This Past weekend the Fillmore Raiders Juniors Division won the Gold Coast Youth Football League American Conference title against the Santa Paula Cardinals with a final score of 14 – 8. Coaches Danny and Brock Nunez led the boys to a 9 – 1 season and a Championship Title. Picture l-r Freeman Hicks, Dylan Swetman, Joseph Cervantes, Daniel Viveros, Nate Torres, David Jimenez, Isaac Murphy, Jacob Navarro, David Negrete, Oscar Navarro, William Frost, Christian Peña, Martin Rodriguez, Juan Suarez, Nick Guerra Back Row Coaching staff: Gabe Gomez, Fidel Viveros, Brock Nunez, Pete Torres, Danny Nunez, Mom Rupa Torres Coaches. Not pictured: Bryce Nunez and Jake Saviors. Photo courtesy Rupa Torres.
This Past weekend the Fillmore Raiders Juniors Division won the Gold Coast Youth Football League American Conference title against the Santa Paula Cardinals with a final score of 14 – 8. Coaches Danny and Brock Nunez led the boys to a 9 – 1 season and a Championship Title. Picture l-r Freeman Hicks, Dylan Swetman, Joseph Cervantes, Daniel Viveros, Nate Torres, David Jimenez, Isaac Murphy, Jacob Navarro, David Negrete, Oscar Navarro, William Frost, Christian Peña, Martin Rodriguez, Juan Suarez, Nick Guerra Back Row Coaching staff: Gabe Gomez, Fidel Viveros, Brock Nunez, Pete Torres, Danny Nunez, Mom Rupa Torres Coaches. Not pictured: Bryce Nunez and Jake Saviors. Photo courtesy Rupa Torres.
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At last night’s meeting the School Board listened to a presentation on technology update given by Director of Technology Anthony Ibarra.
At last night’s meeting the School Board listened to a presentation on technology update given by Director of Technology Anthony Ibarra.
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Approval of Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) Local Indicators (2017-2018) for the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)
The Governing Board received a presentation and approved the Local Indicators for 2017-2018 LCAP. Assistant Superintendent, Micheline Miglis presented the information.

Technology Update
The Governing Board received a presentation on the Technology Update. Anthony Ibarra, Director of Technology presented the information.

Approve Change Order #1 for New AG and SDSR (CTE) Buildings at Fillmore High School, Purchase Order #F18-01083
The Governing Board approved Change Order #1 in the amount of $44,177.25 due to extended project coordination related to District commissioning of new Title Report, geotechnical engineering soil survey, and client-driven design revisions.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association
The Governing Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding regarding high school class size overage (Spring 2017).

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

Board of Trustees to meet again unless otherwise announced:
Regular Meeting Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 5:30 pm Closed Session/6:30 pm, 627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015. Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Open Session 5:30 pm Closed Session / 6:30 pm Open Session, 627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA 93015.
Fillmore Unified School District (805) 524-6000

Follow Fillmore Unified Schools on www.blog.fillmoreusd.org

 
Photo of the week: "A boy dressed for the night" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera, manual mode, ISO 400, Tamron 16-300mm lens @41mm, aperture f/9.0, shutter speed 1/60 of a second.
Photo of the week: "A boy dressed for the night" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera, manual mode, ISO 400, Tamron 16-300mm lens @41mm, aperture f/9.0, shutter speed 1/60 of a second.
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Trunk or Treat
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

It was fun... so long as I'd survive. Not a night for the faint of heart. In the darkness, indescribable nondescripts roamed Central Avenue positioned to pounce on unsuspecting hapless souls. Even fright was scared.

I was fine until sunset. At nightfall, I was startled by a presence that entered my awareness. She was the ghastly beguiling Witch of Fillmore, broom in hand. With bewitching eyes, she approached slyly, winked and with a raspy, guttural voice uttered: “Be careful what you wish for.” As I gasped for breath, she quickly slithered into the darkness.

As I slowly turned around, I was startled to see a bug on a bug. The largest tarantula I've ever encountered engulfed a VW Beetle. I gave it a wide birth when I heard it hiss.

