Pictured is the Fillmore Flashes Girls Golf Team, which claimed the title of Citrus Coast League Championship on Tuesday, October 16th. Pictured (l-r) are Destiny Menjuga, Brianna Jimeniz, Daisy Santa Rosa, Alyssa Ibarra, Sami Ibarra, April Lizarraga. Not pictured are Coach Dave MacDonald and Bob Hammond.
Pictured is the Fillmore Flashes Girls Golf Team, which claimed the title of Citrus Coast League Championship on Tuesday, October 16th. Pictured (l-r) are Destiny Menjuga, Brianna Jimeniz, Daisy Santa Rosa, Alyssa Ibarra, Sami Ibarra, April Lizarraga. Not pictured are Coach Dave MacDonald and Bob Hammond.
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Submitted by Dave MacDonald

Fillmore Lady Flashes began the week with one goal in mind, to become the first ever Citrus Coast Girl's Golf League Champions. Fillmore came into the week involved in a tight battle with Nordhoff high school with two matches to play. Play opened on Tuesday, October 16th at Mountain View Golf course for league match #4 and Fillmore was again led by Alyssa and Sami Ibarra as well as the rest of the team and posted it's 3rd straight league victory with a low score of 232. This gave Fillmore some breathing room headed into Thursday's final league showdown. FHS needed only a 3rd place finish to clinch the title but as had happened in the three previous matches, the Flashes beat all other teams and finished with a 4 match wining streak to clinch the title of league champs.

The Flashes also placed three girls in the 1st team all league category not including having the league MVP, Alyssa Ibarra. She was joined by Sami Ibarra, Destiny Menjuga and April Lizarraga on 1st team. Rounding out the second team was 3 year senior Daisy Santa Rosa and Brianna Jimeniz was named an Honorable mention winner.

FHS had a great season and special thanks goes out to Elkins Ranch Golf Course who provided countless contributions to support our students. We could not have done it without their efforts and we are thankful for all they did for our team.

 
Ventura County Department of Public Health
Ventura County Department of Public Health

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges Californians to get the influenza (flu) vaccine to protect your health during the upcoming flu season.

In California, flu usually begins to increase in late November or December. It takes a couple of weeks after vaccination for the body to build immunity, so now is the time to get vaccinated to have the best protection now the flu season has started.

“Getting vaccinated is the best line of defense against flu,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “You can prevent missing work or school, visits to the doctor or hospitalization, and protect others from coming down with the flu.”

A person with the flu may be contagious and infect others before they even feel sick.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 2016–2017 season, flu immunization prevented an estimated 5.3 million illnesses, 2.6 million medical visits, and 85,000 influenza-associated hospitalizations in the United States.

Flu vaccines are administered as a shot or nasal spray. For the 2018-19 flu season, the CDC recommends vaccination with no preference for any one vaccine over another.

CDPH recommends the annual flu vaccination for everyone six months of age and older. While anyone can get flu, pregnant women, children under five, adults 65 years of age and older, and people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes and asthma are particularly at risk for flu-related complications. Flu vaccinations are needed every year to maintain the greatest protection because the vaccine changes each year to match circulating viruses and annual vaccination boosts immunity.

For pregnant women, flu complications can include premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth of the baby. Besides helping prevent flu complications, flu vaccine given during pregnancy also helps protect babies from flu infection for several months after birth, before the baby can be immunized, which is a time that babies are at high risk for flu complications.

Common symptoms of the flu include fever or feeling feverish, a cough and/or sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, chills, fatigue and body aches. Children may also have nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

To stop the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses, you should also:
• Stay home while sick and limit contact with others.
• Cover coughs or sneezes with your sleeve or disposable tissue.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

CDPH encourages Californians to contact their health care provider, physician’s office or clinic about getting the flu vaccine. When flu vaccine is in stock, adults with Medi-Cal can also get immunized at the pharmacy where they generally pick up their prescriptions. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu immunizations.

