Thank you Fillmore Boys & Girls Club for coming to Christmas carol to us all at City Hall on Friday, December 20th. You all truly warmed our hearts! Courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook page.
Thank you Fillmore Boys & Girls Club for coming to Christmas carol to us all at City Hall on Friday, December 20th. You all truly warmed our hearts! Courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook page.
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(l-r) Amber Montoya, Alexz Chessani, Sonia Chessani, NLHOF founders Darryl & Wanda Dixon.
(l-r) Amber Montoya, Alexz Chessani, Sonia Chessani, NLHOF founders Darryl & Wanda Dixon.
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(left) Sonia Chessani with Good Times Car Club Founder Paul Sanchez at the National Lowrider Hall of Fame induction
ceremony.
(left) Sonia Chessani with Good Times Car Club Founder Paul Sanchez at the National Lowrider Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

On November 16, 2019 in Los Angeles, California, Fillmore resident Sonia Chessani was inducted into the National Lowrider Hall of Fame (NLHOF) Class of 2019 along with 27 others worldwide. They came from as far as Japan, with three of the recipients being awarded the “Ford Dog”, top honor. Sonia was awarded a plaque and ring for her accomplishments.

She gives special thanks to all who have faithfully supported her throughout the years, and to all of her guests who traveled from various counties throughout California to attend the black & white formal dinner/dance ceremony.

To be considered an inductee Sonia had to first be nominated. To her surprise that nomination was submitted through Mr. Steve Morales aka “Duke” of Viejitos Car Club, a Palmdale, California resident who was inducted into the NLHOF Class of 2016.

To be selected for the NLHOF Class of 2019 Sonia had to submit her application along with hundreds of others to be chosen from. She was selected and inducted due to her contributions to the Lowrider Community over the past 32 years.

Sonia has been involved with car club showings throughout California, Nevada and Arizona. She has also been involved in the production and working car shows in California.

She has placed in numerous shows and been awarded various honors over the years. In 2007 she was presented with an award at Long Beach Veterans Stadium by Mr. Art Patino for “Ladies of Lowriding”. In 2014 Nite Life Ventura Co. Car Club presented her with an award for Dedication & Commitment in Ventura, Ca. In 2017 she was presented with an award of recognition by Pachuco Car Club in Oxnard, California at a show dedicated to “Women in Lowriding” for her involvement over the years; and for her 1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass being featured in 2017 in Lowrider Magazine and Lowrider Scene Magazine, both published worldwide. In 2017 at an awards banquet in Las Vegas, Nevada, Good Times Car Club Founder Paul Sanchez also presented her with an “Excellence” award for magazine coverage, where she has been a member of Good Times Car Club since 2011.

She says her passion and dedicated lifestyle to the car culture came from her father, John M. Chessani Jr., who was also a lifelong resident, born and raised in the Piru/Fillmore area.

“I will always have my heart in the Lowrider Community as long as I can.”

 
Photo of the Week: "An oak, some lichen, Spanish moss and a sunstar. Ah!" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera with Tamron 16-300mm lens @16mm, no filters. Exposure; ISO 1,000, aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/100 second.
Photo of the Week: "An oak, some lichen, Spanish moss and a sunstar. Ah!" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera with Tamron 16-300mm lens @16mm, no filters. Exposure; ISO 1,000, aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/100 second.
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It's all legal
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

I concluded my previous column with this question: Did I post-process the photo of the week? Silly question, right? Of course I did. I'm resubmitting the photo again as a reference for the following discussion. (See the photo in color at fillmoregazette.com) Even though the camera's histogram revealed proper exposure, the camera did not correctly capture all of the elements of the photo. Here's why and the corrections I applied to improve it.

A camera/lens combo cannot see as our human eyes see. A filter on the sensor generates RGB pixels. But seldom does the filter/sensor combination capture the Kelvin of the light (color) accurately. The sensor sends image data to the recording medium. Unless the camera is ultra-high-tech, the dynamic range of the light will exceed the camera's ability to record it entirely. The camera's picture-style algorithms also affect the image produced — multiple reasons why no photo straight out of the camera is as good as it could be.

I like to evaluate a scene before making a photo. Taking a moment to study the scene also helps the mental recall during post-processing. The camera settings for the reference photo were: 'Auto' ISO and shutter speed 1/100 second. I closed aperture to f/22 to create the Sunstar effect. I know that closing the aperture f/22 means underexposing the image. (Remember the exposure triangle?) To compensate, I could slow the shutter speed further or manually increase the ISO. However, shooting hand-held, I prefer not to go slower than 1/100th second to minimize handshake (blur). The camera automatically raised the ISO to 1,000, somewhat high but passable. Nevertheless, the photo lacks the dynamic range of light at the scene. Capturing in RAW mode will permit me to make appropriate adjustments during post-processing.

