Adam Zavala, age 15 of Fillmore FFA, with his swine Cisco who was named Reserve Grand Champion/4-H Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine.
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Jordyn Blankenship, age 15 of Fillmore FFA, with her swine Dallas who was named FFA Champion Market Swine at this year’s Ventura County Fair.
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Alexis Van Why, age 16 of Fillmore FFA, with Bubba who was named FFA Reserve Champion/Champion Barrow at this year’s Ventura County Fair.
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Many enjoyed this year’s Livestock Show that was held at the Ventura County Fair. Friends and families from all over came out to support and enjoy the show.
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Join me at the Judge William P. Clark Pavilion featuring the Junior Livestock Auction at the County Fair. The auction is the culmination of months of time and energy youngsters spent raising an animal for the auction. This year, four kids – three Fillmore FFA students and a Sespe 4-H member raised exceptional animals – three market swine and one market steer - thus were awarded with special merits. In no particular order, the following are the four winners and their comments from my interviews:

Alexis Van Why, 16, Fillmore FFA, raised a FFA Reserve Champion/Champion Barrow. The champion pigs name? “Bubba.” Why I asked? “Just a name,” she said. Bubba was Alexis' eighth pig. Are you about to retire I inquired? “Almost,” she said. “Eligible only two more years.” Aside from winning showmanship several times, this was her first market swine champion.

All the years covering this event, I had not encountered a “barrow” champion. Obviously I asked. “A barrow pig,” explained Alexis, “is a pig that has been castrated before sexual maturity.” Adding, “it's a class of it's own which I won.” Now we know.

The winning bid: $20.00 per pound. If my math is correct, her 265 pound barrow pig awarded her a cool $5,300.00. What do you think about that, I asked? “I think it's amazing,” she said. What did you expect I asked? “About $8.00 a pound”. And what are the plans for the money? “Saving for college, either Cal Poly Pomona or San Luis Obispo where I plan to study psychology and be a forensic psychologist.”

Why this course of study? “I got it from the TV show ‘Criminal Minds’.” Interesting. But it's a scripted show I said. “I know, but it's awesome,” her reply.

What's the easiest part of raising a pig like Bubba? “Probably the maintenance of him... keeping him clean and feeding him.” The hardest part? “Training him to walk good,” adding, “they don't come trained so it takes a while getting him used to the whip and walking around.” How long did it take? “About two months to get him to respond the way I wanted,” she said.

Pigs have a reputation for being hoggish, as in gluttonous, so I asked about Bubba's diet. “What about it?” asked Alexis, grinning. OK, I meant what do you feed Bubba? “Oh. I fed him Morman's feed for pigs, some oats and a couple of supplements,” said Alexis. No donuts, cookies, apple pie? “None, never!” she quickly said. How come no treats, I asked? “I wanted to keep him lean and not get a lot of fat on him.” By design? “Yes,” she answered. “Because of his bone structure I kept him on a high protein diet.” Well, Bubba was obviously deprived of gormandizing but considering his championship status, Alexis knew best. And next year? “Another pig,” said Alexis. Once a pig farmer...

Jordyn Blankenship, 15, of the Fillmore FFA raised the FFA Champion market swine. Her pig, Dallas, weighed in at a robust 273 pounds. Why the name Dallas I asked? “Well, I didn't really know what to name her and after looking at names I chose Dallas and it seemed to fit her pretty well.” Having obtained Dallas from a pig farmer in Bakersfield one would think... nah, Bakersfield would have been a lousy name.

What about the easiest part of raising Dallas? “Just the whole experience. Winning, seeing all my hard work pay off, the whole entire experience was great,” said Jordyn. Did any of that have to do with Dallas' personality I wondered? “Yes, she's sweet. She knows her name and comes when I call her. She loves belly rubs. She's a sweet hog.”

Next, the most difficult part of raising Dallas? “Getting her weight to where we wanted it. And getting her to walk the way I wanted her to walk,” she said. Although, Jordyn added, “I think pigs are smarter than dogs and easy to train.” And that's that.

Speaking of weight, were there any weight issues that concerned you? “Yes,” she said. “She was a little heavy at the beginning so had to get that dialed in. We made weight for the fair. What's the maximum allowed? “Max 285 and Dallas weighed in at 273 pounds.” Dallas' diet? “Feed and special supplements to help her body structure and make her look the best. Feed plays a huge role. The feed can make or break a pig,” Jordyn emphasized.