For more information about the flu, visit CDPH’s website. For the flu vaccine location nearest you, visit www.flu.gov.

www.cdph.ca.gov

 
Photo of the week "Brown pelican passing by in the Ventura Harbor" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7D MKII, manual mode, ISO 1600, Tamron 16-300mm @100mm, aperture f/8.0, shutter speed 1/1000 of a second.
Photo of the week "Brown pelican passing by in the Ventura Harbor" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7D MKII, manual mode, ISO 1600, Tamron 16-300mm @100mm, aperture f/8.0, shutter speed 1/1000 of a second.
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Pixel painting
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

As much as I might find the reality perplexing, it's evident that for many people, smartphones have become the de facto device for taking photos. (sigh) Will smartphones make cameras go the way of dinosaurs? Not yet!

Visiting from San Luis Obispo, my friend Jed and I met for lunch. He shoots weddings and teaches workshops. As we pondered the photographic state of discombobulation, a few things came to mind. First, a little history.

Back in the days of film, most cameras included an exposure meter which worked reasonably well. Load the film, select Auto or Program mode, frame the shot and mash the shutter button. Then pray! Afterward, the photographer took the film to wherever to develop. Return some time later for the prints. Sometimes prayers worked, sometimes they didn't. Delightful or lousy, you got what you got.

Sure, film cameras were OK because most people were not enthusiastic photo makers. Most were no more interested in 'creating' a photo than today's... ahem... phonetographers. Most needed merely to record an event, or an activity or a particular subject such as a stunning flower or glorious sunset. Only two considerations: Exposure and composition. Same as a smartphone. Exposure basically automatic, and composition was rarely, if ever, considered.

Digital changed all of that. Whether a point-and-shoot or an interchangeable lens camera (ILC), there's still aperture and shutter speed controls and much more. The digital camera offers a photographer many creative possibilities. Today's digital cameras are so good that even in 'auto' mode, excellent photos are produced. Instead of dealing with a film canister, digital photos are transferred to a thumb drive and taken to a processor for prints. Costco, using real photo processing, produces fine prints. So why are those that previously used a film camera reluctant to transition to a digital camera?

Perhaps confusion is a factor. Pick up a digital camera and you'll see several buttons & dials. Menus operate the internal computer. One push of the menu button reveals dozens of options. Who has the time to learn what they all do? No wonder many a would-be digital photographer quickly puts the camera back on the counter and promptly exits the camera store.

Fear not! Those camera menus are like the various brushes an artist uses for creating a painting. It's a big part of creativity. But with a digital camera, you're painting with pixels. And the choices the camera menus give you are what you use to fulfill your vision!

I'd be remiss not to mention one other learning curve: The computer software programs essential to convert pixels into an image for the Internet or prints. But if one doesn't have a computer to run the software, well, there's always quilting.

We topped off our lunch with pumpkin pie and Jed departed to return to SLO with another wedding on the books. I seldom shoot weddings. Too many relatives have too much to say resulting in too much frustration. Much more tranquil shooting puppies and poppies.

Many times a photo can be anticipated like the photo of the week. As the boat approached the harbor, I saw the brown pelican. I predicted it would take flight as we came closer. I quickly dialed a fast shutter speed but didn't have time to select burst mode. As expected, it stretched out its long wings and quickly flew by in front of me. CLICK! Got it! In one shot! Love the challenge! Love the thrill! Love photography!!! Buy a camera and experience such thrills yourself. Warning: It's delightfully addictive!

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

 
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Bill Meixner at (805)524-2235 or at William.Meixner@ ventura.org.
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Bill Meixner at (805)524-2235 or at William.Meixner@ ventura.org.
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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the suspect in the attached photographs. He is responsible for a vehicle burglary that occurred in Fillmore on September 15, 2018.

The owner of the vehicle had parked her car in the 3100-block of Telegraph Road in Fillmore, leaving her purse inside. When she returned to her vehicle several hours later, she discovered someone had smashed a window and removed her purse from the vehicle.

That same afternoon, one of the victim’s stolen debit/credit cards was used at a business in Oxnard to make unauthorized purchases. The suspect who made the purchases appears to be a Hispanic male, 35-45 years old, approximately 5’ 7” with a medium-to-heavy build, with a beard and mustache.

