At Tuesday's Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission the following new business occurred:
Resident Norma Amaro reminded Council of the special October 6 open house in the Central Avenue business district. Special pricing on many products will be available.

NEW BUSINESS
A review and design comment on three traffic circles within the Heritage Valley Parks Specific Plan area was undertaken. Unanimous approval was given to the placement of a tree in the landscaping area.

The applicant, Hearthstone Multi-Asset, Entity C, LLC, is constructing public improvements (Rio Vista Park, streets, traffic circles, bike paths, etc.) in Tract 5496, which is known as The Bridges subdivision. The traffic circles are one of the remaining public improvements to be constructed that do not yet have a final approved design.

A single tree in the center of the traffic circle was decided upon. The cost of a "specimen" tree would be $173,010. This was determined to be the least expensive among 14 alternatives. The Planning Commission reviewed the above alternative and, based upon City staff recommendation, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council accept the design of a Large Specimen Tree (California Live Oak, 8’x’8’ box).

PUBLIC HEARING - INITIATION OF REORGANIZATION (ANNEXATION 17-01) FOR A 2.03-ACRE PARCEL AS PART OF HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS SPECIFIC PLAN IMPLEMENTATION (APN 054-0-010-335).
The annexation is proposed for a City-owned parcel which will include the east entry and Heritage Valley Parkway. It is located immediately south of State Route (“SR”) -126 and north of the Santa Paula Branch Line railroad tracks. Use of the property would be for a public road (the extension of Heritage Valley Parkway from Phase 1 through the Phase 2 area, connecting with SR 126), entry design features, and a drainage/water quality facility.

Phase 1 of the Specific Plan is currently under construction and will soon be complete.

Phase 2 of the Specific Plan includes the construction of 459 dwelling units, a community park, and infrastructure to support the build-out of the Specific Plan area. This annexation is for an area necessary for infrastructure including the extension of Heritage Valley Parkway from the Phase 1 area, through the Phase 2 residential area, and connecting to SR 126 in the proposed annexation area.

The Planning Commission reviewed the Annexation request on August 15, 2018 and had no comments and supported the annexation.

The plan was unanimously approved by the Council.

DESIGN REVIEW OF THE CITY GATEWAY (EAST ENTRY) OF THE HERITAGE VALLEY PARKS (BRIDGES) SUBDIVSION
Two of the eight green bridge sections owned by the City shall be installed by the Applicant as part of the projects easterly entry. The project entry shall be completed including the theme boulevard intersection at Hwy 126 and appropriate Hwy 126 improvements prior to occupancy of the second 50% of Phase 2 or the first unit of the Villas which ever shall first occur. This action was approved unanimously by Council.

SIDEWALK ASSESSMENT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES AGREEMENT
The City Council approved an agreement with Precision Concrete Cutting (“Precision”) for Sidewalk Assessment and Maintenance Services. The motion passed unanimously, following a discussion of safety issues.

AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FILLMORE ROPING CLUB TO USE THE FILLMORE EQUESTRIAN CENTER was approved unanimously. The Club has used the facility for more than 20-years.

Monday, Oct. 1, 7:00 - 7:50 PM at Fillmore City Council Chambers, 250 Central Avenue.

Candidates Forum for Fillmore City Council (3 candidates).

For more information or questions, please contact David Maron at 805-469-4900 or davidm@maronsoftware.com.

Jessica Largey, a 2004 graduate of Fillmore High School, is now the starred Chef at Simone- a new restaurant opening Thursday night, September 20, 2018. Simone, named after legendary singer Nina Simone, partnered with film director Joe Russo (Avengers: Infinity Wars) and Bruno Bagbeni (Fraiche and Bastide). Food and Wine describes Simone as “a stunner.” Located in the Arts District in Los Angeles, it is billed as one of the most anticipated Los Angeles restaurant openings in years. Jessica was trained at the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena and honed her skills in fine dining restaurants, such as Providence on Melrose in Los Angeles under the mentorship of Chef Michael Cimarusti; Bastide in West Hollywood; world famous The Fat Duck in England, and as chef de cuisine at 3 Michelin Star Manresa in Los Gatos, CA under head chef David Kinch. After Manressa, Jessica collaborated on a joint menu at the rotating chef restaurant Intro in Chicago.

In 2013, Zagat named Jessica as one of their "30 under 30" for San Francisco, as well as winning the title of Rising Star Chef from StarChefs.com and Eater.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessica_Largey - cite_note-intro-2 In 2015, at the Lincoln Center in New York City, Jessica was presented with the James Beard Foundation Award for Rising Star Chef of the Year - dubbed the culinary “Oscar” because there is no higher culinary award.