Last year? “I won first in class but not a championship,” she said. Next year? “A hog”. Why another hog? “I love it,” said Jordy, adding, “I've been showing since I was ten years old. It's one of my favorite things to do.” Remaining eligible for another five years, what's the plan? “Hogs!” came the prompt response. I knew that... once a pig farmer.....

The winning bid for Dallas was $9.00/pound for a total of $2,457.00. The money? “College,” she said. Where? “Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.” To study? “Animal science.” The goal? “Large livestock veterinarian.”

Erin Berrington, 17, and a member of Fillmore FFA, raised a market steer that was awarded Reserve Grand Champion/FFA Reserve Champion. The name of the 1,379 pound behemoth? “Leroy”, said Erin. Hmmm, why Leroy? “Because my dad liked the name,” she said. Did dad select Leroy? “Yes.” You didn't veto the name? “I like the name,” she conceded.

Were did you get Leroy? “Silver Cattle, Kingsburg,” she said. I looked it up on the Net. Silver Cattle has a prestigious record of breeding championship steer. Very interesting. I digress.

What was the best thing about raising Leroy, I asked? He wasn't crazy like all the other steer that I raised. He was very easy,” she said. What was the most difficult about raising Leroy, I asked? After a long pause she said, “Washing him because of his light color. He has white on his legs so when he'd get poop on his legs it was harder to wash off.” Any additional challenges? “Sometimes,” Erin said, “because he's so heavy he was lazy and didn't want to walk.”

Leroy is huge so I wondered how a young girl walks such a large animal. “Basically you have a halter that goes on his head,” Erin explained, adding that you need to be on his left side and keep him close to you so you have control of him. ”However, if you wanted to go to the left but Leroy wanted to go to the right, are you going to be able to stop him? “It depends,” she said. “When he weighed 500 pounds when I got him, yes. I don't know about now. He might be the one in charge.”

The diet? Erin was reluctant to say. Tell me a something about what he ate for supper. After some coaxing, she finally said, “three-way hay.” Three-way hay? Pause. Finally, she said, “It's a secret.” I must respect that.

What's it like attending to Leroy? “During school, I'd be at the (School) Farm at 6 a.m. to feed him and return at 5 p.m. to feed him again and wash him every other day.” Not at all easy raising a large animal.

Next year? “I plan to raise another market steer but it will be my last year,” said Erin. How do you feel about that? “I'm sad,” she said, “but also kind of happy because I'll have a life,” she said giggling.

The winning bid was $8.00 a pound... for a total of $11,032. The plan? “Save it for nursing school,” she said. School selected yet? “Yes. I really want to try to go to Montana State.”

Fillmore FFA Adam Zavala, 15, raised a Reserve Grand Champion/4-H Reserve Grand Champion market swine. The handsome hog's name? “Cisco,” said Adam.

What was the best part of raising Cisco? “Umm... being able to take care of him and make him a better pig,” said Adam. How did you do that? “Feeding him good, walking him every day and making sure he's OK.” Any problems making weight I asked? “Ummm... yes because he got sick for a while and he held back his weight a lot but he made up a lot at the end.”

To help Cisco gain the weight back, Adam said he fed Cisco more than normally. Was a diet change required? “Yes,” he said. In addition to supplements, what did you add to his diet? Perhaps donuts? “Yes, said Adam. “He got donuts, yogurt, and cookies. Loves peach yogurt.” His favorite cookie? “Wafer cookies”, he said. Aha, a pig with discerning taste.

This was Adam's fifth year raising a pig but the first year he won a championship. Surprised? “Yes”, he said. And where did you get your prize pig? “Billy Barnes in Bakersfield,” he said. Seems like a lot of champion pigs come from Bakersfield. What are you going to raise next year? “Another pig.” I knew that. Once a pig farmer....

But why only pigs? “A little easier and less expensive”, said Adam. Alas, the secret is outed. The winning bid for Adam's pig was $13.00 a pound. For 249 pounds of bacon the winner paid $3,237.00. What are your plans for the money? “Save it up for college,” he said. At 15, Adam does not have any particular career plans. In the meantime, he's actively participating in baseball at Fillmore High.

The animals were judged championship quality but the real champions are the kids who raised the magnificent animals. They did their parents, their teachers and the community proud. Kudos to all the parents and teachers who support the children in the 4-H and FFA programs for a job well done. To all the youngsters who raised an animal, congratulations from the Fillmore Gazette staff for your hard-earned achievements. On to next year!