I made several photos in portrait and landscape mode. On the monitor back home, I was not surprised to see some anticipated issues. Landscape orientation the obvious choice because I wanted to include the Spanish moss on the horizontal branches on the left. (See the hanging moss?)

In the original RAW file, the moss color is wrong. Also, the bright sun flummoxed the camera's exposure meter, discombobulating the overall exposure. Ugh! And the lichen on the tree lacked the texture that I saw in real-time. Adobe Lightroom (LR) to the rescue! First, quaffed a strawberry margarita, you know, to finesse creativity.

Recall that a RAW file is not yet a photo, just data LR (or any other RAW converter) interprets and forms an image. I exposed the photo for the bright sun, which I knew would underexpose the lower half of the image. Had I exposed for the shadows, the top half of the image would be overexposed. I easily brought back details in the shadows with the LR gradient filter which allows for adjustments of exposure, contrast, highlights, clarity, & saturation in the defined area.

I next tweaked clarity and texture. In the color panel, I decreased blue luminosity slightly to restore sky color. I increased overall contrast slightly. Now the photo is beginning to look as I saw the scene in real time. The last LR step was to apply lens correction. Depending on lens quality and the settings, lenses are notorious for producing various kinds of distortion, chromatic aberration, and perspective issues. LR usually fixes most lens issues, if they exist. This creative process took about three minutes and, yes, I'm legally allowed to have such fun! But I was not yet done! I exported the image, in the tiff format, to Photoshop Elements 2020 (PSE), with NIK plugins. In the tiff format, it's now a digital photo, not just data. To be continued...

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!

Send questions, suggestions or comments to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

 
Former Fillmore Mayor Manuel Minjares on Fillmore City Council's temporary moratorium of hemp production inside Fillmore city limits.
Former Fillmore Mayor Manuel Minjares on Fillmore City Council's temporary moratorium of hemp production inside Fillmore city limits.

The following opinion expressed by former Fillmore Mayor Manuel Minjares was taken from a public Facebook post:

“I want to add a little more context to this issue because Fillmore has wrestled with cannabis in the not too distant past.

On November 6, 2018, Measure T, a Fillmore City Council led measure that sought Fillmore voters say on commercial cultivation of cannabis in specific, business park and industrially zoned areas. The measure ensured that any cultivation would be conditioned to occur within an enclosed building with significant air filtration to mitigate any odor issues. This measure was defeated, 54% - 46%.

The moratorium that the city has passed only affects the few vestiges of agriculture WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS. Our moratorium does not affect or impact agricultural uses outside of our city limits. Our moratorium is also not a permanent ban on industrial hemp cultivation either. It does however give the City time to look at options and different regulatory scenarios.

Without this moratorium, agricultural properties WITHIN our City Boundary could simply register with Agricultural Commissioners office and start growing hemp mere feet from our residentially zoned neighborhoods. Despite what some believe or even care to consider, the odor from outdoor cannabis cultivation has a significant impact on many people, unlike any of our other crops in this country in my opinion.

To be clear, I'm a big supporter of agriculture in our county and as a matter of fact, have been a vocal proponent of well regulated cannabis cultivation within our city limits. I am also aware that certain land uses are going to conflict with one another and can negatively impact the quality of life of many if not regulated appropriately.

To summarize:
1. Fillmore voters said NO to commercial cannabis cultivation on 11/6/2018.

2. Fillmore City Council voted to enact a temporary moratorium on industrial hemp cultivation on 12/10/19.
I felt it was necessary to enact a moratorium before any unmitigated outdoor cultivation could occur with in city limits, directly adjacent to residential development.

3. The Fillmore moratorium only applies to the few pieces of remaining agricultural properties within the city limits.
The Fillmore moratorium does not apply to agricultural properties outside of the city limits where over 99.9% of all agricultural cultivation occurs and should occur.

4. Fillmore City staff will be working on options for regulating industrial hemp for a council decision likely to occur in 2020.”

 
Above is the old citrus packing house located at the corner of Sespe Avenue and A Street. After the former owner's long battle with the City of Fillmore, on December 13th it was announced that it was sold for $1,420,000.
Above is the old citrus packing house located at the corner of Sespe Avenue and A Street. After the former owner's long battle with the City of Fillmore, on December 13th it was announced that it was sold for $1,420,000.
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The Citrus Packing House, a repurposed creative campus at 341 A St. in the Ventura County city of Fillmore, CA, has traded for $1,420,000.00, according to Matt Benwitt of Lee & Associates-LA North/Ventura, who represented the seller in the transaction.