Residents are reminded to remove all valuable property from their vehicles and lock their car doors when they park.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Bill Meixner at (805)524-2235 or at William.Meixner@ventura.org.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Prepared by: Detective Bill Meixner
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

 
Fillmore City Public Works Supervisor David Smallwood presented an update on the city’s 3-year water testing report. He said city water quality is very good and no lead was detected.
Fillmore City Public Works Supervisor David Smallwood presented an update on the city’s 3-year water testing report. He said city water quality is very good and no lead was detected.

The regular Tuesday City Council meeting opened with a presentation by Public Works Supervisor David Smallwood on the status of Fillmore’s water. He mentioned the 3-year testing of the city’s water quality was very good. All city wells and 30 testing points showed no trace of lead, though the water is “hard” due to elevated levels of normal minerals which affect the taste at various locations. Lynn Edmonds spoke on the importance of simplifying the city’s business permit policy. Maria Ventura spoke on the affordability of natural gas. Council discussed updating the city zoning ordinance. The city seeks to be increasingly business friendly and hopes to place business codes online in searchable form in the future.

 

In Fillmore, the first Ventura County location in the SONIC Drive-In chain is slated to open in summer 2019, according to Johnny Jones, its vice president of development and construction. The restaurant known for its drive-thru service model and specialty drinks (hello, Pickle Juice Slush) will be at what is now a vacant lot at 643 W. Ventura St., also known as Highway 126. Inspire Brands, the parent company of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, last month announced plans to buy the Oklahoma-based SONIC chain for $2.3 billion

 

The Falcon 9 launched into orbit at 7:21 p.m., Sunday, October 7, from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base about 158 miles (254 kilometers) north of Los Angeles to deliver the Earth-observation radar satellite SAOCOM-1A into orbit for Argentina’s national space agency. That mission was a success, and SpaceX also landed the first stage of the Falcon 9 at a new site (Landing Zone 4) near its Vandenberg launchpad in a historic first. But it was the spectacular views of the rocket streaking into the night sky, its two stages clearly visible after separation which wowed spectators across the region.

 
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Bill Meixner at (805) 524-2235 or at William.Meixner @ventura.org
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Bill Meixner at (805) 524-2235 or at William.Meixner @ventura.org
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The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the suspect in the attached photographs. The suspect is responsible for using a Ventura County resident’s identity and other personal information to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account at different bank branches.

On 08-24-18 and on 09-01-18, the suspect used the victim’s checking account number and other personal information to fill out withdrawal slips to withdraw money from the victim’s bank account at Chase Bank branches in Thousand Oaks, Northridge and Van Nuys. The suspect was successful in withdrawing nearly $4,000 from the victim’s bank account.

The suspect was described as a mid-forties to early sixties heavy-set black female, approximately 5-5” in height and weighing 215 pounds. The female appears to wear different wigs in the separate transactions to alter her appearance.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to contact Detective Bill Meixner at (805) 524-2235 or at William.Meixner@ventura.org.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Prepared by: Detective Bill Meixner
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

 
 
(l-r) FHS Scholarship Committee member Lori Wileman Bennett (Class of 1985) and FHS Alumi Arlinda Reyes (Class of 2015).
(l-r) FHS Scholarship Committee member Lori Wileman Bennett (Class of 1985) and FHS Alumi Arlinda Reyes (Class of 2015).
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Pictured is FHS Scholarship Committee member Lori Wileman Bennett (Class of 1985) and FHS Alumi Arlinda Reyes (Class of 2015). Arlinda is entering her final year at Wagner College with a major in Arts Administration. Wagner College is located in Staten Island New York. Arlinda received a 2018 Continuation Grant award from the Alumni Association. Any graduate of Fillmore High School who is continuing their education at a college, university, community college or trade school may apply for a Continuation Grant. Applicants must be entering their second year of post secondary education. Applications may be obtained from the Alumni Association website or from the Alumni Store and must be received no later than June 30th of that year. To see a complete list of this year’s awardees, please visit www.FillmoreHighAlumni.com and click on the "Members Only" section. Thank you for your continued support of the Fillmore High Alumni Association.

