Lions International Student Speaker Contest is an annual event allowing high school students the opportunity to showcase their public speaking talents and knowledge. This year’s contest topic is “Integrity and Civility in Today’s Society.”

Fillmore Lions Club is proud to announce that Fillmore High School senior Alina Herrera has advanced to the Region Competition after winning both the Club and Zone levels.

The Fillmore Lions Club wants to congratulate Alina as well as send positive thoughts her was as she competes in the Region Competition to be held on March 27th. The public is invited. Contact Lion Scott Lee for details. If Alina advances from Region to the prestigious “District Level” she will compete for a $4,000.00 award.

Bob Crum

First, portrait photography is not my favorite genre--especially of teenagers. But “no” was not an option. A friend of a friend. You know how that is.

Mother wants a portrait of her son for relatives back east. Must be natural light, I'm not loving flash photography much. To impress the relatives back east, mom selects Mugu rock on the PCH, background the ocean. Works for me.

When they arrived, the afternoon light was delicious. No sooner had John, not his real name, and I met it was obvious he was no more happy sitting for his portrait than I was shooting it.

Let's go over here I suggested. John agreed, mom objected. “I want the rock and the ocean,” she said. Fine, I said, move the rock and it'll work. She didn't appreciate my humor. I wasn't kidding.

I knew the perfect place for John to perch. It meant some rock climbing. Fine with John. Mom stayed up top. With John sitting on a boulder with the ocean background, I urged John to smile. Wasn't happening. Mom noted and yelled: “Smile John!” John remained stone faced.

John, I said, smile and we can both go home. John was obstinate. So was I. OK, John, here's how it is: You either smile or you are going to sit on that rock until you become one with it and seagulls poop all over you. He finally smiled, just long enough for me to capture a couple photos. Not enough. One more time John. Nothing doing. Mom, I yelled, bribe your son! “New cell phone John!” mom yelled. John's smile was ear to ear wide. “Did he smile?” yelled Mom. Yes! a lot, I replied! Mom loved the photos and wrote the check with a smile. I smiled too. Smiling is good! Well folks, that's it, done with portrait work for the rest of the year. Well, maybe. If you want to pay a $50,000 sitting fee then I'm your guy.

Afterward, I had time to stroll around and perhaps come upon a photo op or two. A few pelicans flew by but I forgot to reinstall the telephoto lens. OK, forget the pelicans. After changing lenses, maybe shoot some explosive waves. Nah, wasn't happening. Calm ocean, slack tide. Boring. It's like that sometimes. Worse, no mermaids!

Whoa, out of the corner of my eye, the left one of course, I glimpsed a hairy animal. Then it disappeared. I moved to get a better view of where the animal emerged. I shouldn't have. It suddenly reappeared and began to move towards me. Frightened, I froze. It moved slowly at first oblivious of my presence. As I raised the camera it saw me and instantly began to rapidly charge at me. Escape options were limited with the ocean on one side, a cliff on the other. Difficult as it might be, my only escape was to scramble up a nearby boulder. Mmmm. But even as the shrieking hairy monster with its glaring beady eyes got closer, you know I have to capture at least one photo. Thankfully it finally moved on, disappearing into the rocks. I quickly returned to the safety of my truck. Whew! Of the two: The tortuous portrait shoot or confronting a hairy monster; which would I prefer? HA! That's easy. I'll take my chances photographing ferocious wildlife any day! That said, I'm thrilled to have escaped this harrowing experience to bring you the photo of the week: The menacing Super Mouse of Mugu!

Happy photoing.

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

The Fillmore Flower Show will be here before you know it! This year it will be April 14 and 15 at the Active Adult Center. The theme is “Fillmore Blooms”. We hope to see many of you bring your garden treasures to share with the community.
These are the competitive divisions:
- Single stem cut roses
- Single stem cut iris
- Other single stem cut flowers
- Bouquets
- Arrangements
- Miniature arrangements and bouquets
- Potted plants
- Dish gardens
- Youth arrangements
- Youth composition
- Youth art
Choose your division. Or enter something in each division. Our gardens make Fillmore beautiful. Our people make their gardens and our community beautiful. Fillmore is full of blooms! Plan to enter or visit the flower show this April.
For more information go to fillmoreflowershow.com

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the extension of the nomination period to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, for two offices that are scheduled to be voted upon at the June 5, 2018 Statewide Direct Primary Election. The extension applies to the offices of Ventura County Supervisor, 4th District, and Ventura County Sheriff.