The 79,000 square foot property at A Street and Sespe Avenue was built as a packing house in two phases in 1917 and 1925 and eventually was used by Sunkist. Under the ownership of the seller, David Storrs, it was repurposed as a group of workshops for craftspeople known as the Packinghouse Creative. Tenants include makers of musical instruments along with Funky Junk Farms, a company that specializes in restoration and preservation of vintage trailers and RVs used for props and filming, and a memorabilia collector. It is located in an Opportunity Zone. The buyer, Brad Vernon, is expected to continue to use the property for creative tenants.

 
On Saturday morning, December 14th, Fillmore residents lined up at the Fillmore Fire Station for the Annual Toy Giveaway. Each child took a picture with Santa Claus and received a new toy, reading book, a new coat, socks, and holiday bags of groceries. Cotton candy, popcorn and candy canes were handed out. The children and their families were also able to visit with first responders and learn safety tips.
On Saturday morning, December 14th, Fillmore residents lined up at the Fillmore Fire Station for the Annual Toy Giveaway. Each child took a picture with Santa Claus and received a new toy, reading book, a new coat, socks, and holiday bags of groceries. Cotton candy, popcorn and candy canes were handed out. The children and their families were also able to visit with first responders and learn safety tips.
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Faith Community Church, 461 Central Avenue, has begun construction on the church and school buildings. They will retain the exterior façade, with an interior conversion of the buildings to a mixeduse residential apartment complex with 26 dwelling units, 4 of which will be restricted to rent as affordable senior units, and 3,777 square feet of specialty commercial building space (the “Project”).
Faith Community Church, 461 Central Avenue, has begun construction on the church and school buildings. They will retain the exterior façade, with an interior conversion of the buildings to a mixeduse residential apartment complex with 26 dwelling units, 4 of which will be restricted to rent as affordable senior units, and 3,777 square feet of specialty commercial building space (the “Project”).
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After a 3-year delay, Ventura County’s $9-million Fire Station No. 27 is open for business. This state-of-the-art structure was left unfinished during two of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history during that time. The major contractor failed to perform, and there has apparently been no financial backup. Anyway, it’s open now, sporting three new bright yellow fire trucks and a Caterpillar dozer to. Clear brushy terrain. Everything seems to be in good order. It is reported the station can house nine firefighters and four engines. How this new station will effect Fillmore’s own volunteer fire department remains to be seen.
After a 3-year delay, Ventura County’s $9-million Fire Station No. 27 is open for business. This state-of-the-art structure was left unfinished during two of the most devastating wildfires in California’s history during that time. The major contractor failed to perform, and there has apparently been no financial backup. Anyway, it’s open now, sporting three new bright yellow fire trucks and a Caterpillar dozer to. Clear brushy terrain. Everything seems to be in good order. It is reported the station can house nine firefighters and four engines. How this new station will effect Fillmore’s own volunteer fire department remains to be seen.
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Over the next few weeks, Edison will be conducting aerial inspections on Fillmore equipment. You may notice an increase in aircraft activity in your area, including the use of helicopters and drones. We appreciate your support as this is part of our ongoing commitment supporting California’s fight against wildfires. For more information, please visit https://energized.edison.com/stories/drones-join-helicopters-inspecting-powerlines-in-high-fire-risk-areas
Over the next few weeks, Edison will be conducting aerial inspections on Fillmore equipment. You may notice an increase in aircraft activity in your area, including the use of helicopters and drones. We appreciate your support as this is part of our ongoing commitment supporting California’s fight against wildfires. For more information, please visit https://energized.edison.com/stories/drones-join-helicopters-inspecting-powerlines-in-high-fire-risk-areas
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Saturday, December 7th at 10am was the Fillmore Lion’s Club 18th Annual Christmas Parade. Although the rain tried to put a stop to the Parade, it went on. Santa and Mrs. Claus traded in the sleigh for the morning to take a special trip down Central Avenue aboard a Fillmore Fire Department fire truck. At the end of his ride, Santa made his way to the Fillmore Towne Theatre to take photos with the kids and families who brought their cameras. Photo courtesy Vanessa Granillo Alvarez.
Saturday, December 7th at 10am was the Fillmore Lion’s Club 18th Annual Christmas Parade. Although the rain tried to put a stop to the Parade, it went on. Santa and Mrs. Claus traded in the sleigh for the morning to take a special trip down Central Avenue aboard a Fillmore Fire Department fire truck. At the end of his ride, Santa made his way to the Fillmore Towne Theatre to take photos with the kids and families who brought their cameras. Photo courtesy Vanessa Granillo Alvarez.
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Miss Fillmore, First and Second Princesses Angelina Mynatt, and Alisa Velasco. Photos courtesy Miss & Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant Facebook.
Miss Fillmore, First and Second Princesses Angelina Mynatt, and Alisa Velasco. Photos courtesy Miss & Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant Facebook.
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Also, riding on the Fillmore Fire Engine 91 in this year’s Lions Club Christmas Parade are Fillmore City Council members showing their Christmas spirit. Photo courtesy Jan Lee.
Also, riding on the Fillmore Fire Engine 91 in this year’s Lions Club Christmas Parade are Fillmore City Council members showing their Christmas spirit. Photo courtesy Jan Lee.
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Saturday, December 14th was the 42nd Annual Piru Christmas Parade. Pictured are Miss Fillmore Ariana Ocegueda, Miss Teen Fillmore Monique Hurtado and the court marching in this year’s parade, waving to the crowd. Photos courtesy Miss Fillmore/Teen Fillmore Pageant Facebook.
Saturday, December 14th was the 42nd Annual Piru Christmas Parade. Pictured are Miss Fillmore Ariana Ocegueda, Miss Teen Fillmore Monique Hurtado and the court marching in this year’s parade, waving to the crowd. Photos courtesy Miss Fillmore/Teen Fillmore Pageant Facebook.
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On Friday, December 13th part of Central Avenue was blocked off for the Santa Stoll from 5pm – 9pm. The whole family could enjoy dinner, snacks, desserts, and shopping with local vendors/small businesses on both sides of the street, there were free pictures with Santa in the Towne Theater, a free jolly jumper, holiday music and a petting zoo where you could feed feathery/furry friends! Courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook page.
On Friday, December 13th part of Central Avenue was blocked off for the Santa Stoll from 5pm – 9pm. The whole family could enjoy dinner, snacks, desserts, and shopping with local vendors/small businesses on both sides of the street, there were free pictures with Santa in the Towne Theater, a free jolly jumper, holiday music and a petting zoo where you could feed feathery/furry friends! Courtesy City of Fillmore Facebook page.
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At last night’s School Board meeting the board discussed the Fillmore Unified Teacher Association tentative agreement as well as school year dates for 2020-2021, and Certificated Special Education, psychologist, nurse and other salary schedules for the upcoming year.
At last night’s School Board meeting the board discussed the Fillmore Unified Teacher Association tentative agreement as well as school year dates for 2020-2021, and Certificated Special Education, psychologist, nurse and other salary schedules for the upcoming year.
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Fillmore Unified School District
Fillmore Unified School District

Approve Start and End Dates for 2020-2021 School Year
The Governing Board approved a start date for staff to be on Monday, August 17, 2020, followed by a first student day held on Thursday, August 20, 2020. Pending collaboration from both employee units, the last day for students would be June 3, 2021, followed by a teacher workday on June 4, 2021.

Approve Resolution 19-20-12 Regarding Census 2020 The Governing Board approved Resolution 19-20-12.

Approve Tentative Agreement between the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) and the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD)
The Governing Board approved the Tentative Agreement reached during the last mediation session.

Approve Certificated/Certificated Special Education/School Psychologist/Coordinator/Nurse/ROP/Vocational Salary Schedules
The Governing Board approved the Certificated/Certificated Special Education/School Psychologist/Coordinator/Nurse/ROP/Vocational salary schedules.

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

 
Photo of the Week: "An oak, some lichen, Spanish moss and a Sunstar" by Bob Crum. Ah! Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera with Tamron 16-300mm lens @16mm, no filters. Exposure; ISO 1,000, aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/100 second.
Photo of the Week: "An oak, some lichen, Spanish moss and a Sunstar" by Bob Crum. Ah! Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera with Tamron 16-300mm lens @16mm, no filters. Exposure; ISO 1,000, aperture f/22, shutter speed 1/100 second.
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Creative Photography Part 2
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

My previous column concluded with notes about SOOC (Straight Out Of Camera) photography. Briefly, I wrote that some say that SOOC is stupid! Others say that photographers who use Photoshop (or some other photo editor program) simply don't know how to use their camera. Conversely, others say that SOOC photographers simply don't know how to use Photoshop. To wit I add: no image straight of the camera is as good as it can be. Which begs the question: How much better does the image need to be?

SOOC purists claim that pristine unprocessed photos are superb. (sigh) Fact: All photos get processed in the camera. Light is converted to a digital file that is then processed by the camera's computer according to algorithms programmed by the camera engineers. Also, selecting a camera's 'picture style' setting will significantly affect the photo. An unprocessed SOOC image is a myth!

If the SOOC photo is a snapshot in the JPEG format and destined only for social media, i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and email, it will most likely be satisfactory. At best, such photos will only get a nano-second glance anyway. Image quality is of little or no consequence because we know that snapshots made day in and day out aren't what could be considered 'creative' photos. Right?

However, photography affords a high degree of creativity. But this creative aspect is not easily defined. In no quarter is there an agreed description or one that separates the craft from other mediums. But we can agree that through the application of various techniques both in-camera and in post-processing, creativity is integral. Mermaid boudoir photography is an extremely creative genre of photography in which I specialize. But I digress.

The photographer begins the creative process by programming the camera. Beyond the essential fundamentals-focus & composition-options include aperture and shutter speed determinations. For instance, determine a shutter speed to blur a fast-moving subject or blur the background. Also, to create a stop-action waterfall or blur the flowing water for a silky look. Depth-of-field considerations and more. Beyond the technical aspects of a camera, a creative photographer sees things that most others overlook. The ability to see things, and see them from a unique perspective, is a significant component of creative photography.

Composition is a foundation for creativity. Placement of the subject, including the decision to include negative space, often helps to separate the subject to draw attention to it. The use of color is another significant creative element. Think about using back-lit subjects to create a silhouette. Changing the perspective can create an uncommon and potentially interesting photo. If you're standing - kneel. Lay on the ground/floor. Or extend the camera high overhead. Note: Attaching your camera to your dog's tail as it walks down the street is not creative street photography: It's dogography!

Though this is an abbreviated discussion on creative photography, there's one more important element: Intention. Intentionally capture the image as mentally envisioned to the best of your abilities and that of your camera. For example, the photo of the week is an old oak tree that I came upon as the sun was lowering in the south-western sky. Regular readers know I brake for sunstar photographic opportunities. Although the lower background is replete with vegetation and thus a tad busy, it's OK. All the other components make for a captivating photo. Observe it again. See the enchanting lichen creating texture on the tree trunk & limbs? How many see the Spanish moss? Aha, I thought so. It's on the lower left tree limbs. I instantly saw all of these eye-catching elements. I then programmed the camera to create the sunstar rays and intentionally made the photo. Ah, such is the ecstasy of creative photography. Say again? Did I do any post-processing? Stay tuned!

Send comments, suggestions or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

 
(above) Tim Holmgren was appointed Mayor of Fillmore at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
(above) Tim Holmgren was appointed Mayor of Fillmore at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
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Fillmore City Council selected the 2020 Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem at Tuesday night’s meeting. The City Clerk asks the Council to nominate a Councilmember to serve as Mayor via a motion.... Fillmore City Council unanimously voted Councilman Tim Holmgren as Fillmore's new Mayor for 2020.

5. The Fillmore City Council meeting began with a presentation by Mr. Charles Richardson. Mr. Richardson apologized to City Manager David Rowlands and to Public Works Supervisor David Smallwood, for his previously mistaken accusation that the city was responsible for water quality at the El Dorado Mobile Home Park. Richardson subsequently learned the city had no part in determining water quality at the Park. He praised Rowlands and Smallwood for their handling of the issue.

See further discussion of issue on Fillmore City Council agenda: by Roxanne Hughes, PE, City Engineer.

8.A The City Engineer's recommendation that the City Council approve Final Map Tract No. 5520-5, authorize the Mayor to sign the map, and direct the City Clerk to record the maps with the County Recorder's office was approved unanimously.

8.B That the City Council adopt the plans and specifications and approve the advertisement for bids for the construction of the State Route 126 and State Hwy23 Utility Cover Adjustment Project, Spec. No. 18-01. DISCUSSION Caltrans recently completed asphalt concrete paving projects on State Route 126 (Ventura Street) and State Route23 (A-Street) that covered the manhole and valve covers that serve as access points to city owned water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain utilities. The Caltrans design team did not coordinate with City staff during that project’s design phase, however, the construction team did invite City Staff to the preconstruction meeting. Unfortunately, Caltrans did not include any adjustments for any “non-highway facilities” in their scope of work, nor did they coordinate with the utility owners, prior to beginning construction of the project. As a result, the utility covers are now below grade. The City, as the utility owner, is now required to raise the covers to match the new grade as a City project under an encroachment permit from Caltrans.

Staff will bring the construction bid analysis to Council with a recommendation for contract award, including a proposed final budget request and request for the required budget allocations and/or appropriations.

Recommendation approved.

8-E ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 19-3741 AMENDING THE CITY’S COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS RESOLUTION FOR NON-REPRESENTED MANAGEMENT/MID-MANAGEMENT AND PART TIME EMPLOYEES TO REFLECT NEW HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT CLASSIFICATION AND THE NEW MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES.

The City Council adopted Resolution 19-3741 unanimously as recommended.

8-F CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 19-3741 ADOPTING A FURTHER REVISED THE PUBLICLY AVAILABLE PAY SCHEDULE FOR ALL CITY OF FILLMORE EMPLOYEES.

Approved unanimously by Council.

8-G REPORT ON DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE INCOME AND EXPENSES PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 66006 AND CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 19-3742 MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING UNEXPENDED FEES.