 
Photo of the Week "Angler on jetty at sunset, mindless of the smashing waves" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera, manual mode, ISO 500, Tamron 16-300mm lens @300mm, aperture f/6.3, shutter speed 1/500 of a second.
Photo of the Week "Angler on jetty at sunset, mindless of the smashing waves" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera, manual mode, ISO 500, Tamron 16-300mm lens @300mm, aperture f/6.3, shutter speed 1/500 of a second.
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Awareness works
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

In the previous column, I discussed awareness which helps to develop a photographer's eye. Based on the questions I received on the subject, my explanation was insufficient. I understand! However, it's a challenge to present such concepts while constrained to 600 words.

OK, let's explore this further. You arrive upon a stunning scene. Don't immediately take a snapshot. Stop and engage the scene with mindfulness in the present moment. Camera settings and techniques aside for a moment, indulge the full experience of SEEING the grandeur. Rid the mind of frivolous thoughts. This frees your mind to SEE the scene. As you imbibe in SEEING, not just looking, you'll visualize a photo composition. Awareness enables a photographer's 'eye' to SEE a compelling image before even touching the camera. Soon you'll notice that your photography begins to evolve intuitively. At the opportune moment, make your photo. Afterward, don't quickly take your leave. Look around. Many times, totally unexpected, you'll SEE other stupendous photo ops. Stay aware! Got it?

For example, a recent trip to photograph the Kern River. Considering the 360-degree scenery, it's foolish to shoot and run. Many times a magnificent photo op exists behind you. Just turn around before moving on, and you'll often SEE more great photo ops. Note that this all comes from discipline which comes from experience which is acquired by, ahem, practice. Isn't it interesting how this all works?

I went to the Ventura Harbor last Sunday to 'see' the recent arrival of a double haul sailing canoe. Hokule'a is the Hawaiian canoe traveling the world by a map of the stars. Forty years ago, a group of Native Hawaiians and anthropologists built the Hokule'a to revive the ancient art of Polynesian wayfinding, which had been forgotten.

More about awareness and a case of doing as I say, not what I do. (grin) After the port visit, I walked over to the beach hoping for a stunning sunset. Whoa! Immediately saw large waves smashing on the jetty sending huge plumes of spray into the air. I walked to the eastern side of the jetty and watched the rhythm of the waves: four small waves, then a large one. I also observed larger splashes on the other side of the jetty. You know, the greener grass syndrome. I moved. I shouldn't have. I didn't notice the water rising higher on the north side. My attention was so fixated on the waves crashing on the jetty end that I was not, ahem, AWARE of where I was standing. Along came a sneaker wave, the cold water washing over my shoes soaking my feet! (expletives deleted)

I went back to the south side of the breakwater. Aha... now a fisherman on the jetty. Hallelujah! A subject to juxtapose! The sun was still approximately 30 minutes from sunset. From the right position, I visualized a smashing photo, so to speak. But I needed a smashing wave just as the sun kissed the horizon.

As the sun dropped, I continually moved to keep the angler positioned in front of the setting sun. At the speed the sun was dropping, I had only about 10-12 seconds to capture the visualized photo. At the moment the sun was about to caress the horizon, I anxiously waited. Come on waves: NOW! Finally, serendipity blessed me. As I pressed the shutter button, the feeling of accomplishment was immense. Awareness works!
The photo of the week is how I visualized it 20 minutes before making the photo. These experiences are what makes photography so exhilarating, so fulfilling and so addictive! SEE the photo in color online at fillmoregazette.com. Happy photoing.