The extension is only applicable to persons other than the incumbent. Nomination documents for persons interested in the offices may be obtained at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

Additional information regarding candidate qualifications and filing procedures may be obtained from the Ventura County Elections Division by calling (805) 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: www.venturavote.org.

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Top l-r: Coaches Cristoval Gomez, Francisco Garibay, Yareli Vasquez, Isabella Vaca, Shania Leon, Alexis Mejia, Kayla Martinez, Tori Villegas, Yaneli Conbian, Valerie Hernandez, Coaches Omero Martinez, Johnny Vaca, Alexsys Covarrubias, Ana Covarrubias, Anahi Andrade, Coach Yazu Meza. Middle Bottom: Ari Magana, Aliyah Alfaro, Jennifer Cruz, Sophia Garibay, Lupita Bravo, Emily Garibay, Lupita Ruvalcaba, Susie Garcia, Andrea Maruffo. Keepers: Ashley Yepez and Aaliyah Lopez. Coaches not pictured Jenny Andrade. Photo courtesy Coach Omero Martinez.
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Pictured is the team in front of Fillmore Fire Engine 91 after riding into town on top as they celebrated their victory.
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For the first time on 31 years the Fillmore Flashes Girls Soccer Program played in the CIF Southern Section Girls Soccer Division 7 Championship game. On Saturday, March 3rd 12pm the Flashes Girls Soccer Team played in the CIF Southern Section Girls Soccer Division 7 Championship game against Azusa at a neutral field Warren High school. The Lady Flashes fought hard and defeated Azusa to bring home the Championship Title with a final score of 3-1.

Fillmore scored two goals at the first 3 minutes of the game. Ana Covarrubias scored the first goal, followed by Andrea Marruffo. Yareli Vasquez scored in the second half to put the Lady Flashes up 3-0. Fillmore’s defense stayed strong and held Azusa to only 3 shots on goal.

After the amazing win on Saturday, on Tuesday March 6th the Flashes took to the field again at home against Rosamond High School for the Southern California Regional Girls Soccer Championship 1st round game. The Flashes defeated Rosamond 7–0.

They will advance the semi finals where they will take on Rialto High School Thursday, March 8th.

Captain Eric Tennessen

After an extensive vetting process to select the next chief of police for the city of Fillmore, Captain Eric Tennessen has been named the city’s chief this week as Captain Dave Wareham retires after 32 years of service with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Tennessen, who is a 19-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, has an extensive background in investigations, which includes assignments in Camarillo, Moorpark, the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, the Special Crimes Unit, and the Major Crimes Bureau. Tennessen most recently managed patrol operations for the East County / Thousand Oaks station.

Tennessen lives in Camarillo with his wife, Kaylee, and four children. He brings a diverse background to his new position, including a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge.

The public is invited to get to know Tennessen during four “meet the chief” events scheduled in the coming weeks at the following locations:
Tuesday March 13, 2018 at 8:00 a.m. at Starbucks 650 W. Ventura St.
Thursday March 15, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at One Step a la Vez 421 Sespe Ave.
Tuesday March 20, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at the Active Adult Center 533 Santa Clara St.
Thursday March 22, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at Starbucks 650 W. Ventura St.

Prepared by: Sgt. Eric Buschow
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On Saturday, March 3, 2018, Sheriff’s detectives conducted compliance checks at the residences of twenty-nine (29) registered sex offenders throughout the Fillmore area. The compliance checks were funded through the Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE / ELEAS) Grant.

Twenty-seven (27) of the sex registrants were confirmed to be in compliance with their registration requirements. Two (2) registrants were not contacted because they were not home or had moved. Sheriff’s detectives will follow-up to determine if the remaining registrants not contacted are out-of-compliance. The Sheriff’s office aggressively pursues prosecution of sex registrants who fail to comply with their registration requirements.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting similar sweeps on an ongoing basis to verify registered sex offenders are living at their reported residences and in compliance with any probation or parole terms.

Residents of Ventura County can visit the Megan’s Law website (www.meganslaw.ca.gov) to familiarize themselves with the sex registrants in their community.