City Council approved Resolution No. 19-3742 to accept the DIF income and expense report and make the findings required by state law with respect to a portion of DIF funds that are unexpended and were collected over five (5) years ago.

8-H REVIEW AND APPROVE FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 19-922, REPLACING FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2.36, WITH A NEW TITLE 16 “WATER DEPARTMENT” TO INCORPORATE NEW WATER SHUTOFF PROCEDURES AS REQUIRED UNDER SENATE BILL 998 – THE WATER SHUTOFF PROTECTION ACT AND ADOPTION OF AN EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

Ordinance approved.

8-I APPOINTMENT OF TO THE FILL ONE OF THE CITY OF FILLMORE’S SEAT ON THE CITIZENS TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE/SOCIAL SERVICE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COUNCIL (CTAC/SSTAC). The purpose of the Committee is to act as an advisory board to VCTC for purposes of transportation planning and identification of unmet transit needs.

The Council appointed Aaron Todd to the position, and thanked him for volunteering for the position.

8-J COMMENT ON AND ADOPT PROPOSED CITY POLICY FOR PARKS AND RECREATION SPORT FIELD RENTALS.

No action taken.

8-K Council considered THE ADOPTION OF INTERIM URGENCY ORDINANCE 923 TO PROHIBIT THE CULTIVATION, MANUFACTURING, TESTING, STORING, AND CERTAIN SALES OF INDUSTRIAL HEMP IN THE CITY OF FILLMORE, DECLARING THE URGENCY THEREOF AND THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE ORDINANCE PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858, 36934 AND 36937, AND MAKING A DETERMINATION OF EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT.

Following discussion of health and safety issues relating to this discussion, Council voted 4-1 in favor of the interim urgency ordinance, with Councilman Lynne Edmonds dissenting.

The decision was taken after a lengthy discussion of contemplated action. Mr. William Steiger and Charles Steiger delivered thoughtful scientific reasons why the issue of growing and processing hemp (not marijuana) should be considered with reasonable controls to protect public health and safety. The ordinance mounts to a temporary moratorium on the processing of hemp.

8-L PUBLIC HEARING: CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 921, ADDING SECTION 6.04.42 OF THE FILLMORE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING REQUIREMENTS AND FINDING OF EXEMPTION FROM CEQA.

Council followed Planning Commission's recommendation to introduce Ordinance No. 19-921 and add Fillmore Municipal Code section 6.04.42 regarding affordable housing requirements and finding of exemption from CEQA.

 
(above) Last year’s Toy Drive Giveaway.
(above) Last year’s Toy Drive Giveaway.
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This year’s annual Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway will be held Saturday, December 14th from 9 AM – 12 PM at the Fillmore City Fire Station, 711 Landeros Lane. This is the annual event where holiday commodities are given to the children who reside within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries. Each child will have a picture taken with Santa Claus. They will also receive a new toy and reading book, a new coat and socks, holiday bags of groceries will also be available as well as a limited number of Christmas trees. Cotton candy, popcorn and candy canes will be distributed. The children and their families will be able to visit with First Responders and learn safety tips.

Annual sponsors of the event include our local Fillmore Police and Fire Departments, Santa Clara Valley Legal Aid, The Latshaw Foundation, One Step A La Vez, Soroptimist International of Fillmore, Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Fillmore Future Farmers of America, Sespe 4-H, Rotary International of Fillmore, Fillmore Lions Club, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Sheriff’s Mounted Posse, Fillmore Citizen’s Patrol, Fillmore Search and Rescue, The Fillmore Fire Foundation and numerous other generous personal and business donors.

If you would like to help donate to the Fillmore Community Holiday Giveaway, you may give new toys, coats, books, socks or canned food; drop boxes are located at the Fillmore Police Station and at the Fillmore City Fire Station. Cash donations are gladly accepted, checks may be made out to “The Fillmore Fire Foundation” with a notation of “Holiday Giveaway”. Donations may be mailed to Fillmore Fire Foundation” PO Box 331, Fillmore , CA 93016 or for drop off, please contact Scott Beylik (805) 732-1101 or Keith Gurrola (805) 558-0932.

 
Fillmore Fire Department was awarded $45,000 in grant funding to purchase new emergency equipment. Pictured is some the current equipment the department uses.
Fillmore Fire Department was awarded $45,000 in grant funding to purchase new emergency equipment. Pictured is some the current equipment the department uses.
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VCTC Approves Funding for Critical First Response to Roadway Incidents and Emergencies
The Jaws of Life, which is used to extract victims trapped in their vehicles following a collision.
The Jaws of Life, which is used to extract victims trapped in their vehicles following a collision.
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On Friday, Dec. 6, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) approved a resolution to provide 25% matching funds for a Freeway Service Patrol (FSP). FSP, a program to assist disabled vehicles along congested freeway segments, will provide roving tow and service trucks on freeways during peak traffic periods when it goes into effect next year. FSP will emphasize support on high-congestion areas along the U.S. 101, such as between Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and Oxnard. On S.R.118, FSP will focus on high-traffic areas around Simi Valley and Moorpark.

FSP is a joint program of the California Department of Transportation, the California Highway Patrol and State of California’s Service for Freeway Emergencies (SAFE). While an FSP has existed in Los Angeles and other counties for several years, the Commission’s action brings the program to Ventura County for the first time.

“FSP provides free assistance to motorists stranded in dangerous situations on busy freeways,” said VCTC Executive Director Darren Kettle. “It also helps improve air quality and traffic congestion by quickly re-establishing free-flowing roadway conditions.”

The FSP is one of two significant programs approved by the Commission and funded by SAFE in recent months. In October, the Commission awarded grants to five first responders to improve response to traffic incidents. VCTC received grant applications from the Fillmore Fire Department, Oxnard Police Department, Ventura Police Department, Ventura County Fire Protection District, and Ventura County Sheriff and elected to fully fund all five for a total grant amount in excess of $900,000.

• Fillmore Fire Department - $45,000.00
o Battery Operated Jaws Components
o LED Lighting System
o Traffic Control Devices
• Oxnard Police Department – $50,000.00
o Mobile Changeable Message Signs (2)
• Ventura Police Department (Major Incident Response Vehicle) - $437,519.62
o Major Incident Response Vehicle
o Faro Laser Scanner
o Wanco Sign Board
o Globug lighting
o Rubberneck Scene Barriers (3)
o Traffic Control Devices
o Vericom Accelerometer
o Master Tool Kit
• Ventura County Fire Protection District - $55,000.00
o Opticon Signal Preemption Moorpark/Simi
• Ventura County Sheriff – $318,000.00
o Opticon Signal Preemption
o Mobile Changeable Message Signs (6)
o LED Lighting System (2)
o Drones for mapping and photographic recording (6)

“The SAFE grants will help our local police and firefighters save lives,” Kettle said. “Each of the awardees has laid out a compelling plan to use grant funds to conduct critical traffic incident response more quickly, efficiently and safely.”
The SAFE program was established by The California Legislature in order to encourage the development of a motorist aid system comprised of multiple service elements and infrastructure along the California Freeway and Freeway System.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission
The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.

 

Please join us for the 42nd Annual Piru Christmas Parade and Festival on Saturday, December 14, from 12 - 6 pm. Anna Ramos (aka “Peter”) is our Grand Marshal and will start the parade. Parade begins at noon and the Festival starts immediately after. There will be music by Juano & Friends, pictures with Santa, and a Corn Hole Tournament, to name a few of the festival’s activities. See you in Piru!

 
On Tuesday, December 10th at 2:37pm, a traffic collision occurred involving a Chevrolet Express van and two Thomas school buses on Telegraph Road east of Cummings Road. (Photos courtesy Ventura County Fire PIO)
On Tuesday, December 10th at 2:37pm, a traffic collision occurred involving a Chevrolet Express van and two Thomas school buses on Telegraph Road east of Cummings Road. (Photos courtesy Ventura County Fire PIO)
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On December 10, 2019, at approximately 2:37 p.m., minor injury traffic collision occurred involving a Chevrolet Express van a Thomas School Bus (First Student) and a separate Thomas School Bus (Ventura Transit).

A male driver, age 57 of Montebello, was stopped at a stop sign in a white Chevrolet Express van on southbound Cummings Road at Telegraph Road.

A female driver, age 42 out of Ventura, was stopped in a yellow First Student School Bus with one student on board (age 6), on Telegraph Road, just west of Cummings Road.

A male driver, age 41 out of Fillmore, was driving a yellow Ventura Transit School Bus, with four 17-year-old students on board from Santa Paula, on Telegraph Road just east of Cummings Road.

The driver of the Chevrolet van attempted a left turn from Cummings Road onto eastbound Telegraph Road. The driver of the Chevrolet failed to check westbound traffic on Telegraph Road and crossed directly into the path of the Ventura Transit School Bus. This resulted in a collision between the Chevrolet and the Ventura Transit School Bus. The collision caused the Ventura Transit School Bus to continue westbound and collide into the stopped First Student School Bus. After the collision, the Ventura Transit Bus became partially engulfed in flames. Luckily all parties were able to exit safely from their vehicles. The male driver of the Chevrolet Express van and two children age 6 and age 17 were transported to Santa Paula Hospital with minor injuries.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding the collision should contact the Ventura Area CHP office at (805) 662-2640.

