All photos by Bob Crum
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Growing up in a country town, I frequently roamed the countryside. Often by bicycle but there were a lot of places a bike couldn't go. The woods! I knew the surrounding woods so well I could navigate the dreaded briar patch unscathed. Most of the time. I also knew where the scrumptious wild blueberry and raspberry bushes were. Oh, and where those mysterious elderberry and cherry trees were. Special treats that fruit. Hidden places only known by me and my dog King... who was sworn to secrecy. As the fruit ripened, I was compelled to sneak away and feast. You know, priorities.

However, I had responsibilities which sometimes entailed making decisions: Chores or goodies. Goodies always a priority. Upon returning home from a forest visit, mother... who I wished was not always so inquisitive... would ask what I'd been doing. Blessed with a robust imagination, I was expert, so I thought, at concocting fabulously convincing stories. But mother, the wise woman she was, would say, “But Bob, we don't have any blueberry bushes in the chicken pen.” You'd think I know better than to tell a fib while sporting blue lips! Ah, those were the days.

Photography is about priorities. When on assignment, the task: Create a photograph that tells a story, the essence of photojournalism. Instant decisions... from camera programming to composition... have to be made continually. A daunting task because no two shoots are the same. Always new challenges.

In comparison, recreational photography is therapeutic. But it too demands deciding priorities. I can program my camera to produce numerous effects of the exact same subject or scene. The first important decision is the composition... framing the photo. What is the most important factor of the subject or the scene I'm about to shoot that I want to convey in the photograph? Priorities!

After composition, next priority is how do I shoot the scene to present the desired effect: Shutter priority or aperture priority. This entails choosing a shutter speed with respect to the aperture and vice versa. Remember my previously mentioning how varying shutter speeds can present a different image of a waterfall? The same applies to varying the aperture. Open the aperture to the widest opening of the lens tends to blur the background. It's called applying bokeh... pronounced bow-kah. On the other hand, if I elect to present everything from the foreground to the background in focus, I simply close the aperture, i.e. make it smaller. Smallkeh. (new word I just made up ) Think of it as squinting to better see the details. It's all about priorities. Priorities are the difference between being a photographer who creates a photo or... ahem... a snapshooter. Just sayin'.

Sometimes priorities are troublesome... i.e.... getting too close to the action to get an exciting photo and getting wet. (Photo of the Week) Low flying pelicans required different camera settings. Additional photos are of Ventura Harbor. I go there often when testing new gear or to try a new technique. With so many photo ops, the harbor is always a fun photo shoot. The California gulls always make the shoot interesting.

Speaking of interesting, the May Festival is Thursday May 18 through Sunday May 21. Also, the 5K/10K race and walk on Saturday May 20. (Pancake breakfast Saturday morning.) Two great events with lots of interesting action to photograph. See you out there with camera in hand! Remember: Priorities; aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual priority. Decide, select and shoot!

Happy photoing!

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

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges all Californians to eliminate standing water around their homes and businesses to help reduce mosquito populations in an effort to prevent Zika and West Nile virus infections.

“As the rainy season comes to an end and temperatures rise, we will see increased mosquito activity,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Residents should dump out containers that hold standing water in and around their homes and businesses. Removing water will help reduce overall mosquito numbers and protect family members and neighbors from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.”

Mosquitoes breed in very small amounts of water. To help keep their numbers down, Californians should frequently check for, and eliminate, water-filled containers, clean and scrub bird baths and pet watering dishes, and dump water from dishes under potted plants. Residents are also urged to report unusual numbers of mosquitoes or day-biting mosquitoes to the local vector control agency.

With mosquito activity increasing, Californians should also protect themselves from mosquito bites at home and while traveling to areas where the Zika virus is present. To prevent bites, consistently use mosquito repellent when outside, wear long sleeves and pants, use air conditioning, and make sure window screens will keep mosquitoes out of the home.

“It is particularly important for pregnant women and couples planning to become pregnant to prevent mosquito bites because Zika virus can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and severe birth defects if a pregnant woman becomes infected,” said Dr. Smith.

Zika virus is spread primarily through mosquito bites and can also be transmitted by both men and women during sex. Most people who are infected with Zika virus do not experience any symptoms but should take precautions to avoid sexual transmission, even if they never had symptoms. Zika symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.