At Tuesday's regular City Council meeting a representative of the Ventura County Community College District announced a truly great new program. All Ventura County Community College students can ride for FREE ANYWHERE in Ventura County. Students can catch the bus for free for the 2018/19 school year. This service includes attendance in any college (Moorpark, Oxnard, or Ventura), study online, Associate and Transfer Degrees, Career Education and Dual Enrollment for high school students.

I think this is the first time the College District has offered such a generous program. This opens a huge variety of opportunities in business, child development, criminal justice, communication, English, health ed., mathematics, music, political science and sign language. This is a terrific chance to learn and move up. Hey, if I weren't such an old goat I would sign on myself! I could use a good dose of English. (I apologize for editorializing in a news space) but this is a great deal!

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Special recognition was given to John Heilman and David Miller for constructing the electric "F" on top of the mountain overlooking the city. The famous letter can now be seen at night thanks to the solar devices these men placed on the hill.

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A Fillmore resident explained the difficulty her group was having in its attempts to place their rebuttal statement to Measure "T" on the November Fillmore ballot. Measure T concerns voter approval in establishing indoor commercial marijuana buildings and businesses in Fillmore.

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A discussion was had concerning the swimming pool, its various uses and continued financial support. Mayor Manuel Minjares reminded everyone of the social importance of the pool despite the fact that it runs in the red every year.

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More complaints were expressed concerning Equestrian Center management. Efforts continue to try to resolve various problems.

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Agenda item 8-B consideration of funding SCE historical usage DATA and request and technical study with City of Santa Paula was held back for now.

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Consideration of an assignment and consent agreement to transfer the obligation to maintain the WATER RECYCLING PLANT from AMERICAN WATER to VEOLIA WATER NORTH AMERICAN OPERATING SERVICES LLC. was unanimously approved.

[This is a letter that was sent to Fillmore Middle School Families from Fillmore unified School District Superintendent Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D. written August 10, 2018]

Dear Fillmore Middle School Families,
We usually think about summer as a time of relaxation, sleeping a little later and gathering our strength for the next school year. However, this summer has been very busy around our school district. Our District team has been hard at work to conduct much needed repairs and improvements on our school campuses while classes were not in session. I’d like to bring you up to date on our facilities work plan this past summer and into the fall.

First, let me thank you again for voting to pass Measure V in 2016. Voters had confidence in our district to support $35 million in bonds that will be spent to repair and upgrade older classrooms and school facilities, including leaky roofs, deteriorating plumbing, electrical, heating/air conditioning systems, upgrade electrical wiring, fire alarms/emergency communication systems. The money also will be spent to improve vocational education facilities and to acquire and construct or repair classrooms.

We committed to identifying opportunities to seek state matching funds, and in spring 2018 the California Department of Education awarded Fillmore Unified with $3 million of matching funds for the Transportation pathway of our new Career Technical Education building. Our team is hard at work preparing an application to reapply for an additional $3 million in matching funds for the Agriculture pathway. Measure V and state funds will enable Fillmore Unified to realize the dream of creating the Career Technical Education facility that our students deserve.

Our team has been focused on preparing our school sites for the start of the school year and has accomplished the following:
- Painted the exterior of San Cayetano, Mountain Vista, and Fillmore Middle Schools. There’s nothing like a fresh paint job to make a facility feel new again and motivate our students.
- The addition of outdoor lighting at Fillmore Middle School to increase safety and security on our campuses.
- Slurry sealing and striping of parking lots and appropriate hardscapes.
- A new track at Fillmore High School.

We are also conducting mold abatement in the Fillmore Middle School boy’s locker room, boy’s locker room coach’s office, and stage area of the gymnasium building. It does not appear that the spores associated with the mold pose a health hazard, but we are taking measures to repair the damage. The roof was repaired in 2013, but a recent inspection revealed that conditions existed which require us to address them immediately. Fillmore Unified hired an environmental firm located in Ventura County to test for potential health hazards. The results did not indicate an exposure risk to our students and staff; however, we believe in being proactive and dealing with the issue head-on. Their inspection revealed that many ceiling tiles are missing or damaged and mold is present in the drywall attic space over the boy’s locker room, storage room, coach’s shower/restroom and over the stage area within the gym. There will be extensive abatement, scrubbing the air with filtration systems, intensive cleaning of the walls and ceiling, and reconstruction in some of the most affected areas. As a result, the areas that are being addressed will not be accessible to students or staff until the work has been completed. School administration has identified alternate spaces for students while the work is completed.