Prepared by: Sergeant Ryan Clark
Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau / Sexual Assault Unit
Approved by: Captain Jeff Miller

Fillmore Unified School District

Presentation and Approval of the Second Interim Report through January 31, 2018, Including Amendments to the 2017-2018
Information presented by Assistant Superintendent Business Services, Andrea McNeill

Approve the 2018-2019 School Calendar
Board approved the 2018-2019 School Calendar

Approve Resolution Number 17-18-12 Regarding a Reduction or Discontinuance of Particular Kinds of Service
The Board approved Resolution Number 17-18-12.

Approve Resolution Number 17-18-13 to Approve Entering into Contracts for Services Related to the Installation of Emergency Notification System at Fillmore High School
The Board approved Resolution Number 17-18-13

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

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The FHS Class of '68 is planning their 50th Class Reunion. The date is set for Friday, June 8th, 2018 at Elkins Ranch in Fillmore. It starts at 5:30pm, and ends at 11:00pm. The reunion dinner includes barbecue Chicken, Tri Tip, and all the wonderful fixings that go with barbecue. There will be a DJ so folks can listen to, and dance to, all the oldies-but-goodies. To make a day out of your 50th class reunion, go ahead and make your reservation for a round of golf earlier in the morning. Gil Escoto is heading this up and he can be reached at 805-231-5817. For further info on this wonderful celebration, please call Jeanie "Gofourth" Allred at 805-216-0781. Or, if you’re on Facebook, go to....FHS Class of 1968. You can also find more info at the Alumni's website at www.fillmorehighalumni.com. Click on the "Reunions" link at the top of the website. Congratulations FHS Class of '68 on your 50th Celebration!

Bob Crum

Ranting again because the menace continues unabated: A growing horde of phonetographers. This greatly affects me, a world-renown photojournalist who will someday undoubtedly be awarded a Pulitzer Prize. Uh huh!

About phonetographers, an experienced photography friend recently lamented: “The point is that if the 'untrained' (phonetographers) gets the money shot, why do they (clients) need a (pro) photographer? Don’t knock it! Embrace it”. Frustrated, she's ceding photography to a hobby. As a rogue photojournalist, surrender is not in my DNA.

Most times on scene, I anxiously but patiently wait, anticipating “the” moment a composition that best tells the story materializes. With a Canon 7DII glued to my eye, I am not invisible. Yet phonetographers, oblivious of my presence & purpose all too often step into the frame ruining the shot!

Back to the harbor last Sunday for another shoot. Arrived early. As often happens, a photo op materialized while walking around. Camera ready anticipating the 'right' moment. Suddenly, dreaded phonetographers with seemingly no purpose or particular destination gathered between me and the subject. Being a public venue of course they had every right to be there so I had no business yelling: GET THE (choose any naughty word you prefer) OUT OF MY SHOT! Wasn't easy but I remained polite and silent. I waited. To my delight they eventually moved on just in time. My patience (this time) was rewarded with the photo I anticipated making. It's my fervent hope that phonetographers (listening?) learn photography ethics sooner than later. They don't get paid for a money shot. I do. Just sayin'. End of rant.

The harbor provides photo ops galore. And challenges. Though the sky included either cirrus clouds or a layer of altostratus fluff, the bright sun created horrendous glare on the ocean. C'est la vie.

Though perplexing, the dastardly circumstances proved to be a fortuitous opportunity to illustrate the difference between images made with a circular polarizer filter (CPL) and without one. Photos that I will need for future instructional purposes.

It was chilly at the beach. After the shoot, I retreated to my truck for warmth. In the interim, I decided to stay. A potentially colorful sunset loomed given the temperature and clouds. At the appropriate time, I ventured out to the beach tripod in hand. Tripod? Of course! I have scientifically proven that during a sunset it progressively gets darker. In low light, with the lens aperture at its widest, shutter speed needs to progressively get longer to achieve a respectable exposure. Hand-holding a camera with a shutter speed of a 10th of a second begets shaky photos. But instead of reducing the shutter speed so much, why not just increase the ISO value? Remember that the higher the ISO value goes, so goes problematic digital noise. Now you know!

My optimism quickly diminished. As the sun set, it disappeared into a marine layer on the horizon, the heavy fog quashing most potential colors. Exasperating!

However, just before the sun disappeared into the murky goop, a brief moment of lackluster orange appeared turning into a feint purplish pink. Then darkness. Nevertheless, is there such a thing as a bad sunset? Actually, yes. Residing in Florida, I witnessed a couple of sunset killers called hurricanes. Speaking of Florida, did I tell y'all about almost eloping with a Key West mermaid?