Further down the street stood two haunting skeletons with evil soul-piercing laser eyes guarding a pickup truck. Gravestones filled the bed of the truck. Didn't see my name on any of them. With goosebumps aplenty, I went searching for treats! A strawberry margarita would be nice!

While traipsing about with anxious trepidation, I was jostled by spiderman, superman, black ghosts, white ghosts, dragons, preachers, thing 1, 2 3 and 4, wolves, princesses, a fairy godmother, a hot dog and even Hercules with pink hair strolling with box face!

The street was exceedingly crowded with curb-to-curb monsters. With photo ops at every turn, photographing any of it with so little elbow room proved to be a nightmarish dilemma. In a word: Exasperating!

Not only was the crowd a challenge, but cameras also need light for the lens to autofocus (AF). No light, no AF. My Canon 7D Mark II features 65-point cross-type AF that helps ensure precise AF and focuses quite fast. If a subject happened to be near sufficient light, AF worked reasonably well. But it can't work in the dark. Remember, many aspects of a digital image are fixable; focus is not!

Some subjects were OK to shoot with flash. With the pop-up flash activated, there's still the problem of focus. My Canon 7D MKII has pre-flash strobe light used to prevent red-eye in flash exposed photos. With the on-camera flash activated in darkness, the pre-flash strobe fires when I press the focus button. It's just enough light for the lens to focus, and as soon as it does, I press the shutter button. The problem is that the process takes time. It may only take a second or two, but by the time the lens does focus, it may be too late, the prime moment gone. BTW, I don't use the normal procedure of depressing the shutter button halfway for focus and exposure. I assign a different button on the camera for focus and exposure... the shutter button only for making the photo! Just my preference.

I incurred many challenges photographing the Trunk or Treat event. Back home, fearing the worst, I transferred the photos from the SD card to the computer with great apprehension. As suspected, many of the photos were not, ahem, properly exposed presenting a test of my post-processing prowess. I use Adobe Lightroom first. Thereafter export the photos to Photoshop Elements 14 with NIK plugins. Alas, 35 splendid photos are publishable. Color me ecstatic.

The photo of the week is not a fiendish Halloween cacodemon. Instead, I chose a charming lad delightfully dressed complete with a majestic sombrero.
Enjoy a youtube photo/video of the event at: https://youtu.be/Bg5-3P40QJg Next week, photos from the spectacular Day of the Dead event. Happy photoing!

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

 

The Ventura College Veterans Resource Center and Ventura College Foundation are inviting veterans, active military and their families to attend the third annual Ventura College Veterans Day Celebration and BBQ Thursday, November 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Veterans Resource Center on the Ventura College campus (4667 Telegraph Rd., Ventura). The BBQ is free. The California Resources Corporation is sponsoring the event.

"Veterans and their families have sacrificed greatly on our country's behalf. This event is a way of showing our appreciation and gratitude. Veterans are an important part of Ventura College's student population," says Anne King, executive director of Ventura College Foundation. "Their dedication to achieve their educational goals is an inspiration."

A short program will begin at 11:00 a.m. that highlights the services available through the Veterans Resource Center and tuition assistance and textbook lending support offered by the Ventura College Foundation. During the program, the center's library will be renamed the Jerry Arellano Veteran Resource Center Library. Arellano was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran and long-time firefighter including service at Station 32 at Edwards Air Force Base. The BBQ begins at 11:30.

The Veterans Resource Center helps veterans and their families with college admission and application processing, academic counseling and access to V.A. educational benefits. The Ventura College Foundation's William and Helen Scarpino Veterans Promise Program is funded by donors who cover Ventura College tuition costs for first year veteran and active duty military students, enabling veterans to reserve their GI Bill tuition support for four-year universities. This benefit will be extended to qualified 2nd year veteran students in the 2019-20 academic year.

For more information about the November 8 BBQ, contact the Ventura College Veterans Resource Center at 805-289-6060.

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Anne Paul King at (805) 289-6461 or aking@vcccd.edu or visit www.VCgiving.org.

