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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
 Fillmore’s new Ventura County Fire Station on the corner of River and C Streets, which began this past summer, is still a work in progress. Crews are seen daily working hard outside and inside the building. Every week there seems to be more progress being made. Enlarge Photo |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
In 1978, the first test tube baby was born, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted, and Fillmore High produced a great group of seniors as they began their journey in life marching through the Shasta Daisy arches at graduation. It's been 40 years since that day, and they are ready to celebrate their 40 year class reunion at the 2018 FHS Alumni Dinner on June 9th. The Alumni Association will have a special area just for their class to have their reunion at the Dinner. By having their reunion at the dinner, they will not only be able to see each other, but they will also be able to reunite with friends from other classes. We hope many alumni make it to this year’s 105th Annual Alumni Dinner & Dance. Last year’s dinner was sold out, so get your reservations in early! It's the event of the year in Fillmore and the great class of 1978 will not be left behind. Calling all FHS Alumni to the 105th Alumni Dinner. Reservations are available online now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events/2018/1/15/105th-annual-fillmore-high-a... |
 Photo of the week "Tall Ship Hawaiian Chieftain firing canon donut at the Lady Washington" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Manual mode, ISO 500, Tamron 16-300mm lens @16mm with circular polarizer, f/22, shutter speed 1/250 second. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, February 21st, 2018
Tall ships a tall order
 Bob Crum In years past, I intended to sail on a tall ship. Didn't happen for various reasons. Upon hearing the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington were in port, again the sea beckoned. I answered with a boarding pass to make intention become reality. Rrrrrr mate! Greeted at the dock by none other than the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. Capt. Jack was accompanied by several pirate fiends...er…friends. One might have thought it was a Key West Mallory Square party with mateys singing the Disney song A Pirate's Life for Me - Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirates life for me. At 2PM on weekends, the two ships set sail and engage each other in a mock cannon battle. My boarding pass was for the Saturday sailing on the Lady Washington. I preferred the Lady Washington because the Hawaiian Chieftain looked the more photogenic of the two ships. Photo ops were replete but proved challenging. Ships are in constant motion... rocking to and fro. I wish I had my camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal. My body could have made good use of a stabilizing gimbal... or a flask of rum. As I write this I'm still rocking to and fro... without rum! It wasn't just the constant motion that proved problematic, every which way I turned to capture a photo, there were ropes... oops... lines. Also had to deal with 42 other passengers. Worse, the center of the ship where the cannons sat was off limits. Crowding passengers to the fore and aft decks limited the already scarce space on the gunwales. But you know I'll find a way... even if it means pulling rank. Out of my WAY mateys... press here! Nah. Instead, I just pushed overboard those that dared to get in the way of my shot! On the way to the battle ground, staff led passengers singing sea shanties. Sea shanties are work songs that were used on sailing ships. Their rhythms coordinated the efforts of many sailors hauling on lines. Laid end to end, Lady Washington’s 156 lines of running rigging would extend three miles. Hoisting the sails is quite a feat. Afterward, no in-boom furling the mainsails or jib on this ship. Up the masts like monkeys go crew members to secure the sheets. Tally-ho mates! Watching the Lady Washington crew pull the lines to raise the sails confirmed my suspicion that I might have made a great pirate... as the ship's captain. Hauling lines is too much work. Photographically speaking, multiple issues. Besides constant motion of the boat affecting my vertical stability, 'twas a bright sunny day. To deal with glare on the water, I installed a circular polarizing filter on the lens. Unfortunately not the total solution. Remember, polarizing filters work most effectively when 45° angle from the sun. The Lady Washington's captain forgot about that as the two ships positioned for battle. C'est la vie. Challenges aside, it was an exciting and fun-filled three hours aboard the Lady Washington as its cannons blasted holes in the Hawaiian Chieftain. Of course Lady Washington took few hits--fortunately all above the water line. Escaping the battle unscathed was a relief. Returning to port, delighted to see Mermaid Lucy basking on the sea buoy! Muah! So many photos to choose from!!! The Photo of the Week is the Hawaiian Chieftain firing a rare canon doughnut at the Lady Washington. Boom!!! The two tall ships are docked at the Ventura Harbor Village through March 5, 2018. Their schedule is here... http://www.historicalseaport.org/public-tours-sails/sailing-schedule/ven... Happy photoing. Send comments, questions or suggestions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on February 7, 2018, investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Contractors State License Board (CLSB), and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (BOI) conducted a joint operation at cleanup and repair sites within the Thomas Fire disaster area to ensure compliance with California law. Investigators contacted 55 business entities operating at 44 fire disaster sites. Most companies contacted were operating properly. However, five companies were ordered to stop working as a result of violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws. Investigations into these violations are ongoing and additional compliance sweeps are anticipated. “We are pleased that most of our businesses are operating responsibly in helping residents to recover from the Thomas Fire. For those few who are not, we will take appropriate action to hold them accountable and to ensure future compliance,” said Totten. Contracting without a license in a disaster area is a felony crime. Workers’ compensation insurance laws apply to all contractors, regardless of whether they are properly licensed. Anyone with information about violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws should contact the Contractors State License Board (800-962-1125), California Department of Insurance (800-927-4357), or the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (805-662-1750). The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims. |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the offices eligible for election in the June 5, 2018 Statewide Direct Primary Election. Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices below may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2018, at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018. Voter-Nominated Offices: Nonpartisan Offices: Information regarding filing for these offices and the filing fee amounts may be obtained by calling the Ventura County Elections Division at (805) 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: http://www.venturavote.org |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, February 20th, 2018