Featured photo is the Lady Washington heading out to sea. Speaking of tall ships, I created a photo/movie of my tall ship adventure you might enjoy. The link is https://youtu.be/xMx1rjJfAvE.

Happy photoing.

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

Fillmore's Parkview Apartments need some immediate attention.

The Gazette has received calls about the building's single elevator malfunctioning. The building is home to 53 residents. The elevator has not worked for the past 13 days, and counting, trapping some elderly and disabled residents on the third floor. This elevator has been malfunctioning for years, at the rate, according to one resident, of several times a week for many years. Most recently, repairs are waiting for an inspection from the state.

Recently, one resident had to be carried by Fillmore Firemen, from the second floor, in a bed sheet, using the stairs. Many residents are unable to use the stairs due to various disabilities. Use by others has aggravated existing disabilities. Other residents cannot bring supplies up to their apartments, and cannot walk their dogs. They are virtual prisoners when the elevator doesn't work. On separate occasions, two residents were trapped in the elevator, assisted only after screams for help were heard.

It seems like this building has been a problem for a long time. From the beginning, multiple plumbing problems were an issue. According to some residents this remains a problem. Among numerous deficiencies in the structure are electronic keys that don't work, gate locks that don't work, and doors that by code should be open, but are locked.

In the lounge area are a bank of computers - none of them work. There is no internet as advertized. Some smoke detectors do not work, according to one resident. Lighting in the parking lot is inadequate, with uninvited people gathering there at night.

But the elevator is a main issue. This elevator seems far too small for the size of the building, and there is no freight elevator. Normal deliveries require traversing three flights of stairs.

I don't know what can be done to permanently fix the small elevator and guarantee quick, professional maintenance. I do know that this small, frequently out-of-order, elevator presents (to me) a clear, present, and outrageous fire hazard. Imagine the building, housing 53 residents, facilitating the evacuation of so many people, many elderly and disabled, at the same time, through this small, unreliable elevator! Panic time for those who cannot use the stairs?

Whoever is responsible for managing Parkview Apartments (Buckingham Management?) should have had the common sense to place the elderly and disabled residents on the GROUND FLOOR, where they can be quickly evacuated if need be, and medically serviced without climbing 3 flights of stairs.

(l-r) Fillmore Mayor Manuel Minjares and Dave Wareham.
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(l-r) Fillmore Mayor Manuel Minjares and Max Pina.
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Police Chief David Wareham was presented with a City Proclamation for his 32 years on the Ventura County Sheriff's Department as he prepares to retire. Former Sheriff's Deputy Max Pina was also awarded a Proclamation for his 53 years of service.
Fillmore Chief of Police David Wareham presented the 2017 Uniform Crime Report at Tuesday's regular City Council meeting. The City of Fillmore was reported to be ranked number 9 in the list of California's Safest Cities. Violent crime was reported to be at a record low for the City. Full details are available at https://www.alarms.org/safest-cities-in-california-2018.
A proclamation in remembrance of the devastating St. Francis Dam collapse was received by the Fillmore Historical Society. The reading of the Proclamation described California's second most destructive event which saw a 40-foot-high wall of water sweep down the Santa Clara River to the sea. The collapse occurred at night with very little warning to Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula.

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On Tuesday, February 21 at approximately 2:06 AM, the Santa Paula Fire Department responded to a structure fire at an 8-unit apartment complex on the 200 block of North 8th Street. When fire crews arrived, the attic of the complex was engulfed. The structure fire displaced all 12 individuals living in the complex, which 7-units were occupied, and 1-unit was vacant. The fire started on the second floor in the vacant unit, inside the bathroom near the ceiling and electric heaters. The fire spread quickly through the second floor due to a common attic that was shared among the units. Most of the roof was removed and stripped to access the fire and prevent further damage. Santa Paula Fire crews rescued an elderly
lady on the second floor on home dialysis.

The individual who reported the incident resided on the first floor and was awoken by a loud crashing noise coming from the vacant unit directly above their residence and a layer of smoke originating from their ceiling. The Red Cross assisted all
affected individuals from the structure fire and provided temporary housing. Responding agencies included Ventura County Fire, Ventura City Fire, Fillmore City Fire, Red Cross, American Medical Response, and the Santa Paula Police.