 
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating a single-engine Cessna plane crash that occurred on Saturday, October 27th. The small plane went down in the Santa Clara River at 10:30 a.m. near the Little Red School House. It overturned upon emergency landing but the Santa Paula man and his female passenger walked away. Airsquad 9 airlifted them to medical personnel which was staged in Fillmore, where they were treated and taken to VCMC for minor injuries. The couple was flying out of Santa Paula Airport. Engine failure was sited.
The National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating a single-engine Cessna plane crash that occurred on Saturday, October 27th. The small plane went down in the Santa Clara River at 10:30 a.m. near the Little Red School House. It overturned upon emergency landing but the Santa Paula man and his female passenger walked away. Airsquad 9 airlifted them to medical personnel which was staged in Fillmore, where they were treated and taken to VCMC for minor injuries. The couple was flying out of Santa Paula Airport. Engine failure was sited.
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Juan Carlos Contreras Zamora, 42, of Piru.
Juan Carlos Contreras Zamora, 42, of Piru.

On October 26, 2018, deputies with the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded to the 2700 block of Erbes Road for a reported indecent exposure that occurred in the area. Through investigation, deputies arrested an adult male for indecent exposure.

During the investigation, deputies learned the victim was pushing her granddaughter in a stroller when she saw a landscaper working in the area. He waved and smiled at her several times as she walked around the track at Oakbrook Neighborhood Park. As the landscaper was working within several feet of the victim, she noticed he had exposed his genitals. The suspect did not say anything to the victim. The victim immediately got up, walked away from the suspect, and reported the incident to police.

The suspect was located nearby and was identified as Juan Carlos Contreras Zamora. Zamora admitted his involvement and was arrested. Zamora was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura where he was booked for one count of indecent exposure. Zamora is currently out of custody on bond and is due to appear in Ventura County Superior Court in December, 2018. Anyone who witnessed the incident can call Detective Dan Hawes at (805) 371-8392.

Prepared by: Detective Timothy Lohman
Approved by: Captain Don Aguilar

 
Fillmore Police Chief Eric Tennessen spoke to residents of the Bridges Monday, concerning recent home burglaries. The meeting at Rio Vista Elementary School was well attended. The Chief reminded homeowners of the importance of keeping homes locked always at night and during the day when residents are away. He emphasized the importance of some kind of video coverage as well. The Chief had many helpful ideas for securing neighborhoods against burglars, including neighborhood watch organizations and outdoor lighting. He also emphasized that Fillmore is significantly safer than other county areas.
Fillmore Police Chief Eric Tennessen spoke to residents of the Bridges Monday, concerning recent home burglaries. The meeting at Rio Vista Elementary School was well attended. The Chief reminded homeowners of the importance of keeping homes locked always at night and during the day when residents are away. He emphasized the importance of some kind of video coverage as well. The Chief had many helpful ideas for securing neighborhoods against burglars, including neighborhood watch organizations and outdoor lighting. He also emphasized that Fillmore is significantly safer than other county areas.
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Pictured above is FHS senior Katrionna Furness receiving her 2018 CIF ring at Friday night’s football game. Kat placed 1st and 3rd in her swimming events, a historic first for FHS. Thank you to the Fillmore Boosters Club for ring. Photo courtesy Crystal Gurrola.
Pictured above is FHS senior Katrionna Furness receiving her 2018 CIF ring at Friday night’s football game. Kat placed 1st and 3rd in her swimming events, a historic first for FHS. Thank you to the Fillmore Boosters Club for ring. Photo courtesy Crystal Gurrola.
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Last Friday, October 26th at the Flashes game, former FHS Head Football Coach Matt Dollar was presented with a shadow box with a patch of the original turf and a Letterman F for all his years of dedication to the Flashes Football program. Picture is Mr. Dollar along with FHS Principal John Wilber and former Flashes players and coaches. Photo courtesy Crystal Gurrola.
Last Friday, October 26th at the Flashes game, former FHS Head Football Coach Matt Dollar was presented with a shadow box with a patch of the original turf and a Letterman F for all his years of dedication to the Flashes Football program. Picture is Mr. Dollar along with FHS Principal John Wilber and former Flashes players and coaches. Photo courtesy Crystal Gurrola.
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California Highway Patrol
California Highway Patrol

