On Tuesday, July 18, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) will close one eastbound lane of Highway 126 at Hopper Creek, just west of Piru, overnight to make repairs to a railroad grade crossing. VCTC’s contractor, J.A. Placek Construction Co., will begin installing temporary traffic control devices and light towers at 7 p.m. One eastbound lane of Highway 126 is expected to be fully closed in the area from 8 p.m. on July 18 through 4 a.m. on July 19.

On Wednesday, July 19, VCTC will repair the railroad crossing at Highway 126 just east of the El Dorado Estates neighborhood in Fillmore. This work will also require an overnight closure lane closure. Temporary traffic control devices and light towers will be installed starting at 7 p.m. One eastbound lane of Highway 126 is expected to be fully closed in the area from 8 p.m. on July 19 through 4 a.m. on July 20.

During the closures, eastbound traffic will be reduced to one lane. Drivers should expect delays. See map below for location details.

“We will partially close Highway 126 to make needed repairs to the Santa Paula Branch Line,” said Darren Kettle, executive director of VCTC. “By scheduling these closures during nighttime hours, we hope to minimize the inconvenience to motorists and businesses in the 126 corridor while ensuring the railroad crossing remains in safe, working condition.”

The Santa Paula Branch Line, owned by VCTC since 1995, is a stretch of railroad track running from east Ventura through Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru to the Los Angeles County Line. It crosses Highway 126 in two locations between Fillmore and Piru. During the closures on July 18-20, VCTC’s contractor will repair and replace a defective concrete railroad-crossing panel.

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.

California Highway Patrol

In support of the California Highway Patrol's (CHP) responsibility to keep California's roadways safe by reducing collisions, and related to the current Independence Day Weekend Maximum Enforcement Period the CHP's Moorpark Area office deployed three officers and one sergeant this morning to partner with the crew of "Air 73," a CHP airplane, to patrol State Route (SR) 126 between Fillmore and the Los Angeles/Ventura County lines. "Air 73" was staffed by two CHP officers, one a Pilot and the other a Flight Officer. The aircraft and crew are based in Paso Robles with another CHP airplane ("Air 71") and a paramedic staffed rescue helicopter ("H-70"). These three aircraft primarily support both CHP and allied agencies within the CHP's Coastal Division (Santa Cruz to Moorpark).

Typically, on these types of missions the aircraft's Flight Officer observes a violation, radios the information to a ground officer who then makes contact with the violator.

This morning's mission occurred in a posted 55 MPH speed zone on SR 126 between 8:58 AM and 10:50 AM (1:52). During this time ground officers made 22 total enforcement contacts. Eighteen drivers were issued citations for driving between 68 and 80 MPH, and an additional four drivers received warnings.

The CHP Moorpark Area wishes to thank our partners at Caltrans for working cooperatively with us in the installation of appropriate signs and roadway markings making it possible to conduct aircraft mission in support of improving roadway safety and reducing collisions.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone who shares the road: drivers, motorcycle riders, bicyclists and pedestrians to take just a moment to reflect how delicate life is, how delicate our bodies are when compared to the energy of a collision.

R. D. COHAN, Lieutenant Commander

Bob Crum

Faithful readers of this column (thank you) know that I shoot straight from the camera, so to speak, to help you improve your photography. Accordingly, I'm going to present a mnemonic acronym that originated with fellow photographer K. Rockwell reconstituted with my embellishments.

Composition, again, is the topic because it's the heart and soul of a compelling photograph. Ignoring the principles of composition almost always results in lackluster photos.

The acronym for better photos is: F.A.R.T. Seriously. As soon as you collect yourself let's see why... ahem... F.A.R.T.ing will improve your photography. Let's begin.

F = Feel. As you arrive at a photogenic scene you'll immediately think: 'Wow, I need to photograph this'. Amateurs promptly take the shot...click... and move on. That's a snapshot... not a photograph. Ponder why you're “feeling” compelled to shoot the photo.