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

 
Fillmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9637 held its yearly Appreciation Dinner and Award Ceremony on September 28, 2018. Dick Schmittou, Bill Morris and Jim Rogers were presented with plaques in appreciation of their support of the VFW through the years. New Post 9637 Commander Jim Mills presented the plaques. Pictured is Morris and Mills; inset is Rogers and Mills. There were about 40 people in attendance.
Fillmore Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9637 held its yearly Appreciation Dinner and Award Ceremony on September 28, 2018. Dick Schmittou, Bill Morris and Jim Rogers were presented with plaques in appreciation of their support of the VFW through the years. New Post 9637 Commander Jim Mills presented the plaques. Pictured is Morris and Mills; inset is Rogers and Mills. There were about 40 people in attendance.
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On Monday, Oct. 1, three candidates for City Council, Carrie Broggie, Diane McCall, and Lynn Edmonds, were hosted at City Hall by the League of Women Voters. Broggie and McCall are incumbent Council Members, and Edmonds is a first time candidate. A good crowd attended the meeting, during which each candidate spoke on issues which most concerned them.
On Monday, Oct. 1, three candidates for City Council, Carrie Broggie, Diane McCall, and Lynn Edmonds, were hosted at City Hall by the League of Women Voters. Broggie and McCall are incumbent Council Members, and Edmonds is a first time candidate. A good crowd attended the meeting, during which each candidate spoke on issues which most concerned them.
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At last nights school board meeting the board discussed the Fillmore Unified School District’s new official blog and social media platforms are to further the district’s vision and mission, support student learning and staff professional development, and to enhance communication with students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members. Users are expected to use the district’s official blog and social media platforms only for the these purposes. New Blog Link is https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/
At last nights school board meeting the board discussed the Fillmore Unified School District’s new official blog and social media platforms are to further the district’s vision and mission, support student learning and staff professional development, and to enhance communication with students, parents/guardians, staff, and community members. Users are expected to use the district’s official blog and social media platforms only for the these purposes. New Blog Link is https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/
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Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

Official District Sponsored Social Media
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos regarding the Official District Sponsored Social Media https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/

Approve the Annual Title III Local Plan Update
Governing Board approved the Annual Title III Local Plan Update

Approve Resolution 18-19-07 of the Governing Board of the Fillmore Unified School District Opposing Marijuana Dispensaries, Deliveries, Personal and Commercial Cultivation, Sales and Other Commercial Activities in the City of Fillmore
The Governing Board unanimously approved Resolution 18-19-07.

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

 
Ventura County Sheriff's Department
Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Fillmore Police Department would like to warn Fillmore residents about several ongoing scams occurring within our community. During the past month, citizens have reported IRS, Cashier’s Check and Internet scams.

In one scam, a resident received a phone call from a subject purportedly from the IRS. The subject claimed the victim had unpaid taxes and threatened arrest by local law enforcement if payment was not received. In another scam, a resident responded to a “pop-up” window on their computer claiming the computer was infected with a virus. The victim paid money for the virus to be removed, only realizing later that they were the victim of a scam. In yet another scam, a victim received a cashier’s check and a cover letter from a reputable company. The victim was directed to cash the check, keep a small amount for themselves and send the rest to an address in another state.

None of the scenarios described above are legitimate transactions.

In order to avoid being the victim of a scam, Fillmore residents are encouraged to:
Never cash cashier’s checks sent to you in the mail from an unfamiliar person.
Always contact your local financial institution to verify the authenticity of any check.
Never give out any personal or banking information over the phone or through the internet.
If your computer/laptop indicates it has a virus, always consult an electronics specialist for repairs.

If you have questions about an interaction and you think it might be a scam, stop and call the Fillmore Police Department at 805-524-2233.

Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/ or call 877-382-4357.

For more information regarding scams, visit https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety or https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-scamsconsumer-alerts

Prepared by: Deputy Isaiah Miramontes
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

 
Fillmore Mayor Minjares made a special visit to the third grade classes at Mountain Vista Elementary school to discuss government and his role as Mayor. Photo courtesy Charice Guerra, Principal at Mountain Vista Elementary.
Fillmore Mayor Minjares made a special visit to the third grade classes at Mountain Vista Elementary school to discuss government and his role as Mayor. Photo courtesy Charice Guerra, Principal at Mountain Vista Elementary.
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Submitted by Charice Guerra, Principal at Mountain Vista Elementary

The third graders at Mountain Vista Elementary School are learning about how our government works. Mayor Minjares visited Mrs. Ramos’s and Mrs. Davis’s classes on Thursday, September 20. The Mayor explained what the City Council does and his role as mayor. The students asked questions like, “How much do you get paid?” The answer is $300 per month if you are wondering. Mrs. Davis’s class wanted the mayor to autograph their notebooks. The mayor happily signed each child’s notebook and encouraged them to register to vote when they are old enough.