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) today warned people not to eat cactus pads, or nopales, imported from Mexico sold at specific retail and wholesale locations around the state due to the presence of unapproved pesticides. Routine surveillance samples collected by DPR inspectors found various pesticides, including dimethoate, omethoate, monocrotophos and methidathion, at levels that pose a health risk to humans. Both monocrotophos and methidathion have been banned for food use in the United States for several years. “Anyone feeling ill after consuming cactus products should consult their health care provider,” said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “The symptoms of acute poisoning may include sweating, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Consumption of monocrotophos can lead to neurotoxicity and permanent nerve damage.” DPR sampled contaminated cactus pads that were offered for sale to consumers and wholesale customers between January 23-29 at the following locations: DPR immediately removed the cactus pads it could locate from store shelves and distribution centers. The items were quarantined or destroyed so that they do not pose a threat to consumers. However, DPR believes it is possible that some of the cactus pads may have been sold to other stores in California, Nevada and Oregon. The tainted produce was packaged with the brand names “Mexpogroup Fresh Produce,” “Aramburo,” or “Los Tres Huastecos”. “Many Californians eat cactus as part of their diet, but the pesticide levels we have found at some specific locations are concerning,” said Brian Leahy, DPR director. “We are not aware of any illnesses that have been reported to date, but we suggest that anyone who bought this product from these locations recently, return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it in the garbage.” Washing or peeling the cactus is not effective and people should not try to salvage any of this contaminated produce. CDPH and CDPR have alerted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the issue Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232. |
 At last night’s City Council meeting City Manager Dave Rowlands welcomed new Fillmore Police Chief Eric Tennessen. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 City of Fillmore In the coming weeks we will have a new Chief of Police, Eric Tennessen, who will be replacing our present, retiring Chief, Dave Wareham. No official information is available as yet as to time. Welcome Chief Tennessen. We will be sorry to lose Chief Wareham who has served Fillmore so faithfully over the years. A public hearing concerning a decision to join the LACCE Joint Powers Authority was postponed for further information. Approval was granted to spend an estimated $270,000 on California Waters Development Inc., for the Heritage Valley Parks Fountain Entry Feature Renovation Project. The proposed Maxwell extension #5 and Modification #4 to Tentative Tract Map 5803 for property within the Business Park was tabled to March 13. A license agreement with Seneca Resources Corporation to allow the use of public property was approved. A hearing on the Los Angeles Community Choice Energy Aggregation (LACCE) was denied until staff has finished its research. Hearing on proposal to create an electric car station was not granted. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 Rudy Mora, 28 of Fillmore An attempted carjacking took place on Monday, February 5th at around 6:00pm near the intersection of B and Third Street in Fillmore. The suspect attempted to take the car along with the adult victim’s two children who were in the vehicle. The victim was able to fight off the suspect and gave a description of the suspect to the police. The suspect was later identified as Rudy Mora, 28 of Fillmore. Mora was taken into custody on suspicion of felony carjacking and bail was set at $200,000. He was arraigned on Wednesday, February 7th. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Beginning Wednesday, February 21st, 2018, the Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a 12-week Public Safety Academy for the community. The academy is designed to provide community members with an inside look at law enforcement, first responders, the criminal justice system, and other public safety agencies. The program will allow students to meet with members of the Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Superior Court, District Attorney’s Office, and Probation Department and discuss relevant issues affecting our community. Classes will be held Wednesday nights, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at the Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. Spanish translation services will be provided upon request. For an application, requirements, and additional information, please go to www.fillmoreca.com or contact the Fillmore Police Department. Prepared by: Sgt. Kevin Vaden |
 On Saturday, February 3rd ReGEN Haus Yoga and Movement Studio held their grand opening. Pictured are several Fillmore city council members who were there to celebrate. (l-r) Fillmore Mayor Manny Minjares, owner Renee Swenson, Fillmore Council Member Mark Austin, instructor Melissa Diaz, Council Members Carrie Broggie and Tim Holmgren, and ex-Council Member Ernie Villegas. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 14th, 2018
 (l-r) Instructors, Melissa Diaz, Hannah Faith, Gladys Racette, Renee Swenson, Jennefer Hime, Ruth Ricards, Carrie Sherwood, Jeanne Benson and Ernie Villegas from the City of Fillmore. Enlarge Photo ReGEN Haus Yoga and Movement Studio celebrated their grand opening on Saturday, February 3, 2018 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility and an opportunity to meet with the instructors. Owner Renee Swenson sees ReGen Haus as an alternative to the traditional gym. The studio will focus on the wellness experience, mind, body and spirit. Phase one of the ReGEN Haus approach is the yoga studio with future phases including an antique retail store, and hopefully, a coffee house. There is a wide variety of classes ranging from gentle yoga, Nia, dance movement, meditation and strength conditioning. For the full schedule of classes and workshops go to: regenyoga.com and/or get the app: Mind Body Online under ReGen Haus Yoga and Movement. Renee Swenson invites the public to come and visit. They are located downtown at 448 Santa Clara St.in Fillmore. If you are interested in hosting or teaching a workshop or class contact Renee 310.403.4647 or email: info@regenyoga.com |