On Wednesday CONTINUED »

A drive-by shooting took place on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 4:37 p.m. in the area of Clay and Bard Street, Fillmore. Approximately a half hour later a victim with a gunshot wound was admitted to Santa Paula Hospital. It was not confirmed whether the victim and the Fillmore incident were related. The victim’s wound was non-life-threatening. Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau is investigating.

Bob Crum

It was so exciting I hardly know where to begin but begin I must. Last Sunday, aboard Island Packer's ship the Islander, I sailed to Fry's Harbor at Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park. So many photo ops. So much frustration!

The trip from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Island requires crossing the Santa Barbara channel. Though not a travel column, a little background info is pertinent.

The Santa Barbara Channel, extending from Point Conception to Cape Colnett, Baja, CA, is an incredibly diverse and biologically productive ecosystem. Flowing between two land masses creates a transition zone. This transition zone promotes large concentrations of both biomass and species diversity. The upwelling provides unusually high levels of nutrients, especially macrozooplankton, which are one of the primary driving forces behind the Channel’s biological productivity and diversity. Thus it's a vast cafeteria for many predators including dolphin which on average need to eat 20-50 pounds of fish/day. And the munchies are plentiful in the Channel.

On the way to the island, we first encountered a pod of relatively rare Risso dolphins. First time seeing these cetaceans. As described by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, “Risso dolphins, like a battered boxer, the bulky, blunt-headed Risso's dolphin bear lots of scars. Its Latin species name griseus refers to the skin's ghostly gray-white mottling—an effect enhanced with age by extensive scarring made by the teeth of its own kind or by beaks and tentacles of squid, its preferred prey.” It was not a large pod. Difficult to photograph because they were not leaping, only cruising. Dorsal fins themselves are not exciting.

Closer to the island, we encountered a huge pod of the more common bottle-nose dolphin. I confess I need more experience photographing these frolicking animals. So many dolphins over a large area it's nearly impossible to know where to point the camera. Point over there, and they leap over here. Point here, and many suddenly leap over there. An exasperating guessing game. Luck also comes to mind. It's much more challenging to accomplish than one might imagine.

On to Fry's Harbor. But first a side trip up to the Painted Cave. Oh my, what a treat! Captain Luke took the big ship a little way into the cave. Interesting! Then back to Fry's Harbor. The Islander anchors 100 yards from shore. A small motorized skiff transports us six at a time to the beach. On the way, I got a photo of an osprey up on a cliff.

On the island, a naturalist led a hike through a dense oak grove through which a small creek flowed fed by a natural spring. Two species of oaks, the imported species from the mainland with sprawling limbs being the most photogenic. In the shade, an 1860's campground used by islanders of yore.

After many island photos, time to return. A few miles later, another huge pod of bottle-nose dolphin. After another exhaustive attempt to get the 'wowza' dolphin photo, I put the camera aside and just gleefully watched the fascinating creatures. If only I had a boat!

Photographically, because of adverse glare, I used a circular polarizing filter on the lens. Also, because the boat is in constant motion, and the dolphin always moving fast, I used a fast shutter speed. Proper exposure accomplished by adjusting aperture with ISO on auto.

So many exciting photographs from which to choose, it was difficult selecting just one for the photo of the week. Ultimately I selected a photo of the bottle-nose dolphin. I need to go again!

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

Career Technical Education Facilities Program Application for Agriscience and Agricultural Mechanics for Fillmore High School
-Information was presented to the Governing Board by Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos and Director of Special Programs, Tom Chan

Approve Resolution 18-19-4 for Approval of Administrators Week: October 8-14, 2018
-Resolution was approved by the Governing Board

Approve Career Technical Education Facilities Program Application for Agriscience and Agricultural Mechanics for Fillmore High School
-The Governing Board approved the application for CTEFP Agriscience and Agricultural Mechanics

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

Brandon Lloyd, 23, Fillmore

On September 12, 2018, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Gang Unit concluded a two month long investigation into the unlawful firearm activity of Brandon Lloyd with the execution of a search warrant at his residence and his arrest for firearm violations.

On September 12, 2018, Lloyd was detained pursuant to a signed search warrant, while simultaneously executing the search warrant at his residence in Fillmore, California. After a search of the residence, detectives located and seized a handgun, two handgun manufacturing kits, two AK-47 manufacturing kits, ammunition, and further evidence to substantiate Lloyd manufacturing firearms.

Due to Lloyd’s previous criminal convictions, he is prohibited from owning and possessing firearms and ammunition. Lloyd was arrested and booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility for unlawfully possessing the firearm, firearm manufacturing kits, and ammunition. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office filed four felony counts for unlawfully possessing the firearm, firearm manufacturing kits, and ammunition.

Prepared by: Detective Jeff Jacobs
Approved by: Captain Todd Inglis

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).

