that are closest to B street. I drove to the County Fire Department and reported it and also reported it to the Sheriff and Animal Control. I went back to check on the birds and the one I moved out of the street had died and the other wouldn’t let me catch him and hopped off into the bushes. It looks like it has a broken wing and I’m sure it won’t survive. Please keep your eyes and ears open for dead birds in this area and if you observe anything please report it. Whoever is doing this is just shooting birds out of the sky for no reason and next they may decided that family pets are also fun to shoot for no reason.” Courtesy 2RiversParkBlog

Child Nutrition Services Announcement
The Fillmore Unified School District is providing Community Feeding this October during the Fall Break. Through the week of October 16th—20th, 2017 the Fillmore Unified School District along with the United States Department of Agriculture will offer meals to school age children ages 18 years old or younger at no cost.

The community feeding program will be available at:
Mountain Vista Elementary School from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

There are no application forms for parents or guardians to fill out. All meals are served in a group setting, at no cost to the child. The menu will be available on the Fillmore Unified School District Website under Child Nutrition Supper Menu. Please feel free to contact the Child Nutrition Department with any questions about this program.

Staff Recommendation to Accept the Initial Proposal from the Fillmore Unified School District to the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association
The Board accepted the initial proposal from Fillmore Unified School District to the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association.

Staff Recommendation to Accept the Initial Proposal from the Fillmore Unified School District to the California School Employees Association Chapter #421
The Board accepted the initial proposal from Fillmore Unified School District to California School Employees Association.

Staff Recommendation to Accept the Initial Proposal from the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association
The Board accepted the initial proposal from the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association.

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

Kathy Meza of Fillmore.

Her full name is Mary Katherine Meza but everyone knows her as Kathy.

She has been a most dedicated member of the Safeway/Vons Fillmore market since 1980. I speak from experience when I say she is the hardest working, most conscientious member of the store. Kathy has worked in many capacities and is in her 38th year with Safeway/Vons.

Above and beyond her normal duties, She has developed a 15-minute presentation that she takes to preschools, kindergartens and first grade students in Fillmore. "I talk to them about the supermarket (dressed in my uniform), I read them funny books about the supermarket and take my play shopping cart with fruits and vegetables and discuss these, and always give out cookies at the end."

Kathy enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and traveling.

Grandparents Cayetano and Natalia Munoz moved to Fillmore in 1907. "My father John was youngest of 10 children. I graduated from Fillmore High School in June of 1970, and married Ramon Meza two months later. We welcomed our son Ray in 1971 and our daughter Lydia in 1975. Ramon passed away in 2016. Both children are now married; I have 4 grandchildren."

Kathy began working at Safeway in 1980; it was bought out by Vons in 1988. Her position as Supervisor from 2008 to the present involves many tasks, from resolving customer service challenges, servicing money orders, money distribution, supervising breaks and lunches, and much more. Being bi-lingual quickly proved its value when Kathy's first 5 customers were Spanish-speaking only.

Kathy never seems to slow down and always has a cheerful greeting for the many customers who have known her, sometimes, for decades. She is the kind of person all companies seek to hire.

As Direct Pricing Auditor from 2005 to 2007 she oversaw 19 stores in her district, trained new Scan Coordinators and back-up scans, and audited each store at least once a month to prepare for regular corporate audit.

Kathy has also prepared all tags for the reset crew for every store remodeling, as well as coordinated all pricing matters (tags, signs, corrections) when a new store had a Grand Opening.

She also wrote and taught the Advanced Application Manual for file maintenance.

Kathy's duties and corporate accomplishments are too many to recount here, so I will have to summarize.

She was Back-Up Scan Coordinator, Fillmore, 1993-2005, managing a price change crew of seven, and passed corporate pricing audits consistently.

Kathy's extraordinary work history at Vons would seem to merit corporate and managerial appreciation.

This tribute to Kathy Meza is meant to acknowledge her personal efforts in managing the market's affairs and to express the appreciation of the thousands of customers who meet her every week.

Thank you Kathy, and we really do appreciate your cheerful, personal assistance.
Martin Farrell
Publisher
The Fillmore Gazette

Bob Crum

Pick any number between 1 and 20 including 1 and 20. Got it? Hold the number in mind. You picked 12! No? Hmmm. OK, has to be ‘9’. No? Obviously I lack mental telepathy powers... unless by accident I guessed right.

The number game was to demonstrate that I'm not a mind reader. I can't know what you expect or want from this column. Rather than continue guessing I need everyone - you too - to express your wishes and desires. Or complaints!
As Yogi said, when you come to a fork in the road... take it. If only it were that simple. I could easily take this photography column in many different ways. Get more technical or continue keeping it light but still impart technical notes here and there.

I need to know your thoughts and preferences. Your input will be a great help and greatly appreciated. The email address is below. Don't forget!

Onward. Aspens from June Lake up to Lee Vining are turning colors now. It's gorgeous up that way if only it weren't so distant. Five hour drive. Ugh!

Must find a grove of deciduous trees closer to home. Two hour drive is OK. Any suggestions? How about the Kernville area? Or the hills north of Castaic? Time to plan a couple of day trips and go exploring.

Are you also a leaf peeper? Think dramatic colors. Yellow, orange or blaze red! Beware a problem. Digital cameras often struggle capturing leaf colors accurately. One issue in particular is the digital camera's white balance (WB) setting. A wrong WB setting results in yellow leaves looking pink with magenta polka dots. I exaggerate but you get the idea.

Appropriate exposure is also paramount. While I normally shoot exposing on the high side, it's a lousy idea for fall foliage. Brightness reduces fabulous colors to pastels. Pastel pink Maple leaves are awful. Tip: Some situations dictate that I adjust exposure compensation-reducing it approximately one stop-in order to preserve color saturation.

Hot tip: Use a polarizing filter. Fall foliage is highly reflective. Worse when wet. Glare is a serious detriment to quality fall foliage photos. A circular polarizing filter greatly helps eliminate or at least reduce glare and give colors oomph. Caveat: Remember that a polarizing filter effects are strongest at 90° from the sunlight. No effect at 0° and 180°. Now you know why when I'm photographing wet mermaids I want the sun on my right or left. Nothing worse than glare on a mermaid's bottom.

Glare is a constant issue so time of day and location can be a factor for maximum polarizing effect. This entails planning. Being at the right place at the right time will reap big rewards. Sometimes this means going back at the optimum time after a scouting mission. Even so, wish for good light or chalk up the trip to a nice Sunday drive.

Remember that this is about photography... not phonetography. As a photographer you no longer take snapshots. Going forward, you are creating magnificent photos. Got it?

You know that I will never pass up an opportunity for a sunstar. This week’s Photo of the Week is off Perfurmo Road up by SLO. I think the trees are live canyon Oaks. Arborists? The bark structure with lichen captured my attention. Spanish moss adds mystique. BTW, Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is not a moss at all. It is a bromeliad and not parasitic. The sunstar is my “planned” bonus! BAM!

Happy photoing.

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