 
On Sunday, December 8th the Fillmore Fire Department and Fire Foundation hosted their annual Chicken Dinner and Toy Drive Fundraiser. From 5pm to 7pm people dropped off an unwrapped toy or a $10 donation and received a BBQ chicken dinner plate to go or they could dine inside the station. Pictured above are a few kids loading up the Fillmore Fire Truck with toys which will be given away at the Toy Drive Give Away on Saturday, December 14th at the Fillmore Fire Station.
On Sunday, December 8th the Fillmore Fire Department and Fire Foundation hosted their annual Chicken Dinner and Toy Drive Fundraiser. From 5pm to 7pm people dropped off an unwrapped toy or a $10 donation and received a BBQ chicken dinner plate to go or they could dine inside the station. Pictured above are a few kids loading up the Fillmore Fire Truck with toys which will be given away at the Toy Drive Give Away on Saturday, December 14th at the Fillmore Fire Station.
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Jose DeJesus Rodriguez (Courtesy SFPD).
Jose DeJesus Rodriguez (Courtesy SFPD).

Courtesy San Francisco Examiner https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/sfsu-student-allegedly-shot-and-killed-b...

In the months before she was fatally shot at a house near Lowell High School, 21-year-old Valeria Villagomez had become the victim of an abusive relationship, prosecutors said Tuesday.

The college student had just started dating 20-year-old Jose DeJesus Rodriguez this summer when he allegedly began choking her, calling her a “whore” and demanding she delete her social media account.

Then last Thursday afternoon, officers responding to a 911 call at a house near 26th Avenue and Eucalyptus Drive spotted Rodriguez walking outside shirtless and with blood on his hands.

Villagomez, a student at San Francisco State University, had been shot in the head with a revolver.

These are the details of the case alleged in a motion from prosecutors seeking to hold Rodriguez in jail without bail.

The District Attorney’s Office filed the motion Tuesday ahead of his first court appearance at the Hall of Justice.

Inside the courtroom, Rodriguez stood before San Francisco Superior Court Judge Harry Dorfman wearing a County Jail jumpsuit with a chain around his waist.

“The public safety threat here is paramount,” Dorfman said, before ordering that Rodriguez remain in jail until the bail motion is heard next week. “The facts alleged appear to be weighty in favor of the accusation.”

Suzy Loftus, the newly appointed interim district attorney, was sitting in the front row of the courtroom gallery alongside Kathy Black, the executive director of La Casa de las Madres, a shelter for battered women.

“The most dangerous place for a woman is in her home,” Loftus said outside the courtroom.

“When we see this type of horrific crime,” she said, “it’s important to remember that if anyone in San Francisco knows anyone who they think might be a victim of domestic violence, certainly to report it to the police.”

The killing marked the 32nd reported homicide in San Francisco so far this year and the second killing of 2019 that appeared to be related to domestic violence.

But Black said the problem of domestic violence is much broader than homicides.

“When we only focus on the homicides, we are not looking at the thousands of victims who suffer less-than-lethal acts of domestic violence every single day,” Black said. “We have to really be focused on the big, total picture.”

Her organization responded to 8,914 calls from domestic violence victims and their allies in one recent year, and made 1,177 calls to survivors after police responded to their abuse, according to its 2017-18 annual report.

Rodriguez is facing three felony counts including murder and a domestic violence-related charge. He has not yet entered a plea, but his attorney called the shooting an accident.

“Preliminary information suggests that this was a tragic accident that resulted in the death of someone Jose loves dearly and has been close to since childhood,” said Brian Pearlman, a deputy public defender.

“We look forward to seeing all the materials the government has as soon as possible so both families can get the answers they deserve,” Pearlman said in a statement.

In the bail motion, Assistant District Attorney Michael Swart said Rodriguez has no ties to San Francisco and is from Southern California, where he has been arrested twice before. One of the arrests was gang-related, he said.

Swart said Rodriguez attempted suicide while in police custody at the Hall of Justice before allegedly attempting to take a gun from an officer at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

Rodriguez is said to be medicated for bipolar disorder and had previously threatened to kill Villagomez and himself before, according to Swart.

After the shooting, Rodriguez was allegedly the person who called 911 to report that Villagomez was shot. Swart said police found Villagomez “lying on the floor in a pool of blood” and a revolver on the bed.

Swart said Villagomez had told a friend she was contemplating breaking up with Rodriguez. But there was no evidence that the alleged domestic violence had been reported to police before.

In a message to the campus community, SFSU President Lynn Mahoney mourned the loss of Villagomez without mentioning her by name.

“The tragic and untimely death of a student takes a particularly deep emotional toll,” Mahoney said last Friday. “I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the student’s family and friends.”

Students can access university counseling services at (415) 338-2208.

Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court again next Tuesday at 9 a.m for arraignment and the bail motion.

La Casa de las Madres has a 24/7 domestic violence crisis line that can be reached at (877) 503-1850.

 
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