A = Ask. Ask yourself what's special about what you're seeing that creates the itch to photograph it? Spectacular colors? Unique light? Something bizarre? Mentally define what is 'most' compelling about the scene.

R = Refine. Refinement is challenging! As you begin to understand why you want to shoot the photo, refine whatever the specialness is that demands to be photographed. To the degree that you can refine the specialness you 'feel' compelled to photograph is the degree that your photo's wow factor will increase. Lastly...

T = Texture. Is the specialness that you feel urged to photograph involve 'texture'? If so, capture that 'texture' robustly. Or is the compelling attraction a unique color or combination of colors? Fill the 'whole' frame with the special color(s). If the scene includes unique leading lines that attracted your attention refine that and fill the whole frame with that specialness.

As you mentally refine the image, eliminate everything that doesn't relate to or enhance the image. Everything! Creatively composing your photos will produce a strong image. Let's look at an example.

The greatographer (me) arrives at a waterfront and looks... a vivacious mermaid sunning out on the breakwater. My dream photo! Frolicking dolphins all around her. Delicate teal-colored translucent sunlit waves lapping at the rocks. Photogenic aplenty. As I slowly raise my camera... whoa... instead of “you-know-what”... you know that I can't take the photo until I first invite the mermaid to swim over and join me for lunch at Neptune's Seafood Buffet. But I digress...

What first caught my eye? The attractive color of the translucent waves? The frolicking dolphins? The vivacious mermaid? Before I raise my camera to take a photo, I remember to first... ahem... “you-know-what.”

Obviously, the major attraction is the mermaid. As I look through the viewfinder (holding up a sign saying: SMILE) I'll fill the whole frame with only the mermaid's specialness. Eliminate the frolicking dolphins & the appeal of the teal-colored waves. I'm going to zoom in and fill the entire frame with the mermaid. Aaaaaaah!
Wait. As I recall the acronym, I'll Refine' the image. By zooming out just a little I can add some context to the photo. A teal-colored wave would add a 'splash' of color and liveliness. Showing just a little of the rocks (key word: little) adds a touch of texture. Voila, with a little Refinement I just “created” a great photo.

Now that you know how to achieve great compositions, thus great photos, nothing left to do but practice F.A.R.T.ing. Besides, you'll feel better as your stinky photos improve. Just sayin'. But when you see me in Vons, probably not a good idea to yell: “Hey Bob, I F.A.R.T.ed!

Photo of the Week, and other fireworks photos at fillmoregazette.com are included now because too much to do last week on a short deadline.

Happy photoing.

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

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is reminding Californians about the importance of safe food handling to prevent foodborne illness while enjoying picnics, barbecues and other outdoor activities during the summer season.

Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter are bacteria most commonly recognized for causing foodborne illness in the United States each year. Most of these cases are mild and cause symptoms for only a day or two, but some cases are more serious. However, there are some easy and effective steps you can take to help lessen your chance of contracting a foodborne illness.

“You can protect yourself, your family and your friends from foodborne illness by following simple safety tips for properly preparing and handling food,” said Dr. Smith.

Following these four “Cs” can prevent foodborne illnesses:

Chill:
• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Bacteria can grow in foods kept in the temperature “danger zone” (41°F-135°F) / (5 °C-58 °C) for an extended period of time.
• Refrigerate leftovers to less than 41°F / 5 °C as soon as possible, but definitely within 2 hours.
• Use shallow pans and loosely cover while in the refrigerator to allow warm air to escape and facilitate cooling.
• Select cold foods at the grocery store last and put them away first when you get home to keep them cold.
• Refrigerated foods packaged in hermetically sealed or vacuum-packaged containers should always be stored in the refrigerator. Storing these types of vacuum-packaged products at room temperature could allow the production of Botulism toxin.
• Follow package instructions, especially when it comes to keeping foods refrigerated.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator or in a microwave immediately prior to cooking. Never thaw frozen foods on the counter.