California Highway Patrol is completing an investigation into possible criminal charges in association with a fatal all-terrain vehicle crash that occurred back on September 18th of this year. 25-year-old Christopher Almena of Fillmore overturned an all-terrain vehicle near South Mountain and Balcom Canyon Road. His passenger, 23-year-old Jacqueline Reyes of Fillmore, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from her seat and killed. CHP suggests that prosecutors charge Almena with vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and operating a motor vehicle with a bloodalcohol level above the legal limit. Almena was arrested but has been released on bail pending investigation.

 
Photo of the week "The beach landing at the Willows anchorage on Santa Cruz Island" [See story for details] By Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII on manual mode, ISO 250 in auto mode, Tamron 16-300mm lens @92mm, aperture f/8.0, 1/800th of a second shutter speed.
Photo of the week "The beach landing at the Willows anchorage on Santa Cruz Island" [See story for details] By Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII on manual mode, ISO 250 in auto mode, Tamron 16-300mm lens @92mm, aperture f/8.0, 1/800th of a second shutter speed.
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A foggy travelogue
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

The lament began softly, growing louder with each passing day. It was not unlike the Sirens of Greek mythology, mischievous creatures who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and singing voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island.

The wailing was from the Sirens of Santa Cruz Island beckoning me back. More island photo ops they teased. Resistance was futile, so I relented and called Island Packers. Hearing the boat was full was disheartening. The enchanting wailing continued to ululate unabated. Alas, the merciful phone call. A cancellation provided an opening if I was still interested. Ha! Camera in hand, I boarded the Island Adventure last Saturday bound for the Willows anchorage.

We departed the harbor under sunny skies and a chilly 69°. I learned long ago that it's always cooler on the water. Much cooler out on the Pacific ocean. I dressed accordingly: Thermal undies under street clothes plus a raincoat as a windbreaker on top of my fleece hoody. I was prepared. So I thought.

I took my preferred position that's best for photo ops, the ship's bow. As we passed the jetty, the nostrils instantly recognized the refreshing aroma of the salt-infused air. However, soon after passing the sea buoy, we were engulfed in thick fog. Not just plain thick fog. It was Super Soggy Fog (SSF). Thicker than sea poop... er... pea soup!

I kept my camera covered, but needed windshield wipers for my eyeglasses. The thought did occur that maybe I should go inside. I didn't. My immune system is not always 100% so I tend to avoid crowds in close quarters. Also, being on a photo expedition, best be ready if happening upon marine wildlife!

A few miles further, clear skies. Momentarily. Before long, the dastardly SSF once again engulfed us lasting all the way to Santa Cruz island. However, it was an excellent opportunity to make some exquisite photos of, ahem, fog! No dolphins, no whales, just FOG!

After dropping off passengers at the Scorpion pier, we continued to the Willows anchorage amid patchy fog. I was able to make several photos of the island topography along the way. Lo and behold, as we approached the Willows anchorage, we were greeted with delightful sunshine! Hallelujah!

Photographically speaking, Santa Rosa Island is a challenge because of the hilly terrain. Trails are scarce. Hiking is limited to exploring the dry creek beds in the canyons. One trail at Willows went up to a coastline overlook. I opted for the easier creek trail. Along the trail, I saw my first island scrub jay but did not see an island fox.

At the Frys and Willows anchorages, there are no piers for offloading from the boat. Small outboard-powered dinghies carry passengers, six at a time, from the mother ship to shore. As Island Packers warns, be prepared to get feet wet. Occasional large waves make the landing on the beach a bit tricky. When it was my turn to exit the dinghy, I didn't see an approaching wave. My feet got wet! No problem! I was wearing water shoes and NRS HydroSkin 0.5 Wetsocks.