 
Photo of the week "Majestic osprey perched at Frys Harbor, Santa Cruz Island" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7D MKII camera on manual mode, ISO 500, Tamron 16-300 mm lens @300mm, aperture f/10, shutter speed 1/320th of a second.
Photo of the week "Majestic osprey perched at Frys Harbor, Santa Cruz Island" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7D MKII camera on manual mode, ISO 500, Tamron 16-300 mm lens @300mm, aperture f/10, shutter speed 1/320th of a second.
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A photographer's eye
Bob Crum
Bob Crum

French impressionist artist Claude Monet said: "We all look at the same things, yet we see things differently." It's my experience that while we may all look at the same things, few are those that 'see.' The recent journey to Santa Cruz Island was proof.

Upon arriving at Frys Harbor, perched high on the hillside sat an osprey. I managed a photo from the skiff that took us from the ship to the beach. Of the five others in the dinghy, none seemed interested in the magnificent raptor. At the outset, this stark realization: Photography enables a photographic eye by which we 'see' what others don't. Quite a phenomenon.

Onshore I went exploring and surprised to discover rusty railroad tracks. These were used in the late 1800s to transport quarried rock to waiting barges in the harbor. Interesting but more interesting was that no one else was interested. Beach loungers all! Not a judgment, merely an observation.

Then came time for the naturalist-led hike into the canyon where I anticipated oodles of photo ops. I was not disappointed. I stayed at the rear of the group so I could stop to make a photo without holding up the parade of hikers. As we walked single file along the trail, I watched the others. So much splendor going under the awareness radar of the multitudes. We were walking in an ancient grove of trees where for centuries Chumash Indians once traipsed. I sensed a specialness of these sacred grounds. The others just kept walking.

Quoting Jonathan Swift: “Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” To that, I'll add another description of a photographer's 'eye': The unique ability to 'see' what is readily dismissed by most others. Let's... ahem... see how that applies.

The trail meandered around several downed trees and crossed a natural spring-fed creek. No wind to speak of so the tree's leaves were still. This meant that even in the shade I could set the aperture at f/11 for extended depth of field. Were it windy, I'd have to significantly increase the shutter speed to compensate for moving limbs and leaves. This would necessitate opening the aperture at the expense of depth of field. Got that picture?

Along the trail, I felt compelled to stop and take note of the glorious scene I was 'seeing.' I didn't just see a group of trees and ignore them. The sunlight peering through the canopy above pranced and danced on the ground as if in a playground. The rays of light also seemed to illuminate exactly what nature wanted me to 'see.' Even the often considered innocuous boulders along the spring-fed creek splendidly complimented the scene. I became intrigued with the curving, ambling oak tree limbs. The shadows falling ever so gently on the sprawling limbs of the mighty oaks caressing them with love. Without touching I could sense the texture of the tree's bark. Every time I moved the angle of light changed causing me to see a different and delightful scene. Photo ops at every turn.

Photography is fascinating on so many levels. Note, however, that it's just as much about 'awareness' as it is about seeing. Awareness effectuates 'seeing' automatically. The more aware you become, the more you 'see' about everything. Practicing awareness every day is key to developing a photographer's eye. Soon thereafter, you'll create more compelling photographs.

Photo of the week: The majestic osprey at Frys Harbor, Santa Cruz Island. Link to the Santa Cruz Island trip photo slideshow: https://youtu.be/uUV6ztHnX6k

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

 

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced today that Vote By Mail ballots for the November 6, 2018 Statewide General Election will be available beginning Monday, October 8, 2018. All voters have the option to vote by mail. This method allows voters to vote from home at their convenience and return their ballot by mail.

Vote By Mail ballots will be delivered to post offices on Monday, October 8, 2018. Voters who are not on the permanent Vote By Mail ballot list and want to vote by mail should complete and return the application on the Elections Division website http://venturavote.org on the Elections Forms menu. Voters may also apply in person Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Elections Division located in the Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura.

Completed Vote By Mail ballots may be dropped off before Election Day at the Elections Division or in one of the two 24-hour ballot drop off boxes located in front of the Hall of Administration at the Government Center. Ballots may also be dropped off at any local City Hall during their business hours, starting October 8, 2018 through Election Day. All voted ballots must be postmarked or returned to any Ventura County polling place or to the Elections Division, by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 6, 2018.