Clean:
• Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food. Humming “happy birthday” twice while washing hands is a good way to ensure you are washing long enough.
• Scrub cutting boards with hot, soapy water after preparing each item and before moving on to the next food. If your cutting board has deep grooves or cut marks, which make it difficult to clean, consider replacing it.
• Wash and thoroughly rinse utensils and cutting boards with soap and water. Thoroughly cleaning them with a bleach solution (made of one tablespoon of unscented liquid bleach diluted in one gallon of water) will provide effective sanitation action.
• Cover any cuts or skin abrasions on your hands to avoid contaminating the food.
• Keep pets and household chemicals away from food preparation areas.

Prevent Cross Contamination:
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate.
• Use separate cutting boards and knives for chopping ready-to-eat produce and raw meats.
• Never rinse raw poultry because it spreads germs around the kitchen sink, which can serve as a source of contamination for other foods.
• Discard used marinades.
• Use clean utensils and plates to remove cooked foods from grills and pans. Never place cooked foods back into the dish that held the raw or uncooked foods.
• Separate raw and uncooked meats from ready-to-eat items when shopping at the grocery store. Place raw meats in disposable, plastic bags away from other foods.
• If you use reusable shopping bags for groceries, designate specific bags for meats to avoid cross-contamination. Wash and dry bags as they become soiled.
• Store bags used for groceries at home in a manner which protects them from other sources of contamination such as pets, children, and chemicals.
• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator in water-tight containers to prevent juices from leaking onto ready-to-eat and cooked foods.

Cook:
• Use an accurate thermometer to measure the final internal temperature of meat and meat products. Color is an inaccurate way to determine if meat is sufficiently cooked.
• Measure the temperature in the thickest part of the food, ensuring the thermometer does not touch bone or the cooking pan which can give you an inaccurate reading.
• Wash thermometers after each use.
• Wait until foods are completely cooked before taste testing.
• When using a microwave to cook or reheat food, be sure to rotate or stir the food to facilitate thorough heating. Additionally, some labels recommend a “resting time” for the food after cooking before it should be served. Those instructions should be followed in order to allow the heat to evenly distribute.

Visit CDPH’s Cooking Raw Meats webpage for additional information.

Alfredo Avalos, Fillmore

600 lbs of illegal fireworks were confiscated from a seizure that occurred Wednesday, June 28th.
Enlarge Photo

Earlier this month, sheriff’s detectives obtained information indicating illegal fireworks were being sold by (S) Alfredo Avalos from his residence at 656 Fourth Street, Fillmore. Detectives conducted an investigation and believed Avalos was in possession of a large quantity of fireworks that are illegal in California.

On June 28th, detectives served a search warrant at the location and seized approximately 600 pounds of illegal fireworks. These fireworks were found throughout the residence, including kitchen, garage, and the bedroom of a minor child, and posed a significant threat of injury and fire, not only to the suspect’s family, but to the public, as well. Three firearms were also found, including an AK-47, a stolen .22-caliber rifle, and an unregistered .22-caliber rifle.

(S) Avalos, who was not present at the time of the service of the search warrant, turned himself in to detectives later in the morning. He was arrested for the following charges and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility with a bail of $20,000:

Health and Safety Code Section 12305 – Felony possession of an explosive
Health and Safety Code Section 12671 – Misdemeanor possession of illegal fireworks
Health and Safety Code Section 12700(b) – Misdemeanor fireworks and pyrotechnic devices
Penal Code Section 27545 – Misdemeanor unlawful transfer of firearm
Penal Code Section 30605(a) – Felony possession of assault weapon
Penal Code Section 496(a) – Misdemeanor receiving stolen property under $950 (Prop 47)

“Safe and Sane” fireworks, bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal, can be legally sold, possessed, and enjoyed in the city of Fillmore between 12:00 PM, June 28th, and 12:00 PM, July 5th. All other fireworks, including altered “Safe and Sane” fireworks and fireworks that explode and/or launch into the air, are illegal in Fillmore and throughout Ventura County and the state.