The photo of the week illustrates part of the exciting adventure. As the dinghy approached the beach, a wave came in and tossed it sideways. Six startled passengers tightly clung on. Two Island Packer's staff members did a remarkable job of keeping everyone calm and stabilizing the wayward dinghy. The wave subsided, and the passengers safely disembarked, wet feet and all. Such events make unforgettable memories. The mischievous Sirens? They wouldn't pose for a photo. Next time!

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

 
Claim Victory at 108th Game Against Cardinals
On Friday, October 19th the 108th meeting of long time rivals Fillmore & Santa Paula took place and the Flashes beat the undefeated Santa Paula team 31 – 24. Pictured is the Varsity team hoisting the leather helmet and smiling in celebration of their win. Photos courtesy Crystal Gurrola.
On Friday, October 19th the 108th meeting of long time rivals Fillmore & Santa Paula took place and the Flashes beat the undefeated Santa Paula team 31 – 24. Pictured is the Varsity team hoisting the leather helmet and smiling in celebration of their win. Photos courtesy Crystal Gurrola.
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This past weekend the Fillmore Fire Department and Packing house Creative hosted the Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally for fallen fire fighter Cory Iverson.
This past weekend the Fillmore Fire Department and Packing house Creative hosted the Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally for fallen fire fighter Cory Iverson.
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Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola presenting Iverson’s wife Ashley with a gift basket filled with Fillmore treats.
Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola presenting Iverson’s wife Ashley with a gift basket filled with Fillmore treats.
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Fillmore Fire Department and Packinghouse Creative participated in Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally honoring fallen firefighter Cory Iverson by hosting rally drivers and Iverson’s wife Ashley.

The rally visited the Fillmore Fire house for a short ceremony. Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola gave a short speech and presented Ashley with a basket filled with items Fillmore is known for.

The rally also visited Fillmore Association of Businesses (FAB) member, Packinghouse Creative for refreshments, games, music and a tour of the packinghouse.

Cory Iverson lost his life on December 14, 2017 while battling the Thomas Fire in Fillmore, California. Proceeds from the rally will benefit two charities; Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness and The Murphy Auto Museum.

The rally took its participants on a beautiful drive through Ventura County’s backcountry while playing scavenger hunts and games along the route.

The rally raised $10,000 that will benefit Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness and The Murphy Auto Museum.
Funds are still needed to support and ensure the ongoing success of The Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness. Please consider a one-time or monthly donation. https://iversonfaa.org/

This past weekend the Fillmore Fire Department and Packing house Creative host the Murphy Auto Museum’s 3rd Annual Memorial Car Rally for fallen fire fighter Cory Iverson. Pictured left is Fillmore Fire Chief Keith Gurrola presenting Iverson’s wife Ashley with a gift basket filled with Fillmore treats.

 
(l-r) Parks and Recreation Coordinators Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards as they present on Fillmore’s upcoming “Trunk or Treat” &
(l-r) Parks and Recreation Coordinators Krista Martinez and Sandra Edwards as they present on Fillmore’s upcoming “Trunk or Treat” & "Dia De Los Muertos" event to take place this month.
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Events:
A presentation to promote the upcoming City Events “Trunk or Treat” and Dia De Los Muertos events was given by Parks and Recreation Coordinators Sandra Edwards and Krista Martinez at Tuesday's regular Council meeting. The events will take place at Central Park, in front of city hall, Nov. 2.

CalRecycle:
City Council adopted (1) a resolution authorizing the submittal of grant applications to CalRecycle to participate in grant program and (2) a resolution establishing an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Practices Policy, unanimously.
Authorization for the submittal of grant Applications to the California Dept. of Resources Recycling and Recovery ("CALRECYCLE") for the rubberized Pavement Grant program and approval of resolutions authorizing the applications and adopting a city council policy for environmentally preferable purchasing practices.

Pay Schedule:
The Staff request that the City Council Adopt Resolution 18-3672 adopting the Second Revision to the Publicly Available Pay Schedule for all City of Fillmore employees was unanimously approved.