A complete list of Ballot Drop Box locations can be found at: http://venturavote.org.

For additional information, call the Elections Division at (805) 654-2664.

 

The 14th Annual NAMI Ventura County Walk – NAMI Ventura County Mental Health Hero’s Remaining Strong benefitting the National Alliance on Mental Illness will be on Saturday October 13, 2018 at the San Buenaventura State Beach Parking (near the Pier). Check in and registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the start time for the 5k walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Walk will be held rain or shine. There will be a pre-walk program from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. which will feature speakers from the Ventura County community.

The Walk is a tradition that provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the facts of mental illness, to erase the stigma associated with mental illness, and to raise funds so that NAMI Ventura County can continue to offer all their programs and services at no cost to persons who can be helped by those services. It gives everyone a chance to show their support for the efforts put forth by NAMI Ventura County.

NAMI bases their mission on the principles of support, education, and advocacy for persons impacted by mental illness. They provide classes for family members, providers, and persons with a lived experience of mental illness. They also present in schools, hold support groups for family members, and provide outreach to persons who come to see persons who are in the inpatient psychiatric units in Ventura County. NAMI Ventura County also has a Peer to Peer class for persons in recovery and a Connections support group for persons in recovery as well.

The Walk in Ventura County is a fun family event with activities for children and opportunities to socialize. It also provides our community with a way for us all to come together to show our support for needed services for all persons impacted by mental illness.

To register as an individual walker or to form a team and/or to find information about sponsorships please call 805.641.2426 or visit www.namiventura.org.

 
(l-r) Monica McGrath, Undersheriff and Chris Dunn, Assistant Sheriff.
(l-r) Monica McGrath, Undersheriff and Chris Dunn, Assistant Sheriff.
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Sheriff-Elect Bill Ayub is pleased to announce that Monica McGrath has been selected to fill the position of Undersheriff and Chris Dunn will be appointed to fill the position of Assistant Sheriff. These high-level organizational vacancies are behind the upcoming retirements of Undersheriff Gary Pentis and Sheriff Geoff Dean and will be effective November 18, 2018.

Monica McGrath is a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and has a wide diversity of experience in every division of the organization. Monica rose through the ranks and achieved the position of sheriff’s commander. Along the way she worked many assignments including recruit training officer, property crimes and sexual assault detective, internal affairs investigator, and chief of police for the cities of Fillmore and Camarillo. Having retired in 2016, Monica’s return to service with the Sheriff’s Office at the executive level adds an essential depth of perspective and experience needed to help guide the agency into the future. As the Undersheriff, Monica will serve as the Acting Sheriff in the Sheriff’s absence and she will have executive oversight of the entire agency’s operations.

Chris Dunn is a 33-year veteran of law enforcement. Having begun his professional career as a Ventura County Sheriff’s Cadet, Chris became a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy sheriff in 1988. He transferred to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in 1994 and has served the citizens of Ventura County for the past 24 years. Chris has climbed each of the ranks and worked challenging assignments in every division of the Sheriff’s Office, including major crimes Investigator and acting police chief for the cities of Ojai and Camarillo. He is also a recently retired lieutenant commander in the United States Navy Reserve. Chris currently serves as the commander of the Sheriff’s Support Services Division. As one of two Assistant Sheriffs, Chris will have executive-level oversight of the Patrol and Special Services Divisions.

The Sheriff’s Office is the largest law enforcement agency in Ventura County, having more than 1,200 employees and providing police services to the unincorporated areas of the county, as well as the cities of Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Ojai, Fillmore, and Camarillo. In addition, the Sheriff’s Office staffs and operates the county jails, courthouse security, a crime laboratory, a regional training center, an aviation unit, search & rescue resources, the Office of Emergency Services, and much more. For more information about the Sheriff’s Office, please visit our website at www.vcsd.org and follow us on Facebook/VenturaCountySheriff, Twitter@VenturaSheriff, and Instagram/VCSheriff.

Prepared by: Sheriff-Elect Bill Ayub
Approved by: Sheriff-Elect Bill Ayub

 
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