Violators may be cited for violating the city municipal code and subject to a $1,000.00 fine, or they may be arrested for more serious crimes. If you witness any illegal activity, please call the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2233 or, if there’s an immediate threat to life or property, 9-1-1.

Nature of Incident: Illegal Fireworks and Weapons Seizure and Arrest
Report Number: 17-92306
Location: 656 Fourth Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: June 28, 2017 / 7:00 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Detective Unit and Patrol, West County Investigations Bureau, Sheriff’s Bomb Unit, Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence
(S) Alfredo Avalos Fillmore
Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
News Release Date: June 28, 2017
Detective Bill Meixner, (805) 947-9391
william.meixner@ventura.org
Approved by: Captain Jim Fryhoff

Fillmore Unified School District

On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) and Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) reached a Tentative Agreement for the contract negotiations and 2017-2018 unit member work calendar. We express thanks and appreciation to the FUTA bargaining team members for their efforts to reach a Tentative Agreement. A copy of the signed Comprehensive Proposal, Article 1, and Agreement Between FUSD and FUTA regarding the 2017-2018 unit member work calendar have been posted on the District website. FUTA leadership will be working to present the parties’ Tentative Agreement to the bargaining unit for ratification.
Upon successful ratification by FUTA, the FUSD Board of Trustees will be presented with the agreement for consideration of approval.

Individuals Present for June 28, 2017 Negotiation Session
FUTA Bargaining Team:
Kassie Chambers, Rio Vista Elementary Teacher
Kristen Dewey, San Cayetano Elementary Teacher
Tammy Ferguson, San Cayetano Elementary Teacher
Mary Jordan, CTA Regional UniServ Staff
Kelly Hess, Fillmore Middle School Teacher
Brian Ricards, Fillmore High School Teacher
Donna Wojciechowski, Heritage Valley Independent Study Teacher
FUSD Bargaining Team:
Stefan Cvijanovich
Andrea McNeill
Todd Schieferle
Adrian Palazuelos

Tentative Agreement Includes:
• FUSD will sunshine openers for negotiations in October 2017 to be available to negotiate in November 2017;
• Article 1: Agreement. The collective bargaining agreement is closed as of 6/28/17 and the Successor agreement term is 2016-2019;
• Collaboration Pilot for 2017-2018 school year;
• Unit member work calendar with fall break for 2017-2018;
• 2% one-time off-schedule payment for 2016-2017 salaries paid;
• Stipend for FMS Drama;
• Stipend increase for FMS Yearbook;
• .055% pay differential for all Special Education teachers and Speech and Language Pathologists;
• Combine cheerleading coach stipends and change to a yearlong stipend starting 2018-2019;
• Status Quo on the following articles:
• Article 8: Extra Pay
• Article 10: Transfers
• Article 17: Leaves
• Article 34: Seniority
• TOSA MOU

By now, I presume that everybody knows that there was a “Car Show” in town on the 4th.

Subsequently, I photoed it in the hot brutal sun. In hind sight, I should have stayed home and celebrated the 4th with a 5th of Jack Daniels, of course. But I digress...

The sun was extraordinarily bright indeed. Uncomfortably warm temperature. Worse, bright sun makes the paint of a beautifully restored classic car look as faded as an over-boiled lobster. Blah!

What to do? Well, I simply retrieved my trusty circular polarizer (CP) filter. Every photographer should have one in their landscape kit. If I lost mine, I'd have to take up knitting. A polarizer filter is an invaluable tool for certain conditions. Like the car show.

It serves two useful functions. First, it cuts glare and reflections, allowing the vibrant colors to render with greater saturation as opposed to looking 'washed out'. In other situations, for example, those puffy cumulus clouds stand out delightfully against a deep blue sky produced with a CP filter.