Jose Manuel Rojas, 34, Santa Paula

On 9-13-18, a male transient from Santa Paula was arrested for assaulting a Fillmore transient in Fillmore during the evening of 9-11-18.

On 9-12-18 at approximately 8:00 AM, deputies from the Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s station responded to a call of a male covered in blood and with injuries to his face staggering on the sidewalk on A Street near Santa Clara Street. Deputies responded along with the Fillmore Fire Department and found a 49-year old male transient suffering from significant facial injuries that appeared to be the result of an assault. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was admitted for treatment of facial fractures and wounds to his neck.

Deputies and detectives from the Fillmore Police and Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit responded and began investigating. With assistance from the Sheriff’s Advanced Real Time Information Center (ARTIC), Jose Manual Rojas, a transient from the Santa Paula area, was identified as a suspect. Deputies spent the next twenty-four hours searching homeless encampments in and around the Santa Paula area before locating Rojas in a tent near Mill Park. Evidence from the assault was located in Rojas’ tent. Rojas was arrested without incident, and he was booked at the Main Jail for assault with a deadly weapon and battery causing serious bodily injury. His bail was set at $500,000 and he remains in custody. The motive for the assault is still under investigation.

Anyone who might have information on the assault are encouraged to call Detective Bill Meixner.

Prepared by: Sergeant Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Eric Tennessen

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).

David W. Rowlands, Fillmore City Manager

Trunk or Treat Event
Wednesday, October 31 from 5 – 7 pm along Central Avenue between Sespe Avenue and Main Street the Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting our first Trunk or Treat Event. Trunk or Treaters will be spending the evening going from trunk to trunk, collecting candy and prizes from the participating spaces along our downtown city block. Public Safety will be displaying their equipment at both ends of the event.

“Trunkers” will be asked to decorate their trunk, tailgate or hatchback and provide treats (Teal Pumpkin Projects welcome) for the “Treaters”. There will be a Peoples’ Choice Award Decoration contest.

Teal Pumpkin Project is a safe way for kids with allergies to still enjoy the holidays with everyone else. It helps with those who have food allergies be able to still participate and have other options during trick or treating such as glow sticks or small toys.

Rotorcraft
Rotorcraft is anticipating opening their doors by the first of the year. Construction is nearly complete. We are looking forward to establishing a long-lasting relationship with them.

Community Pool Season Extend for Trial Lap Swim Program
City Council approved extending the pool season until November 31, 2018 to allow lap swimming to continue. The program participants pay a monthly fee to cover the cost of a lifeguard. This is a trial program brought forward by members of the Fillmore community.

Session I – September 17-September 28
Session II – October 1 – October 31 (pool closed Veteran’s Day and Columbus Day)
Session III – November 1 – November 30 (pool closed Thanksgiving and the day after.)

Let’s work together to keep Fillmore the “Best Last Small Town.”

Bob Crum

First, a repeat call for photographers. The Fillmore Art Commission is planning an Art & Photography exhibition next May 1–5, 2019. The exhibit presents an excellent opportunity for you to display your 'Fine Art' photographs. For planning purposes, it's important to hear from all Fillmore photographers who might be interested in participating. Reply to the email address below and write “I'm interested” in the subject line.

Moving along, for many years I've been photographing the Kern River from Brush Creek down to where the river exits the canyon below the powerhouse. Why you ask? First, rivers are fascinating. Rivers have unique personalities. Flow rates vary greatly. Sometimes a roaring torrent of water. Other times a lazy, slow-flowing river. Shoot it a hundred times, yet it's impossible to photograph the same river twice!

This stretch of river is replete with huge boulders in the river and on the banks. The topography of the river lends to magnificent, though often challenging, photo ops. The interaction of the water and the obstacles in the river is fascinating to watch and photograph.

Two reasons for a trip to the Kern. Shoot and create a photo essay of the Kern River at low flow stage. Second, I developed a sudden and unexplainable itch to drift the upper Kern from Brush Creek to Kernville in an inflatable kayak. Along the way shoot photos and video thereafter create a 'docujourney', a documentary of the journey. Being recently gifted with an inflatable kayak expedited the idea. Checking the charts, I noticed that the data indicates a flow rate of 150cfs (cubic feet per second). However, I couldn't relate the data to the actual volume flowing. Was the flow sufficient for navigating the river in a kayak? I had to go and see. Alas, the itch will have to wait to be scratched because 150cfs is woefully insufficient for making such a float trip practicable. C'est la vie.

Additionally, I needed to shoot some photos for future photography lessons. The river is another excellent subject for showing the difference between shooting rapids or waterfalls at a very slow shutter speed or at 1/500th of a second. A two-second exposure gives the water flow the appearance of silk or cotton candy. Conversely, a fast shutter speed stops the action showing the flow more realistically. The photographer has the option to create the image as desired.