Our school district has many exciting projects ahead, all designed to enhance the education experience of our students. We want to create opportunities for them to have the best education and greatest chance of success in their lives. Thank you for your continued support.

Respectfully,
Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D., Superintendent of Fillmore Unified School District

Bob Crum

My affair with the Fair this year is over. Uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms have begun but my feet are delighted.

The exciting Jr. Livestock Auction was last Friday. A few hundred giggly buyers purchased various animals. One such buyer bid $1,200 for three roasting chickens. Were I that buyer, every bite would take so long the meal would last five hours as I savored every juicy morsel. I digress.

Photographing the junior livestock auction is never without anxiety. There are no retakes. No second chances. The goal of photojournalism is to capture a photo that in itself tells a story. Multiple elements – participant, animal, auctioneer – all animated, make timing of the photo capture critical. I'm also constantly moving in order to line up the elements for the composition. Stress redefined.

Light in the Judge William P. Clark Pavilion adds more angst. Outdoor light from three large openings combined with overhead fluorescent lights create white balance funk. Visualize a pink pig with a green tint.

Auction shoot done, it was on to the interviews with the kids whose animals were awarded special merit. Another round of anxiety. Some kids are naturally talkative making the task easy. Some require tons of coaxing to say something, anything! After all, their story is my whole story. (see separate auction story)

Auction photos and interviews done, my stomach was growling. The cheddar bratwurst with a side of German-style potato salad quieted the grumbling. For the moment.

Digital photography – not phonetography – entices, even encourages experimentation. Observe any ride on the midway and you quickly realize that it can be photographed a hundred ways by various combinations of shutter speed, aperture and ISO depending on desired result. Simply delete crappy photos and shoot again. The Fair is a great venue to grasp an understanding of the ISO, shutter speed and aperture relationship. The paramount pair: Practice and Patience.

For example, the Sea Dragon and the Midway Big O. I noticed that at certain times, the swinging motion of the Sea Dragon would take the mouth up to the top of the loop of the ride behind it. When the planets and rides align perfectly, the Dragon appears to gobble up a rider on the Big O. However, when the Big O was running, the Dragon was not. When the Dragon was swinging, the Big O was not running. Stand and wait. And wait. Whoa!, both are running. Bingo! Umm... not yet. The Dragon's mouth too high. Wait... wait... Bingo! Not yet. Dragon too far below the Big O riders. Wait... wait... nailed it! Exposure, composition and timing perfect. Success equals ecstasy! A reason that photography is so delightfully addictive! By the way, I'm legally allowed to have such fun!

Attended the rodeo on Saturday which is another action-packed fun event to photograph. Again, no retakes. Get the shot or endure woe! But sometimes there's a perfect excuse for a missed shot: I was too engaged in watching the action to remember to press the shutter button! Lousy excuse, I know. Nevertheless, the rodeo is fun to watch.

Next event: Wings Over Camarillo air show this weekend at the Camarillo Airport. Besides aerobatics and World War II warplanes in action, the show includes an awesome ground display. Stroll among the magnificent planes of all types. Plentiful, tantalizing photo ops! The ground display combined with fabulous flying machines makes for a fun air show to attend.

Photo of the week is my all time favorite Fair event: Alaskan Racing Pigs.

Send comments, questions and/or suggestions to: photography@earthlink.net

Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in collaboration with the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has confirmed variant influenza A (H1N2v) infections in two persons. The individuals were exposed to a pig at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, California that was infected with influenza. The individuals have recovered after experiencing brief illnesses.

Influenza viruses that are spread among pigs are occasionally transmitted to people who have close contact with pigs. When this happens, the infections in humans are called variant influenza virus infections. Variant influenza virus infections are usually mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal influenza. However, like seasonal influenza, serious illness is possible. Person-to-person transmission of variant influenza viruses is not common, and people cannot get it by eating pork.

In recent years, variant influenza virus infections have occurred each summer in the United States, and most infections have been linked to exposure to pigs at agricultural events. With the county fair season still in full swing in California, these cases of variant influenza virus infections serve as a reminder to take steps to prevent illness when visiting events where pigs and other animals are on exhibit.