It's called a circular polarizer because after mounting on the lens, it can be rotated. Hence, the amount of polarizing by the CP filter is adjustable. This makes it possible to apply just the right amount of effect. Sometimes, at certain times of the day, I notice the polarizer can make the blue sky too dark. Simply rotate the filter to lessen the effect. Very handy.

Important! The circular polarizer is most effective when shooting at a 90° angle from the direction of the sun. If you're shooting in the direction of the sun or 180° from the sun, i.e., in line with the sun, the CP filter will have no effect. When you get back home, you'll have paint the sky with blue sky computer paint (I'm beginning to bottle it so it'll be for sale soon).

One other minor issue. Because the sky is darkened the most when shooting at a 90° angle from the sun, deviating somewhat will most likely end up with an uneven sky. The sky will be darkened the most at the 90° angle from the direction of the sun and less dark at a lesser angle of the sun. Generally, that doesn't bother me, but it might you. Tip: The blue sky unevenness can be adjusted in post processing.

One other thing I also learned when I photoed Mermaids up at Big Sur. A CP will on average reduce the light to your lens by one stop. So in low light conditions, remember to apply exposure compensation to adjust accordingly. I got slapped with a mermaid tail because I underexposed her.

Lastly, all circular polarizer filters are not equal. Don't buy a cheapy. Cheap CP filters will distort your colors not to mention the overall image quality. Buy a quality CP filter and it will last 75 years. To verify this, I'm having my CP filters placed in my burial pine box so I can check the claim. Stay tuned to this space.

My CP filter of choice is the B+W (Schneider) Kasemann HTC filters. They are the best. Most importantly, they make my mermaids look gorgeous.

Speaking of gorgeous, check the vibrant reds, the rich blues, the luscious greens and the deep black in the photos of the cars I shot with a B+W Kasemann CP filter. Very cool under a hot sun. BTW, did you notice how high I jumped to get the Photo of the Week shot?

Happy photoing,

Email me your question, comments and/or suggestions to: bob@fillmoregazette.com

The Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA), was signed into law by the Governor in 2015. Effective January 1, 2016, this law established a regulatory and licensing program for commercial activities relating to medical marijuana throughout the State, including cultivation, transportation, manufacturing, testing and dispensing.

The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA or Prop 64) is a marijuana legalization initiative that received the required number of votes to become state law at the November 8, 2016 election. AUMA authorized the personal cultivation of marijuana and recreational use of marijuana by adults with called for the establishment of recreational marijuana licenses to be issued by the State commencing January 1, 2018. In response to the MCRSA and AUMA laws, the City Council adopted regulations prohibiting all commercial activities relating to both medical and non-medical marijuana.

Complete Details:

Miguel Ramirez Villasenor, 45

On June 22, 2017 at 6:05 AM, Investigators with the Port Hueneme Police Department arrested Miguel Ramirez Villasenor, a 45 year-old Fillmore resident, for suspicion of committing penetration with a foreign object on a person under 16 years old and lewd acts on a child 14 or 15 years old.

On June 18, 2017, the Port Hueneme Police Department received a report that Villasenor had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a 15 year-old female at a residence in the 100 block of East Bay Boulevard in Port Hueneme.

Villasenor was arrested in the 700 block of Third Street in Fillmore after a three day investigation.

Villasenor was booked at the Port Hueneme Police Department on the following charge(s): California Penal Code Section 289(i) – Penetration with a Foreign Object on a Person Under 16 Years Old. California Penal Code Section
288(c)(1) – Lewd Acts on a Child 14 or 15 Years Old, Suspect 10 or More Years Older than the Victim.

Villasenor posted bail in the amount of $50,000 and was released pending a court appearance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Rocque Lopez Sr. at 805-986-6578 or rrlopez@cityofporthueneme.org

Information Courtesy Port Hueneme Police Department Incident Press Release.