I acknowledge that many photographers consider the silk look a more 'artistic' rendering of a waterfall. I'm not fond of that 'look.' I prefer a roaring waterfall captured to illustrate the full fury of the rushing water. However, I've discovered that most times rushing water is beautifully portrayed with a shutter speed between the two extremes.

Realistic photo or manipulated as a 'fine art' image, it's merely a matter of preference. More importantly, this ability to create as desired is what makes photography a tantalizing and very fulfilling medium. More importantly, having to make numerous creative decisions continually stimulates the mind keeping the brain healthy! I can't cite scientific studies to substantiate this declaration, but given the status of my exemplary and sound mind gives the theory a high degree of credence... IMHO.

Photo of the week: Another cow! (sigh) The photo was captured off Kern Canyon Road on the way home last Sunday. The... ahem... river 'cowflection' grabbed my attention. Another example of the power of observation! Saw her, stopped and captured the photo just in time. Five seconds later she disappeared behind some trees.

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

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that as the first anniversary of the Las Vegas Route 91 Harvest Festival mass shooting approaches on October 1, survivors who were present at the concert and their loved ones are encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Office at (805) 654-3622 regarding services available through the Crime Victims’ Assistance Program. Victim advocates are continuing to provide local assistance to survivors in completing applications and providing other referrals for assistance.

Survivors of mass violence often have lasting effects, such as physical and emotional injuries, and a long and challenging recovery process. Anniversary dates and news coverage of a traumatic incident can be triggering events that may contribute to re-traumatization.

Anyone present at the concert that night may be eligible for assistance. No crime report is needed. The California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) may be able to help pay for expenses resulting from the Route 91 Harvest Festival attack, such as counseling co-payments and medical bills. The District Attorney encourages all survivors to apply, even if survivors do not feel they need assistance now.

The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office is the public prosecutor for the county’s 850,000 residents. The office employs approximately 280 employees including attorneys, investigators, victim advocates, and other professional support staff who strive to seek justice, ensure public safety, and protect the rights of crime victims.

The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the Tuesday morning in 2001. Four airliners were used to attack the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon. The attacks killed 2,996 people, and injured over 6,000 others, causing at least $10 billion in infrastructure and property damage. It is reported that over 1,000 people died of 9/11-related cancer and respiratory diseases in the months and years following the attacks. May we never forget.

Fillmore Fire’s new volunteer firefighters are shown signing their swearing-in certificates at the city hall brochure table.
Enlarge Photo

Tuesday's regular City County Council meeting opened with the swearing in of new volunteer firefighters. Fire Chief Keith Gurrola introduced the volunteers and discussed the importance of their presence to the community.

Scott Beylik addressed the Council concerning the good work accomplished by the Fire Foundation which was established in 2012. Mr. Beylik is a Fire Foundation board member. Through a Wood Claeyssens Foundation grant, for example, the Fire Foundation was able to purchase all breathing apparatus systems and fire radios in vehicles and handhelds for the Department.

The primary mission of the Fire Foundation is to enhance firefighter support and training services. For example: staging multiple training events and scholarships to firefighters attending annual FireHouse Conferences, Community Outreach and public Safety Education, purchase of fire safety coloring books, children's fire hats and stickers for elementary school tours and all community events when funds are available. The Foundation recently purchased a command vehicle from the City of Santa Paula.

Over the years the Foundation's revenue sources has been primarily fundraising efforts and donations, receiving a generous donation from Chevron earlier this week. The June 30 Rigo Landeros Memorial Golf Tournament raised over $33,000. Beylik thanked all golfers, and sponsors: Allied produce, Grimes Rock, Balden Ranches, and Union Bank.

Next year's golf tournament is set for Saturday, June 1, 2019.

A Proclamation honoring our United States Constitution was read, and its history was expounded upon.

The California Homeless Emergency Aid Program and Shelter Crisis Resolution was unanimously approved following an explanation and recommendation by City Manager David Rowlands.

Proposition 6, which would repeal Senate Bill 1, the Transportation Tax and Fee Bill adopted to fund the repair and upgrade the transportation infrastructure, was approved 4-1.

Unanimous approval was accorded Resolution 18-3664 in support of Proposition 3 (State Water Bond) on November 2018 ballot.
An extension of the 2018 pool season from September 2018 to November 30 for limited programs was unanimously approved.

The Pre-Screening of General Plan Amendment request to convert commercial highway property to residential high (15-35 units per acre) at 210-220 Santa Clara Street, was unanimously approved.

A contract with Main Street Architects to conduct an analysis of the Central Business District and surrounding area, and to provide direction for updating the Downtown Specific Plan, was unanimously approved. It was agreed that a fresh look and up-dating was in order for the town.