“Visiting animals can be one of the highlights of the fair,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “It is important to remember to practice good hygiene when working with or visiting animals.”

There are steps you can take to protect you and your family at the fair, zoo, petting zoo or other settings where pigs are present.

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after any exposure to animals.

• Don’t eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth while in an area where animals are housed or exhibited.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth until you have exited the animal area and washed your hands with soap and running water.

• Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into animal areas.

• Avoid contact with animals that look or act ill.

• People in high-risk groups should take extra care around animals. These include senior citizens, children under five, pregnant women, and people with a weakened immune system or chronic health conditions.

Persons who have influenza symptoms after recent contact with pigs should tell their healthcare provider about their exposure. Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and may also include vomiting or diarrhea. People at greater risk of serious influenza-related complications (children under five, adults 65 and over, pregnant women, persons with a weakened immune system or certain chronic medical conditions) should contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible. The same medications used to treat people with seasonal influenza can also be used for variant influenza virus infections.

If variant influenza is suspected in a patient, healthcare providers should contact their local health department to coordinate appropriate testing. For local health department contact information, visit CDPH’s website.

For more information about variant influenza viruses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Ventura, Santa Paula – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced plans to close a lane and multiple ramps in both directions of State Route 126 (Santa Paula Freeway) next week.

From Monday, August 13 to Friday, August 17, the following closures will be in place in the cities of Ventura and Santa Paula between 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.:

Eastbound:

• One lane from US-101 to Hallock Drive
• Tenth Street on and off-ramp

Westbound:

• One lane from Hallock Drive to Wells Road
• Palm Avenue on and off-ramp
• Tenth Street off-ramp

Some closures may start and end later. All closures are weather permitting and subject to change. On and off-ramps will not be closed consecutively in each direction.

Motorists should expect delays and are strongly advised to use alternate routes or avoid the area. Additionally, motorists can check traffic conditions before they leave by visiting the Caltrans Quickmap.

The closures are part of two separate projects for road repaving and storm water mitigation. C.A. Rasmussen Inc. of Valencia, CA is the contractor on these projects.

Caltrans reminds drivers to be “Work Zone Alert” and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

Submitted by Coach Cesar Camacho.

Fillmore’s 12B Lady Reapers started their season in July at the Santa Barbara Summer Blast Tournament where they place second. They then competed in the 2018 NSA Southern California State Championship where they won the championship, which qualified them for the World Series. This past weekend the team competed in the 2018 NSA Southwest World Series which was held in Lancaster. Facing teams from throughout California, the team advanced to the championship round finishing in second place.

On behalf of the players, coaching staff and parents, we would like to thank our community for your support. We would like to recognize the following businesses and community members. Maher Insurance Agency, Oxnard Peace Officers Association, Grimes Rock, BM Labor County Inc, Vallarta Restaurant, Clinicas Del Camion Real Ventura, Ventura County Professional Peace Officers Association, Ventura County Deputy Association, Grupo Bryndis, Ay Chihuahua, El Pescador, Mr. & Mrs. Posada Sr., Mr. & Mrs. Posada Jr., Emma Posadas, Carmen Escamilla, Toni Rosales, Ms. Tello, Keith Gurrola and an anonymous donor.

Fillmore Unified School District

[A letter was mailed out August 1st from Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D., FUSD Superintendent, to the FUSD Community announcing administrative changes for the upcoming school year.]

Dear Fillmore Unified District Community,

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of administrative changes for the 2018-2019 school year at Fillmore High School, Fillmore Middle School, and Sierra High School. The three administrative changes will take effect on Monday, August 6, 2018. The new site leaders will be communicating with their respective school communities prior to the start of school.

Fillmore High School
Mr. John Wilber has been appointed as the Principal of Fillmore High School. Mr. Wilber has been a professional educator in the Fillmore Unified School District his entire career serving as a classroom teacher at the secondary level and as a school administrator at both the elementary and secondary levels. He is leaving his current position as the Principal of Fillmore Middle School where he has served the Fillmore Unified School District community for the last two years.

Fillmore Middle School
Mr. Pablo Leanos has been appointed as the Principal of Fillmore Middle School. Mr. Leanos is a professional educator who has worked at the middle and high school levels with experiences as a classroom teacher, counselor, and administrator. He is leaving his current position as the Principal of Sierra High School where he has served the Fillmore Unified School District community for the last two years.