All individuals, particularly women of childbearing age, should take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites while traveling and when they return home. Sexually active people who travel to areas with Zika virus transmission should use condoms or other barriers to avoid getting or passing Zika virus during sex. There has been no local transmission of Zika in California to date, but the mosquitoes that can carry Zika virus live in many areas of California.

West Nile virus (WNV) is also transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV can cause a deadly infection in humans, and the elderly are particularly susceptible. WNV symptoms may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach, and back. More severe symptoms, and even death, can occur. The state’s first human infection of WNV this year was reported last month.

Visit the CDPH website for more information about mosquitoes, Zika and West Nile. Additional mosquito prevention information is available at www.cdc.gov.

Hear Dr. Vicki Kramer, chief of the CDPH Vector Borne Disease Section, talk about the importance of removing standing water to prevent mosquito bites.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On May 5th, 2017 at about 10:15 in the morning, Deputies from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office went in pursuit of a stolen vehicle in the area of Frazier Park traveling eastbound on Highway 138. The pursuit was discontinued due to the high speeds and erratic driving of the suspect. Officers from the California Highway Patrol located the stolen vehicle on San Francisquito Road and went in pursuit. Officers from the CHP pursued the vehicle into Santa Clarita where they lost sight of it in the area of westbound SR-126 at Wolcott.

A deputy from the Ventura County Sheriff ’s Office Fillmore Station was monitoring the pursuit on the radio and located the stolen vehicle on Timber Canyon Road at the S/R 126 intersection. Witnesses observed the suspects flee the vehicle into a nearby orchard. Officers from the Santa Paula Police Department arrived and assisted with the search for the outstanding suspects.

During the search, suspect Johnston located an unoccupied vehicle and stole it. He was chased briefly through the orchard and taken into custody by Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies and Santa Paula Police Officers. Eskildsen was found hiding in the orchard by Sheriff ’s Deputies shortly after. Both suspects were booked at the Ventura County Jail on charges related to the theft of the vehicle.

Prepared by: Sergeant John Stubblefield

At Tuesday's regular city council meeting, Harrison Industries was recognized on its 85-year anniversary. Both the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce and the City Council presented the Harrisons with plaques.

Adoption of ordinance No. 17-878 to authorize a permit process for parking in front of private driveways was unanimously approved.

Funds were approved for the purchase of a new wood chipper for the city. The cost is $36,468.00.

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Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Conner McGregor have had setbacks. They all became better because of that. Well now Jose “Froggy” Estrada has had a setback. At the Ventura Fairgrounds on Cinco de Mayo. Froggy, now 3-1 as a pro and undefeated the last eight years, lost to Emilio Chavez, now 12-9 with a rear naked choke hold in the first round.

Before the fight Froggy was ready for his fight. He could not wait to get it going. “I am ready Coach! This what I have trained so hard for.” Then Chavez walked by us. “That’s him! Man I am ready to take him out!” I gave him our special handshake since his time at Fillmore High School and said I will see you soon. “Coach come back before I go out and tell me ‘The Story’ before I fight,” said Froggy. I said I would.

Combate Americas had a great line up on the card and gave me and my guests (my wife Judy, and Froggy’s English teacher Josh Overton) press passes and great ringside seats. The fights were great. The fighters both male and female gave everything they had. After about four fights, it was time for the Main Event of the night.

As I said I would I went to the warm-up room, and told Froggy “The Story.” After that it was game on, and time for the sellout crowd to see their friend, family member, and hero come out to fight. Froggy entered to the roar of the crowd. ‘’FROGGY, FROGGY, FROGGY!” and blew the roof off the place. The fans were so loud you could have heard them in Fillmore if you had your windows open.

The crowd booed just as loud for Chavez. At this time I gotta tell you folks, knowing and loving Froggy the way I do, this was a hard thing to go through. My wife saw my nerves and gave me a hug and we prayed together for Froggy and the other fighter’s health. Thank you Judy.

When the bell rang for the fight Froggy took a swing at Chavez. Then Chavez went for a leg shoot and got Froggy to the ground. Chavez had control of the fight from there. Froggy fought with guts and grit to get out of the hold. The young man showed the crowd what he was made of. He almost got to his feet, but then Chavez cinched the rear naked choke hold. Without air Froggy had to be smart and tap-out to be able to fight another day.

Then the crowd found out what class was, while Chavez acted in victory, with gestures and classless acts. After that the Combate Americas interviewer was talking to Chavez, the crowd started up again “FROGGY! FROGGY! FROGGY!’’ and was so loud you could not hear what he was saying.

When they talked to Froggy on T V Froggy, full of emotions and tears streaming from his eyes, first went to shake the hand of Chavez. Then said, “I am sorry I lost tonight. I wanted this here in my hometown. I will be back for all of you. This is a setback but I will be back.” The crowd went wild. Combate Americas owner Campbell McLaren and President Former WWE Champion Alberto Del Rio told the crowd that they are backing Froggy and will support him because they believed in him.

After the fight Judy and I went backstage to talk to Froggy, with tears still flowing down all of our cheeks. Froggy gave me the special handshake we share and hugged me. I said a few words. I told him that Fillmore will still and always love him. Froggy said, “This is hard. I wanted this guy. I will be back Coach.” I will tell you this folks, I believe him. Later in the evening Froggy came out to hug and thank the people in the crowd during the late fights. This is what I call class.

Fillmore let me tell ya this, Froggy will be back in the cage soon. He will work hard and learn from this. I am so proud of him. He showed more class in defeat, than some men show in victory. Froggy will leap again.

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There will be a gathering of old friends and Alumni at the 104th Alumni Dinner/Dance. Among them will be the FHS Class of 1972. The Fillmore High Alumni Association designates special areas for classes celebrating their reunions at the dinner/dance, and that individual class not only gets to see their classmates, but they get to see all other alumni from good old Fillmore (Union) High School. What a fun way to celebrate a class reunion. There will be many from the Class of '72 traveling long distance to attend and we hope all local Alumni plan to join in. All FHS Alumni and Class of '72 members can easily reserve their seating at the June 10th event by going to www.fillmorehighalumni.com and click on Events. You can also pay for this special evening in Fillmore at Patterson Hardware store, open 7 days a week. Every year, the Alumni Dinner/Dance attendance grows, so don't miss out. Congratulations FHS Class of 1972! Has it really been 45 years?

Information Courtesy Moorpark CHP

On May 5, 2017 at approximately 6:08 A.M., an injury traffic collision occurred on SR (State Route) 126, at Center Street near the community of Piru.

Mr. Alexander Medrano, 41 years old, of Santa Paula, was driving his Nissan sedan eastbound on SR 126 approaching Center Street at an unknown speed. Mr. Freddy Carias, 29 years old, of Palmdale was driving a Volvo semi-truck, pulling two "bottom-dump" type trailers, westbound on SR 126, just past Center Street at a stated speed of 50 miles per hour. As Mr. Medrano approached Center Street, he fell asleep and allowed the Nissan sedan to cross over the double yellow lines into the westbound lanes of SR 126. The left front of the Nissan collided with the left front of the Volvo semi-truck. As a result of the collision, both vehicles became disabled blocking all lanes of SR 126. The Volvo semi-truck blocked the two westbound lanes and the Nissan blocked the two eastbound lanes. Mr. Medrano received major injuries and was trapped within the Nissan. The Ventura County Fire Department responded to the scene and extricated Mr. Medrano from the Nissan.

Mr. Carias was able to walk away from the incident and did not have any visible injuries. The Ventura County Fire Department, and AMR (American Medical Response), responded to assist with the extrication, medical care, and transportation of Mr. Medrano to Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Caltrans and The Ventura County Sheriffs Department responded to the scene and assisted with traffic control while the investigation was completed.

This incident resulted in a three and a half hour closure of SR 126 traffic lanes. Westbound SR 126 traffic was being diverted through Center Street and the community of Piru. Eastbound SR 126 traffic was being diverted through the right shoulder of SR 126. No arrests were made and alcohol/drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this collision. This collision is being investigated by the California Highway Patrol's Moorpark Area office.

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Saturday, June 10th, 2017

Hello FHS Alumni. The Alumni Board of Directors and Officers want to invite you to attend this year’s Alumni Dinner/Dance on June 10th 2017 at the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial Building. You can make your reservations online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (click on Events) or you can pay for your reservations (7 days a week) at Patterson Hardware store in beautiful downtown Fillmore. Dinner will be prepared by DJ's California Catering. If you been to an Alumni Dinner in the past, you know how delicious DJ's food is. On the menu this year will be Wood Fired Prime Angus Tri-Tip with Creamed Horseradish, Roasted Chicken Breast with Wild Mushrooms in a Porcini Béchamel, and Penne Mozzarella with Fresh Basil and Heirloom Tomato in a Belvedere Pink Sauce. All this served with: Rustica Salad (a mix of Select Baby Lettuces with Crisp Fuji Apples, Smoked Gouda, and Cranberry Raisins with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, Herbed Basmati Rice, Roasted Baby Carrots, Organic Green Beans with Fresh Herbs and Butter, and Parmesan Garlic Rolls. Save room for dessert! Dessert includes Warm Peach or Apple Cobbler with McConnell's of Santa Barbara Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Whew! Now don't panic. You’ll be able to dance this all off on the dance floor. Yes, there will be music and dancing up to midnight. We hope you make plans to join your fellow Alumni and celebrate our alma mater and the community of Fillmore. By attending the Alumni Dinner/Dance you are directly contributing to the Alumni Scholarship Fund that directly helps Fillmore High graduates achieve their higher education goals. You know our slogan...."Onward and Upward" with the FHS Alumni Association.

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So many questions I'm exhausted at the outset! Worse, the 5-Hour Energy Boost lasted only five minutes. I get more energy from cantaloupe. Nevertheless, onward!

First question: “Why do you list the Photo of the week photo data?” A mermaid's suggestion.
By now, those of you who have been faithfully reading this column know that there is more than one camera setting to get a proper super-wet mermaid exposure.

Remember the Digital Pixel Psalm ISO 200:f/11.1/60 I presented a few weeks ago? To refresh: “There shall be three Wise Elements in the Mighty Trinity of Exposure; Aperture, Shutter Speed and the Holy ISO.” Understanding the psalm will help you get perfectly exposed photographs. More importantly, once you understand the relationships you can begin to exert 'creative artistic license' to your photography. That's when photography gets very interesting.

For example, Brush Creek falls north of Kernville. I can photograph the falls to show the flow realistically or add a creative touch by giving the water a more silky look. If I choose blur for the silky effect, I need to increase the exposure time by slowing down the shutter speed.

However, reducing the shutter speed too much will result in an over exposed image. Lowering the ISO which decreases the camera sensor sensitivity is one way I can compensate. What if I'm at the lowest ISO setting? Then I close the aperture a few “f” stops to decrease the amount of light entering the lens. If neither work, I either throw a temper tantrum or throw the camera at the falls. Both are refreshingly therapeutic.

Look at the photo of the week (if not here, online at fillmoregazette.com) Notice that I chose a creative touch... a blur effect to the water fall. The data is ISO 100, 18mm (wide angle) f/19 @1/8 sec. 100 is my camera's lowest ISO value. At a slow 1/8 sec shutter speed I had to stop the lens down to f/19 to prevent an overexposure. This illustrates the ISO/Shutter/Aperture relationship. I could have attached a 'neutral density filter' (subject for another time) but chose not to.

The realistic waterfall photo data is ISO 320, 18mm, f/11 @1/60 sec. The 1/60 speed portrays a more realistic water flow but I have to open the aperture to f/11 to prevent underexposure. I selected f/11 to maintain the depth-of-field (DOF) and further compensated for underexposure by increasing the ISO to 320. It's all about the Mighty Trinity of Exposure.

Caution: In addition to blur, real slow shutter speeds and shaky hands most often create fuzzy photos. Hence the need for a monopod or tripod. Actually, after a couple of strawberry margarrrritas, my blurry and fuzzy photos look like some of my most creative work!

Understanding the digital pixel psalm enables you to program the camera to obtain exactly the kind of photo that you mentally envision. Practice!!! Practice!!! Practice!!!

Now you understand that you can interpret my photographic decisions by the photo data. For example, an f/4 aperture (wide open) indicates intentional background blur (bokeh). An f/ll or smaller will indicate that I intended maximum DOF. Slow shutter speeds to indicate movement. Fast shutter speeds to freeze the motion. Decisions, decisions, but unlimited variable options present exhilarating opportunities.

The ability to “create” a photograph as desired by programming the camera is an extremely fulfilling aspect of photography. And you wonder why I'm so fanatical?

Sorry folks but no space left for the other 258 questions!

Happy photoing!

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