 
Eduardo Robles, 30, of Fillmore.
Eduardo Robles, 30, of Fillmore.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Eduardo Robles (DOB 10/29/87), of Fillmore, was convicted by a jury of first-degree murder for the killing of Benjamin Brown, of Oxnard. On May 31, 2018, Robles, who had been drinking alcohol and using drugs, was driving his vehicle on Highway 126 when he intentionally rammed the car in front of him which was driven by Mr. Brown. The impact caused Mr. Brown’s vehicle to veer across the highway and collide with a tractor-trailer. Robles was also convicted of attempted murder for the injuries caused to his passenger, Jose Gaspar of Fillmore.

Robles faces a maximum sentence of 32 years to life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 45 of the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura.

 
Senior Carissa Rodriguez placed 14th with a time of 19:08 in the Mt. San Antonio College Course this past weekend. Photos courtesy Coach Kim Tafoya.
Senior Carissa Rodriguez placed 14th with a time of 19:08 in the Mt. San Antonio College Course this past weekend. Photos courtesy Coach Kim Tafoya.
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Sophomore Matthew Munoz finished 5th place with a time of 18:34.
Sophomore Matthew Munoz finished 5th place with a time of 18:34.
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On Friday, the Flashes Cross Country teams traveled to Walnut, California to compete in the nation's largest invitational, a two day event held on the Mt. San Antonio College Course. The 3 mile course feature 3 significant hills that challenge even the most experienced runners and was run in the hottest part of the day. Fillmore competed in 6 races, while fielding two complete teams.

Freshman boys had three competitors. Camilo Torres continued his comeback and led the group with a very respectable 7th place finish in a time of 18:43. Camilo was awarded an individual medal for his top effort. James Flores followed and placed 50th in 21:24 and was followed by Alotl Aparicio 77th in 22:45.

The Freshman girls also raced three competitors. They were led by top freshman runner Angelica Herrera who finished in 35th place in a time of 25:10. She was followed by Jasmine Vega 104th in 29:20, and Isabel De La Cruz 111th in 30:05.

The sophomore boys had four competitors with the first two winning medals. Leading the Flashes was Matthew Munoz who finished in 5th place in a time of 18:34; he was followed by Jesse De La Cruz 7th in 18:50, Andres Gonzalez 49th in 22:08, and Anthony Estrella 88th in 26:41.

Three athletes competed in the JV Girls race. Top finisher for Fillmore was Cecilia Cisneros who finished in 13th place and earned a medal for her effort posting a time of 24:58. The next finisher was Isabella De La Cruz in 20th place in 26:00 and Emma Orozco 29th in 26:58.

The Junior Varsity Boys were the first full team of the day with 8 competitors. This team ran well and captured first place in a field of 15 teams. They were led by Juan Carlos Laureano who captured 1st place out of 194 competitors in a time of 17:52. He was supported by Alex Recancoj 4th in 18:13, Jesus Cadena 8th in 18:46, Jorge Acevedo 17th in 19:16, Andrew Otineru 60th in 20:39, Luis Leon 66th in 20:50, Daniel Cruz 128th in 23:15, and Anthony Gonzales 177th in 26:18. The top three Fillmore athletes in this race won individual medals and the team won a first place team award.

The Varsity Girls ran in one of the premier races of the day, the Division 4 and 5 Girls Sweepstakes Race, but did not field a complete team. Carissa Rodriguez led the 4 competitors from Fillmore by placing 14th in 19:08. Carissa was the lone medal recipient in this race. She was followed by teammate Diana Perez 30th in 20:17, Nicole Gonzalez 50th in 21:00, and the steadily improving Andrea Marruffo 54th in 21:05.

The final race of the day was the Division 4 and 5 Boys Sweepstakes race, where 21 of the top teams competed for top honors. The race was won by Page, a team from Arizona, Fillmore placed 6th overall in this race. They were led by Senior Nick Villela who finished in 27th place in a time of 16:49, he was followed by Fabian Del Villar 30th in 16:52, Rey Laureano 35th in 17:01, Erick Gutierrez 47th in 17:16, Alex Manzo 84th in 17:52, and Jesse Martinez 100th in 18:16.

The team will next prepare for the Citrus Coast League Finals on November 1st at Lake Casitas in Ojai. This meet will determine league champions in all 4 divisions and which varsity teams will represent the league at CIF Southern Section Division 4 Prelims in Riverside on November 10th.

 
Photo of the Week "Silhouette couple holding hands admiring the Ventura sunset" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera on manual mode, ISO 1600, Tamron 16-300mm lens @141mm, aperture f/5.3, shutter speed 1/60th of a second.
Photo of the Week "Silhouette couple holding hands admiring the Ventura sunset" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera on manual mode, ISO 1600, Tamron 16-300mm lens @141mm, aperture f/5.3, shutter speed 1/60th of a second.
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Happy to help
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

I'm behind answering many of the questions I get weekly so time to get with it!

Jason A. asked: I love the osprey photo but I don't have a 300mm lens so how can I get shots like that? Jason, because you're still shooting with a Kodax Brownie, get 30 feet leg extensions (stilts) to get you up close to the bird. Or call 1/884/397-Helicopter. Seriously, you really need to upgrade your gear and buy a telephoto lens. Don't forget the 'Honey' app for a $10.00 discount coupon.

Sam R. asked: I got a new point-and-shoot camera, but I can't figure out why it won't turn on. Sam, for Pete's sake, put the battery in the camera!

Malinda R. asked: You always list photo data for every photo of the week but what setting is the most important. Interesting question. Malinda, the aperture is not more important than shutter speed, and neither is more important than ISO. Rather than ask about what's more important, think of each setting relative to creativity. What kind of photo do you want to produce? If depicting motion is more important, then adjust shutter speed accordingly. If depth of field is paramount, then aperture is your best friend. If you're attempting to capture an action shot and the light varies significantly as you track the subject, auto ISO is the best setting. Happy photoing!

On the subject, Andy M. asked: Instead of camera settings, what's wrong with shooting in auto mode? Andy, nothing! Hey, I sometimes shoot in auto mode. Oh wait, that's when I use my cell phone. Seriously, it's more important to get the photo than how you get it.

Steve D. asked: My photos suck. Would buying a better camera produce better photos? Absolutely! But don't do it. I like this gig so don't want any competition. Truth be told, a $35,000 Hasselblad H6D-100 won't help you if you haven't learned what makes a compelling image. Photo composition is paramount. Forget the Hasselblad, send me a check for $3,500, and I'll email you some composition tips.

Sandie L asked: Reading your columns motivated me to buy my first dSLR. Now I'm wondering what lenses I should consider buying. Sandie, let's meet next Monday at noon and we'll go lens shopping. You do have about $27,000 to spend, right? My photography friends have camera bags full of lenses, primes and telephotos. I'd rather collect Lamborghinis. Have you seen what lens I used for the Photo of the Week the past year? Ever since I bought the Tamron 16-300mm lens, I parked my other lenses in the closet. On occasion, I need my Tokina 11-16m ultra-wide angle lens. That's it! I'm considering buying the Tamron 18-400mm lens for its extra reach for air shows etc. I rented that lens for the last two air shows and liked it. Sandie, consider the Tamron 16-300mm lens... one lens and done! Just a thought!

The photo of the week is a couple observing the Ventura sunset. This is another example of visualizing a potential photo ahead of time. As I was leaving the beach, a couple passed me walking up the sand dune to check out the sunset. I immediately visualized a potential silhouette. I programmed the camera and quickly made a test photo then waited. Finally, and better than I hoped for, not only were they side-by-side, they're holding hands! Photojournalism blessed with serendipity are awesome experiences!

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

 

At about 12:20 PM, on October 10th, 2018, deputies with the Fillmore Police Department responded to a residential burglary that had occurred in an apartment in the 300 block of “A” Street in Fillmore. The victim of the burglary reported that two handguns and other property had been stolen from his apartment while he was away that morning.

The investigation quickly identified a suspect and with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, (S) Chadwick Hope was arrested as he walked away from his residence later that afternoon. At the time of his arrest, Hope was in possession of one of the stolen handguns, which was loaded and hidden in his waistband. Hope also had a set of metal knuckles in his possession when arrested.