Sierra High School
Ms. Trina Tafoya has been appointed as the Interim Principal of Sierra High School. Ms. Tafoya is a professional educator who has worked at the high school level with experiences as a classroom teacher, Teacher on Special Assignment, and most recently as an Assistant Principal at Fillmore High School 1 for the last two years.

I am confident that our new leaders will provide exceptional leadership and support to their new school sites. Each of our school leaders has demonstrated through their actions a strong commitment to supporting all students and work tirelessly to promote academic success. We look forward to an exceptional school year and thank you in advance for your continued support of Fillmore Unified Schools.

Sincerely, Adrian E. Palazuelos, Ph.D., FUSD Superintendent

Fillmore Unified School District

Higher Education Needs and Priorities for Fillmore and Piru
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Dr. Greg Gillespie, Chancellor, Ventura County Community College District.

45-Day Budget Update
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Test Results, Spring 2018
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis. The presentation contained preliminary data subject to further review by the California Department of Education (CDE) and will be released once CDE has made the report available to the public.

Spring 2018 Advanced Placement (AP) Program Test Results
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis.

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

Bob Crum

Confession: I have a conflicting relationship with the Ventura County Fair. As a photographer, love the unlimited photo ops. Conversely, I can't just spend eight hours and go home!

Arrived at the 11 a.m. Fair opening last Sunday and stayed 'til 10 p.m. to capture the fireworks. One might think that spending all day at the Fair is excessive. HA! Forgo the midway rides and games and there are still many fascinating events, interesting demonstrations and exhibits to enjoy. And yummy Fair food! I brought home an irresistible giant smoked turkey leg! Can't say what else I brought home!

Planning to spend the entire day, I packed accordingly. No camera bag. Just my Canon 7DMKII with Tamron lens mounted plus one little accessory bag with extra batteries, memory cards, sun screen & lip balm.

After a few routine photos upon arrival, I went straight to the All Alaskan Pig races. A jolly event that's also a challenging photo op because the lil porkers are speedy. Even with the camera in burst mode, capturing them jumping the hurdles isn't a pig walk... so to speak. But this is what makes photography so captivating. Mentally visualizing the image, recognizing the challenge, programming the camera accordingly and executing is stimulating! Seriously!

New this year: Fido 500 mini dog races. And new challenges! The dogs run faster than the porkers. Only got three furry blurs on the first two races. Didn't suppose they'd run that fast! That was at 250th second shutter speed. Increased to 800th of a second for the third race. Still stinky compositions. I was not prepared to pan as fast as the dogs ran. Take heart. On the next go around two hours later, I was better prepared. So I thought. Furry dog butts is not what I was trying to photograph. Eventually I got a few respectable photos. Practice proved valuable.

During the daylight hours, I was busy happily photoing everything from Koi fish in a pond to a horse & carriage show to everybody that crossed my path and smiled. Especially partial to ladies who winked at me. I digress.

Rides were full of people in all manner of fright. So much screaming! Perhaps frightened and consequently screaming is therapeutic? On other rides, participants were screaming with joy. I think. I photographed them too.

The golden hour, the period shortly before sunset presents interesting challenges. Oh joy! Followers know that I seek sunstar opportunities. But the new midway layout (ugh!) reduced such options. So depressing. As the sun was setting, I scrambled around looking for the magic place. The sunstar op remained elusive. Never quitting, eventually managed to capture a couple so-so sunstar photos as the sun set.

As night prevails, bright colored lights transform the midway. However, exposing for bright lights creates people silhouettes. Expose for the people overexposes the bright lights. What to do? Either go home or try exposure compensation (EC). Also try spot metering. I increased EC as needed. Boom! Success! Umm... sometimes.

Fireworks another issue. If the Ferris wheel was rotating while I held open the shutter for a multiple firework exposure, the Ferris wheel blurred. That's OK. Not OK were ignorant, inconsiderate people who walked right in front of my camera. That's when I scream!

Photo of the week is the Fair fireworks with the (finally) stationary Ferris wheel.

Jr. Livestock is Friday beginning 9 a.m. Rodeo Sat & Sun. Check venturacountyfair.org for details. Fair ends Sunday. So much greatness to see, do and eat you'll have a fabulous time. GO!

