40th Class reunion set for June 10th

Those youngsters from Fillmore High, Class of 1977, plan to reconnect at their 40th class reunion on June 10th, 2017 at the Fillmore High Alumni Dinner/Dance. Please spread the word to anyone from the class of ‘77 and let them know all Alumni know are welcome. The Alumni Dinner/Dance starts at 3:00pm on the patio and grass area of the Veteran's Memorial Building. Light snacks, bar service, and dinner are provided by Ventura’s award-winning caterer DJ's California Catering. Dinner is at 6:00pm, socializing and dancing ‘till midnight. The Alumni Dinner/Dance is one of Fillmore's signature events of the year. The Fillmore High Alumni Association is happy to be hosting the great Class of 1977's 40th Class reunion. If you are from the Class of '77, or any alumni of Fillmore High, please make your reservations soon at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (Click on Events) or by visiting Patterson Hardware store (open 7 days a week). We are looking forward to seeing those smiling faces from the class of '77 and all Fillmore High Alumni. Go Flashes!

 


 
Friday night at approximately 9:50pm, Fillmore Fire Department along with Ventura County Fire responded to a heavy traffic collision on the SR23. Photos By Sebastian Ramirez
Friday night at approximately 9:50pm, Fillmore Fire Department along with Ventura County Fire responded to a heavy traffic collision on the SR23. Photos By Sebastian Ramirez
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The driver was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Ventura County Medical Center with moderate injuries.
The driver was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Ventura County Medical Center with moderate injuries.
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Ventura County Sheriffs surrounded a house in the 700 block of River Street Saturday, April 22 in the City of Fillmore. Police blocked off the street from through traffic at noon while the search spilled over into the neighbor’s yards, and a K9 was called in. Neighboring residents stayed in their homes while police enter the targeted residence. No arrests were confirmed.
Ventura County Sheriffs surrounded a house in the 700 block of River Street Saturday, April 22 in the City of Fillmore. Police blocked off the street from through traffic at noon while the search spilled over into the neighbor’s yards, and a K9 was called in. Neighboring residents stayed in their homes while police enter the targeted residence. No arrests were confirmed.
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Photo of the Week by Bob Crum: "Along the shores of Mono Lake, wildflowers and tufa tower" Photo data: ISO 100, 35mm, f/11, 1/60 sec shutter speed.
Photo of the Week by Bob Crum: "Along the shores of Mono Lake, wildflowers and tufa tower" Photo data: ISO 100, 35mm, f/11, 1/60 sec shutter speed.
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A ghost town and tufas
Photos by Bob Crum
Photos by Bob Crum
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As you read this, I am in Reno, NV cat sitting my daughter's felines while she's in New Zealand. While here, I'm hoping to get to photograph Lake Tahoe... the most photogenic lake west of the Monongahela River. So far, the prospects are dismal. Cold, windy, totally cloudy every day since I got here. Stay tuned.

Due to my travels, this week's column will take a different turn. Hold on! Fun stuff ahead!

Bodie the ghost town for instance. An awesome experience. At first glance, it's overwhelming. So many photo ops. In a space of merely 20 feet I could easily shoot 50 or more compositions from varying perspectives. Light also has a profound effect on the structures because of the colors of the aged wood. I visited Bodie only once. That's not enough. Upon reviewing the images back home on the computer display I saw many photo opportunities missed. I'll go back!

Just south of Bodie sits Mono Lake. A nondescript lake at first blush. Most will barely give it a glance as they drive by on Highway 395. But its special features are extremely unique.

The attraction of Mono Lake is the tufas (too'-fahs). From the monolake.org website: “Tufa is essentially common limestone. What is uncommon about this limestone is the way it forms. Typically, underwater springs rich in calcium (the stuff in your bones) mix with lake water rich in carbonates (the stuff in baking soda). As the calcium comes in contact with carbonates in the lake, a chemical reaction occurs resulting in calcium carbonate--limestone. The calcium carbonate precipitates (settles out of solution as a solid) around the spring, and over the course of decades to centuries, a tufa tower will grow. Tufa towers grow exclusively underwater, and some grow to heights of over 30 feet. The reason visitors see so much tufa around Mono Lake today is because the lake level fell dramatically after water diversions began in 1941.” Water diverted by L.A. Water & Power.

Mono Lake is a magical place. I've been there four times. Going back sooner than later. You never see the same thing twice. The tufa structures are very intriguing due to their composition and shapes. Tufas display varying colors depending on the natural light at any given hour of the day. Colorful at sunrise and sunset and bright white at midday. All of the variables make photographing Mono Lake tufas extremely challenging.

Should you decide to go, the greatest concentration of the tufa towers is located at the South Tufa grove just off of Hwy 120 East, at the south end of Mono Lake. You'll need a park pass available at the parking lot kiosk. Don't forget to take a polarizing filter!

Caution from monolake.org: “Many first-time visitors to Mono Lake, unfamiliar with the geologic term "tufa" have been known to ask directions to the 'tofu.' Your nearest grocery store or the Mono Market is the best bet.” You've been warned!

Until next time, happy photoing!

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

 
Two people were injured in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Highway 126 and the railroad tracks Saturday at about 2:30 p.m. Reports indicate the cyclists both struck a railroad crossing arm. Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies were investigating the incident. Highway traffic was obstructed for about one hour, and the tracks were reported closed until 4:20 p.m. Reports show both cyclists were taken to an area hospital. “A helicopter was initially called but canceled when crews determined the injuries were not life-threatening,” according to the VC Star.
Two people were injured in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Highway 126 and the railroad tracks Saturday at about 2:30 p.m. Reports indicate the cyclists both struck a railroad crossing arm. Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies were investigating the incident. Highway traffic was obstructed for about one hour, and the tracks were reported closed until 4:20 p.m. Reports show both cyclists were taken to an area hospital. “A helicopter was initially called but canceled when crews determined the injuries were not life-threatening,” according to the VC Star.
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The Fillmore Sheriff’s Department donated $10,000 to the Fillmore-Piru Boys & Girls Club last Saturday at a organizational meeting. The Club will benefit greatly from this gift as it is busy adding new space to the Boys & Girls building and increasing its teaching projects.
The Fillmore Sheriff’s Department donated $10,000 to the Fillmore-Piru Boys & Girls Club last Saturday at a organizational meeting. The Club will benefit greatly from this gift as it is busy adding new space to the Boys & Girls building and increasing its teaching projects.
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Publisher’s Opinion
By Martin Farrell

The worst housing plan in Fillmore's history is about to be inflicted upon our town.

The KB Home company has begun tussling with the Fillmore City Council over the design of its proposed 104-unit condominium complex at the southern end of Central Avenue.

375 residents are expected to be living there. "This is calculated based upon 3.61 person per household and there are 104 units." Four of these proposed units will be small studios. According to our City Planning Department, Kevin McSweeney, concerning new cars "... there will be a two garage [units] for each unit and a total of 33 guest parking spaces on the street. That comes to 233 new cars."

"There is no parking within the development for guests. Residents will park in their private garages. Guests will park on the street."

The Council was notified April 6 that KB had filed a lawsuit to push approval of the plan; the City has not as yet been served.

Another major concern of the Council (which should also concern all residents) is the number of 3-story units - 77. Three 3-story units along River Street, which do not face River Street, are planned. The side of these units face River. There are 10 units facing River Street that are 2-story.

The Council has a right to be alarmed about this proposed plan. Imagine adding 233 new cars to River Street! This plan is zoned high density, but there should be reasonable limits to density. This proposal will flood the area with too many cars. And any such structures can be assumed to last for at least 75-years. This proposal would change forever the friendly character of our town.

I urge our City Council to resist this plan forcefully. It is unreasonably high density.

The City of Fillmore seems to be targeted recently with nightmare proposals, sand trucks by the thousands and now crowded, high density living units within adequate parking for hundreds of new cars. KB Home has a right to build housing units of reasonable size with reasonable parking. It will build and later leave the scene. What they leave behind will impact our city for nearly a hundred years. I foresee 77 three-story units in such a small area as Fillmore's twenty-first century tenements.

I hate to use a "progressive" word, but it's time to RESIST - mightily.

 
Fillmore Unified School District
Fillmore Unified School District

Board Recognition
The Board of Trustees recognized the Piru Youth Sports organization for their work to provide positive sports and activities for the youth of the Piru community. Piru Youth Sports provides youth baseball, youth soccer, Co-Ed softball, sports summer program, summer walking club, and Adult Co-Ed Softball tournaments and leagues. Through their work they reach over 300 local area youth. Thank you Piru Youth Sports for your dedication to the youth of Piru through athletics and activities.

Measure E Bond Oversight Committee 2015-2016 Annual Report
The Board received a report from the Measure E Bond Oversight Committee. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Apple ConnectEd Update
The Board received an update on the Apple ConnectEd implementation at Piru Elementary School. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez and Piru Principal, Diana Vides.

Local Control Accountability Plan Update
The Board received an update on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez.

2017-2018 Enrollment
The Board received an update on projections for 2017-2018 enrollment in district schools. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

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

Adopt Resolution 16-17-17– Staff Appreciation Week May 15-19, 2017
The Board adopted Resolution 16-17-17 designating the Week of May 15-19, 2017 as Staff Appreciation Week in the Fillmore Unified School District.

Support the James Jimenez Foundation
Cooking demonstration with Chef Jason Corona this Friday, April 21st.

 
Rotary Club Donates to FHS Swim Team. Fillmore Swim Team members Jose Ruiz, Luke Myers, and Aviana Ramirez receive check for $500 from Rotarian and Swim Coach Cindy Blatt. Submitted By Martha Richardson.
Rotary Club Donates to FHS Swim Team. Fillmore Swim Team members Jose Ruiz, Luke Myers, and Aviana Ramirez receive check for $500 from Rotarian and Swim Coach Cindy Blatt. Submitted By Martha Richardson.
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Fillmore Rotary Club Welcomes New Member. Rotary President Julie Latshaw inducted new member Renee
Swenson.
Fillmore Rotary Club Welcomes New Member. Rotary President Julie Latshaw inducted new member Renee Swenson.
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Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. (L-R)Julie Latshaw, Esmeralda Simental, Alicia Hicks, Program Chairman. Esmeralda Simental from the Ventura county Probation Agency was the guest speaker at Rotary. She related the various positions she has held over 24 years as a Peace Officer most dealing with youth.
Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. (L-R)Julie Latshaw, Esmeralda Simental, Alicia Hicks, Program Chairman. Esmeralda Simental from the Ventura county Probation Agency was the guest speaker at Rotary. She related the various positions she has held over 24 years as a Peace Officer most dealing with youth.
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Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. Alicia Hicks introduced Marcy Schneider from the Human Services Agency adult Protective Services. They help in cases of elder abuse which can be anything from physical abuse,
self neglect to financial abuse.
Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. Alicia Hicks introduced Marcy Schneider from the Human Services Agency adult Protective Services. They help in cases of elder abuse which can be anything from physical abuse, self neglect to financial abuse.
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On Thursday, April 13th, Fillmore Fire Department along with Fillmore Sheriff’s Department barbecued hot dogs for some of the students who raised the most money for patients at the City of Hope Cancer Research Foundation. Photo By Sebastian Ramirez.
On Thursday, April 13th, Fillmore Fire Department along with Fillmore Sheriff’s Department barbecued hot dogs for some of the students who raised the most money for patients at the City of Hope Cancer Research Foundation. Photo By Sebastian Ramirez.
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