A search warrant was served at Hope’s residence later that evening and the second firearm, additional stolen property, and other evidence connecting him to the burglary was seized. Hope was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for the charges listed below and remains in custody with bail set at $50,000.00:
- Penal Code §459 – Burglary
- Penal Code §21710 – Possession of composite knuckles
- Penal Code §487(d)(2) – Grant theft of a firearm (2 counts)
- Penal Code §25400(a)(2) – Carrying a concealed and loaded firearm

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis

 
On Thursday, October 11th a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle on the 700 block of Ventura Street (SR126). Traffic going westbound out of Fillmore was blocked for hours as crews tried to investigate the accident scene.
On Thursday, October 11th a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle on the 700 block of Ventura Street (SR126). Traffic going westbound out of Fillmore was blocked for hours as crews tried to investigate the accident scene.
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At approximately 6:08 AM, October 11, 2018, deputies along with emergency personnel with the Fillmore Fire Department and American Medical Response, responded to a call of a vehicle versus-pedestrian traffic collision in the 700 block of Ventura Street (State Route 126) in Fillmore.

A 66-year-old male resident of Fillmore had been struck by a pickup truck in the westbound #2 lane (the lane closest to the curb). He suffered traumatic injuries and was transported to the Ventura County Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver, a 62-year-old male resident of Castaic, was uninjured, and the preliminarily investigation did not indicate drug or alcohol impairment by the driver.

Anyone with information about the collision, which remains under investigation, is asked to contact Senior Deputy Shawn Holzberger at 805-388-5146.

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

 

On the evening on Friday, October 12, 2018, eastern Ventura County experienced thunderstorm(s) and intermittent heavy rain for several hours. At approximately 10:35 PM, Ms. Lisa Kinsey (Party # 1 above), a 46 year old Moorpark resident was driving her black, 2003, Ford, F-350 pick-up truck eastbound on the Broadway Road portion of State Route 23, between Moorpark and Fillmore, approaching a right curve in the roadway as it changes to Walnut Canyon Road. Ms. Kinsey was reportedly the only occupant of her vehicle. Moises Paniagua, reportedly a resident of Fillmore, was driving his green, 2000, Honda, Accord sedan northbound on Walnut Canyon Road, approaching a left curve in the roadway ahead (at Broadway Road) and Ms. Kinsey’s vehicle (Vehicle 1 above). It is believed it was raining at this time and location, roadways were wet. In curve there was a head-on, or near head-collision. The California Highway Patrol’s (CHP) Ventura Communications Center began receiving 9-1-1 calls and dispatched personnel from the CHP’s Moorpark Area office and Ventura County Fire Department. Once emergency personnel arrived on scene it was determined the driver of the Honda (Vehicle 2 above) was badly injured and trapped by wreckage. The Ventura County Fire Department expanded their response with additional specialized equipment and personnel. It took approximately 25 minutes to cut away the damaged Honda from its driver in order to remove him from the car. All four occupants of the Honda were transported by multiple ground ambulances to Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks for a variety of major and moderate injuries. Ms. Kinsey was examined and treated at the scene, declined further care and elected to seek further aid at a later time. Both vehicles were towed from the collision scene. State Route 23 was completely closed for approximately one hours to accommodate rescuers.
Unfortunately and despite aggressive medical care at the hospital, the driver of the Honda died overnight and his remains have been transferred to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office for the investigation into the medial cause of this death. The Medical Examiner’s Office will release his name once all family members have been notified. There is no indication at this time that impaired driving from alcohol, drugs or medication was a factor in this this collision. As of Saturday afternoon the collision investigation is continuing. Further information regarding the cause of the collision will likely be available not later than the afternoon of Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Anyone who witnessed the collision or either vehicle in the minutes before the collision, or has information they believe helpful regarding the collision is encouraged the telephone the CHP at (805) 553-0800 or (805) 477-4174.
Submitted by: Officer Johannesen, ID 21306 / Lt. / Commander R. Cohan

 
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