Send your comments, suggestions and/or questions to: photography@earthlink.net

American Red Cross of Ventura County

As summer winds down, the American Red Cross urges individuals to give blood and platelets now and help end an emergency summer blood shortage that began last month.

A critical need remains as many regular donors delay giving to take final summer vacations and prepare for school to start. To ensure livesaving treatments remain available for patients in the coming weeks, donations are needed now, especially type O.

In thanks for helping at this urgent time, all those who come to donate blood or platelets July 30 through Aug. 30, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who donated blood earlier this summer may be eligible to give again. Blood can be safely given every 56 days, and Power Red donations can be given every 16 weeks.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 16-31

Camarillo
8/31/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Avalon, 1571 Flynn Road

Moorpark
8/20/2018: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road
8/22/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Road

Oxnard
8/18/2018: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., El Rio Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2670 Alvarado st
8/21/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1150 Gary Dr
8/24/2018: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Document Systems, 300 n Graves, Suite E
8/28/2018: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Oxnard College, 4000 S Rose Ave

Simi Valley
8/24/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
8/28/2018: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
8/28/2018: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m., Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive
8/31/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave

Thousand Oaks
8/20/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/22/2018: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/29/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
8/29/2018: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m., Thousand Oaks Teen Center, 1375 East Janss Road

Ventura
8/21/2018: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.
8/27/2018: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Volunteers needed
Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross is to become a volunteer transportation specialist and deliver lifesaving blood products to local area hospitals. Volunteer transportation specialists play a very important role in ensuring an ample blood supply for patients in need by transporting blood and blood products. For more information and to apply for a volunteer transportation specialist position, visit rdcrss.org/driver.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Norberto Limon

On Tuesday, July 24, 2018, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) along with the Santa Paula Police Detective Unit and Canine Unit executed a Federal Search and Arrest warrant for suspect Norberto Limon. The arrest was the culmination of a narcotics investigation that lasted several months. Santa Paula detectives and FBI agents conducted numerous surveillance and ‘buy’ operations which led to the arrest of Limon.

“Anytime we can take a serious drug dealer of the streets, it’s a good day. We want to send the message that if you’re doing anything illegal in the City of Santa Paula, we will show up on your doorsteps like we did to Mr. Limon this morning. This is not a matter of if, but when,” said Police Chief Steve McLean.

The warrant was executed at Limon's residence located in the City of Fillmore. Limon was located at the residence and was taken into custody without incident. Several other occupants were briefly detained however, were found not to be involved and released at the scene. Limon was taken into federal custody on charges of distribution of methamphetamine.

Officer Preparing Press Release:
Detective Dan McCarthy # 1115
Approved by: Commander Scott Varner #1022, Assistant City Manager, Ikani Taumoepeau

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Two Fillmore juveniles were arrested Friday afternoon, July 27th, after deputies and investigators determined they were responsible for stealing two vehicles and for rummaging through unlocked vehicles on the west side of Fillmore during the overnight hours.

On the morning of July 27th, 2018, Fillmore deputies responded to a stolen vehicle call in the 400 Block of Mockingbird Lane, where they learned the victim’s pickup was stolen from the street in front of the home. Over the next few hours, deputies also responded to multiple thefts from vehicles parked near the mid-block of Wileman Street and an additional stolen vehicle in the 1000 block of First Street. All of these locations are situated within a few blocks of one another. Both stolen vehicles were recovered near the initial crime locations and returned to their owners.

Deputies and detectives suspected a male juvenile from Fillmore who had previously been arrested for engaging in theft-related crimes in Fillmore. Throughout the day, Fillmore deputies and investigators followed up on several leads and eventually arrested two sixteen-year old male juveniles for the crimes, including the one mentioned above. Both juveniles were lodged at Juvenile Hall.

The Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s Office continue to remind residents not to leave ignition keys inside their cars. The city of Fillmore has seen a significant increase in stolen vehicles reported this year, and most of the vehicles that were stolen had ignition keys left inside the unlocked vehicles, making them an easy target for thieves. Another common tactic among thieves is to walk the streets in the overnight hours checking for unlocked vehicles from which they can steal. In this instance, the juveniles were observed on surveillance video in the area checking cars parked on the streets for unlocked doors. The juveniles bypassed cars with locked doors, but rummaged through those whose doors were unlocked. Fillmore residents are reminded to remove valuables from vehicles and to lock their vehicle doors when leaving vehicles unattended.

Prepared by: Detective Danielle Delpit
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen