Part 1 of 2
Saturday, May 19th was the annual Fillmore May Festival Parade. Making an appearance in this year’s parade was Raelene Chaney (above) who was awarded Fillmore’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Also in the parade was CIF Swim Division 4 Champion Katrionna Furness. This year’s festival was held May 17th to 20th. Family and friends were able to enjoy carnival rides along with the food, game, information, arts & crafts vendors.
Saturday, May 19th was the annual Fillmore May Festival Parade. Making an appearance in this year’s parade was Raelene Chaney (above) who was awarded Fillmore’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Also in the parade was CIF Swim Division 4 Champion Katrionna Furness. This year’s festival was held May 17th to 20th. Family and friends were able to enjoy carnival rides along with the food, game, information, arts & crafts vendors.
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Cali Wyand, Ahtziri Martinez, Allison Recancoj, Elizabeth Magana, Fernando Landeros, Josie Paniagua, Kasey Crawford, Christian Andrade, Daniel Gonzales, Ian Morris, Lindsey Brown, Lorenzo Anthony Palomera, Mario Hurtado, Michael Sanchez, Mishell Beylik, Paulina Gurrero, Jario Rios Ponce
Cali Wyand, Ahtziri Martinez, Allison Recancoj, Elizabeth Magana, Fernando Landeros, Josie Paniagua, Kasey Crawford, Christian Andrade, Daniel Gonzales, Ian Morris, Lindsey Brown, Lorenzo Anthony Palomera, Mario Hurtado, Michael Sanchez, Mishell Beylik, Paulina Gurrero, Jario Rios Ponce
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This year's Alumni Dinner promises to be both exciting and rewarding. The association will be awarding $69,000 in scholarships to graduating Fillmore High seniors.

And celebrating their class reunions at this year's dinner will be the classes of '53, '58, '73, '78, '83, '88, and those youngsters from the class of 1998! Each of these classes will be in for a big surprise. The Alumni Board of Directors have a special set up for each reunion class at this year's dinner.

The caterer for this year’s dinner is the ever popular and award winning DJ's California Caterers from Ventura. They have created another outstanding menu for our alumni and of course they will have their homemade peach and apple cobbler for dessert brought back by popular demand. (You know who you are.)

We invite all alumni to come celebrate our Alma Mater and our community of Fillmore as we meet the 2018 Alumni Scholars. Remember, last year's dinner/dance was sold out the week of the event, so hurry and pay for your reservations now, especially if you are celebrating a class reunion this year. There will be plenty of music and dancing for the classes celebrating their reunions and a lot of catching up with past high school friends. Make your reservations now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (click on the Events link at the top of the website) or you can walk into Patterson Hardware Store, (open 7 days a week) and pay for your reservations there.

We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday June 9th; and to the class of 2018, welcome to your alumni family!

 
1st Place - Norberto Armenta.
1st Place - Norberto Armenta.
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On Saturday, May 19th, Diamond Realty hosted their 3rd Annual Chalk Art Fundraiser event for the Fillmore High School Art Program. This year’s event was bigger than ever. The chalk art made the sidewalks of Fillmore look beautiful and $150 dollars was raised for Fillmore High’s Art Program.

Virgina Newman was this year's judge. The winners were: 1st Place - Norberto Armenta, 2nd Place - Yudith Serafin, 3rd Place - Lizette Serafin, Owners Choice Award - Viviana McKinley, Participants - Janessa Hurtado & Marissa Dorantes.
Principal Pablo Leaños said, “Thank you to Diamond Realty for your generous donations to our students."

Diamond Realty Co-Owner Theresa Robledo said, “The artists really brought their creativity & talent this year! Thank you to all the Chalk Artists who participated and helped raise money for Fillmore High School’s Art Program. See you all next year!”

About Diamond Realty
Diamond Realty is a full service real estate agency servicing Ventura and North Los Angeles Counties. Diamond Realty prides itself on establishing long term relationships based on mutual respect and trust with our clients, customers and agents. Diamond Realty is located at 460 Santa Clara Street in Fillmore. (805) 524-2121. https://www.diamondrealtyteam.com/

 
Congratulations to our Fillmore High School varsity baseball team! They have entered the CIF Southern Section, Division 7 Finals! Good luck to them. They have added some more sparkle to this remarkable year of FHS sports champs. CIF Game will take place Saturday, June 2nd 3:30pm at UC Riverside.
Congratulations to our Fillmore High School varsity baseball team! They have entered the CIF Southern Section, Division 7 Finals! Good luck to them. They have added some more sparkle to this remarkable year of FHS sports champs. CIF Game will take place Saturday, June 2nd 3:30pm at UC Riverside.
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Aerial Images of the New Career Technical Education Facility.
Aerial Images of the New Career Technical Education Facility.
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The Fillmore Unified School District submitted applications in October 2017 for the Career Technology Facilities Project Grant, a competitive state grant, in both the Agriscience/Agricultural Mechanics and Transportation (i.e. automotive) pathways. The completed applications had to meet a minimum score and would be compared to applications received statewide. The applications submitted by Fillmore USD were for new construction and could result in a 50/50 matching grant of up to $3 million in state resources for each pathway. The District received confirmation this spring that the Transportation pathway application met the requirements for consideration for funding and would proceed forward; however, the District would need to reapply for the Agriscience/Agricultural Mechanics pathway.

The State Allocation Board (SAB) convened this afternoon, and the Fillmore Unified Transportation pathway is one of the 73 applications approved for a reservation of funds. Fillmore Unified is the only Ventura County school district with an application approved by the SAB. District Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelos shared, “the SAB action this afternoon cemented the direction established by our Fillmore Unified Governing Board to construct a new career technical education facility on the Fillmore High School campus. Thanks to our generous community, we have Measure V, the $35 million school bond passed in November 2016. Funds from Measure V will be used for the 50/50 matching grant of $3 million from the state of California. Fillmore Unified has the ability to realize the dream of creating the facility that our students deserve. Staff is currently working to ensure that a new application for Agriscience/Agricultural Mechanics is submitted during the next application window in fall 2018.”

Fillmore Unified is working with the professional architectural firm WestGroup Designs on the new Fillmore High School career technical education facility. District staff (including teachers and administrators), students, parents, industry experts, and advisory groups have provided necessary input on the design of the new facility. District staff and WestGroup Designs are working diligently to ensure that construction of the new facility begins in the next 12 months.

 
Part 3 - "The teams were chosen, and a game schedule was set, only thing left to do was PLAY BALL”

September 2nd 1953 the day before the last scheduled game, it was announced that the future Fillmore Little League home field (present field) on the High School campus was ready. Mr. Donavan Main, High School Superintendent, said “that if all goes as planned with the lighting system the last Little League games of the first season could be played on the new field under the lights.” Everything went as planned and the final games were played on the new lighted field.

Results of the Thursday 9/3/53 games. First game ever played on Fillmore Little League’s official field was the Yankees 12 vs. Stars 11. First game played under the lights on Fillmore Little League’s official field, Bat Boys 14 - Midgets 8. Kenny “Speed” Stewart and Bob Hustis handled the umpiring duties for these two historic games, with Speed behind the plate and Bob calling the field

In summary
A total of 87, 8 to 12 year old boys from the local area ended up participating and getting their first real taste of organized baseball. Each game was well attended by the families of the participants, others in community that just support our youth and those that just enjoy watching a good baseball game.

The consensus was that the participation of the youth combined with the community’s enthusiasm and support far exceeded all expectations, and that next summer cannot get here fast enough.

 
Photo of the Week "Raising the Flag at the Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial Day Service" By Bob Crum. Canon 7D MKII manual mode, ISO 320, Tamron 16-300mm lens @44mm, aperture f/11, 1/320 second shutter speed.
Photo of the Week "Raising the Flag at the Bardsdale Cemetery Memorial Day Service" By Bob Crum. Canon 7D MKII manual mode, ISO 320, Tamron 16-300mm lens @44mm, aperture f/11, 1/320 second shutter speed.
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Stay loose and be ready!
Bob Crum
Bob Crum
All photos by Bob Crum.
All photos by Bob Crum.
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Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

In my travels, I find that many people still confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. The Old Farmer's Almanac pens: “While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day to thank and honor ALL who served—in wartime or peacetime—and whether they died or survived.”

The Old Farmer's Almanac again: “The wearing of red poppies in honor of America’s war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day (not Veterans Day). The origin of the red poppy as a modern-day symbol of this day was actually the idea of an American woman, Miss Moina Michael.”

The practice of wearing of poppies was further inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by Canadian soldier John McCrae. He saw the poppies in burials around his artillery position in Belgium.

While some cities and towns host Memorial Day parades each year, a great many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials such as the annual Memorial Day service presented at the Bardsdale Cemetery.

After years of documenting this ceremony I'm familiar with the program. However, decisions still need to be made second-by-second. As a photojournalist, the goal is to tell a story with each photo. Simple? Not! Compose an overview or zoom in tight on the speaker? Feature the speaker with the flag in the frame as a vertical composition or... horizontal? Remember to shoot ONLY when the flag is extended by the breeze. Wait for it! Alas the flag is extended but good grief, the speaker is looking down. Speaker... LOOK UP... please! If your were to record my thoughts during a shoot, you would have to “R” rate them!

I like to arrive at the venue a little early in order to mentally make a shooting plan. Will the Boy Scouts arrive from stage left? Where will taps be played. Where will the doves be released. Throughout the service I have to move frequently within limitations to be in the best position for a photo with the best perspective. On scene, I frequently shoot instinctively having learned that by the time I think about what to do... it's too late! However, instinct is not foolproof. Bushwhacked often by unexpected turn of events. Tip: Stay loose and be ready!

I planned to catch a muzzle flash when the VFW members fired their rifles. Programmed camera's slow burst mode. Upon hearing the commander yell fire, pressed the shutter button triggering eight rapid photos. Did this for all three rounds. Twenty-four photos but not one muzzle flash! Ugh! After the fact, no doubt I should have programmed 'fast burst mode'. Next year!

Speaking of plans, before the ceremony I spoke with the person releasing the doves requesting not to release them until I get in position. I explained that I'll be on the other side photographing the bugle player and gun volley and it will take a minute to get over to you. He nodded in agreement. Didn't happen! As soon as the gun volley was done, I hustled to get into position. He released them before I was ready. I had to abruptly stop and shoot. I can't mention my unmentionable thoughts.

Nevertheless, a great Memorial Day service and glad to see it so well attended by so many local folks. Kudos to the staff and Board of the Bardsdale Cemetery. Well done!

Send your comments, questions or suggestions to: bob@fillmoregazette.com

 
Pictured above is Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist for the US Geological Survey, who gave a presentation at last night’s city council meeting concerning the threats of earthquakes in California, particularly in Ventura County.
Pictured above is Dr. Lucy Jones, a seismologist for the US Geological Survey, who gave a presentation at last night’s city council meeting concerning the threats of earthquakes in California, particularly in Ventura County.

Technical problems have hampered complete information on Tuesday's Special Meeting. A summary follows:

Council approved Staff's recommendation that Council consider proposed increases to residential and commercial refuse collection rates and continued it to June 12, 2018. The new rates will not take effect until 30 days after this date.

Seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones gave a detailed presentation concerning the threat of earthquakes in California particularly relating to Ventura County. She discussed probable damage to be expected in the event of a strong event, especially to our water delivery system, suggesting retrofitting Fillmore's reservoirs. Dr. Jones commented that Fillmore is very fortunate in not having to import its water as most other cities must do.

The Council approved a request for direction in the matter of Fillmore's Christian Academy relocation near a commercial highway zone.

Ordinance 18-890
Consideration by Council to adjust Resolution 18-3651 the Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services to update Aquatic Center Fees was approved.

 
This past Saturday, May 19th, at El Camino College, the Fillmore Flashes’ very own Carissa Rodriguez placed 5th in the CIF Division 4 1600 race. Congratulations Carissa!
This past Saturday, May 19th, at El Camino College, the Fillmore Flashes’ very own Carissa Rodriguez placed 5th in the CIF Division 4 1600 race. Congratulations Carissa!
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On Friday, May 18th the Fillmore Historical Museum received an oil painting courtesy of the Goodenough family. Left to right: Museum Executive Director Martha Gentry, Artist Bob Rickards, and Donor Russ Goodenough. Photo courtesy Martha Gentry.
On Friday, May 18th the Fillmore Historical Museum received an oil painting courtesy of the Goodenough family. Left to right: Museum Executive Director Martha Gentry, Artist Bob Rickards, and Donor Russ Goodenough. Photo courtesy Martha Gentry.
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On Friday, May 18, 2018, the Fillmore Historical Museum received the gift of a painting representing the arrival in Bardsdale of Orson J. Goodenough and his family from Iowa in 1875.

The painting was commissioned by Russ Goodenough, Fillmore High School Class of 1958. Russ is also an author whose book about his experience in Vietnam, “Why Johnny Came Marching Home”, published in 2017.

Russ commissioned western artist, Robert L. “Bob” Rickards of Thousand Oaks, to paint an original oil painting of the arrival in Ventura County of the Goodenough family. Mr. Rickards is a renowned artist whose works have hung in the Reagan Library and Hearst Castle, and who spent over 23 years capturing the historic two-year-plus journey of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from St. Louis to the West Coast in a monumental series of 84 paintings. Mr. Rickards has also been featured on the History Channel.

The painting depicts the Goodenough family and their small wagon train standing in a field on the south side of the Santa Clara River with the river and the Sespe mountains in the background. The family members are Orson J. Goodenough, his wife, Zedora Tietsort Goodenough, and their children, Edgar age 7, Maud age 4, and sleeping in the wagon, Glen age 1.

Orson J. Goodenough purchased property on the Sespe in 1883 and farmed there until his death in 1895. He also was a carpenter who built the original Bardsdale Schoolhouse in 1889 and the original Presbyterian Church which was located on the corner of Sespe and Clay St.

The Fillmore Museum is pleased to accept this wonderful painting which is representative of the early families who came to our area in the late 19th century. It will be displayed in the museum office. We hope that the many members of our community who are interested in our local history will take the opportunity to stop by and admire the painting and hear more about the Goodenough family.

 

The Bardsdale Cemetery will hold it Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 28th at 11:00AM.

The Ceremony will start with a fly-over by the 805th Navion Squadron.

The featured speaker this year is Gordon A. Richardson. Colonel Richardson has 28 years of service in the Army. He graduated and received his regular army commission in the Field Artillery through ROTC from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts in 1990. He has also earned his Masters in Business Administration and Military Arts & Science.

Colonel Richardson has deployed to Iraq when he was a Major as a Battalion Operations Officer and Afghanistan as a Colonel of the Combined Joint Operations Center Director. He has had a tour to Korea and two tours to Germany. His major awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. He has earned a Combat Action Badge, Parachutist Badge and Air Assault Badge. Colonel Richardson and his wife Amy have two children and reside in Leavenworth, Kansas.

The Reverend Bethany Carpenter of the Bardsdale Methodist Church will give the Memorial Service and special music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir.

Also assisting in the ceremony will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3400 and Bob Thompson. The Boy Scouts will put out the flags on Friday, May25th and they will be picked up by the Bardsdale 4H on Tuesday, May 29th.

A special thank you to Garcia Mortuary for furnishing the doves to conclude the service and to the P.E.O. for furnishing cookies.

The Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee, President, Lynda Edmonds, Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz would like to invite the community to this special event.

 
Part 2 - “A Plan and Time Table Are Set"

On Thursday, July 16th, 1953 @ 7:00 pm at the Sespe Grammar School the 8 to 12 year old boys of Fillmore, Piru and Bardsdale, along with future Coaches and instructors met for their first practice. The boys who signed up, received some indoctrination and at last some basic instruction on how to play the game. The young men were asked to bring their own glove. The High School furnished all the bats, balls, first base gloves, and catchers’ gear thanks to Coach’s Palmer and Creed.

The plan was to have four practice sessions the next four Thursdays at which time each boy would be taught the fundamentals of baseball, running bases, throwing and hitting a ball. Toolie told the local paper that some of these boys had played softball, but for many this would be the first time they have ever gripped a baseball. Thirty-three young men showed up for that first organized practice.

The last practice Thursday, August 16th, 1953 had 81 boys from the local area, and one from Santa Paula School District. The boys received final instruction on catching, fielding, throwing and playing the various positions. Coach Palmer said, “they wanted the boys to have a good fundamentals knowledge of baseball before playing their first official game.” The previous weekend the coaches got together and divided the boys in to four teams, with each having a full roster plus four subs. It was rumored that the selection process involved funny money and a bidding process. Each player was issued a baseball cap and a tee shirt with Fillmore Little League stenciled on the front.

The schedule was to be a round robin tournament with each team playing each other once. Two games will be played each Thursday at the Grammar School starting Thursday August 20th. Regular Little League games are played on a field with outfield fences. Since fences did not exist on the Grammar School fields, one of the schools 1 ½” sprinkler hoses was arched across the outfield of both fields to delineate a home run fence.

The Coaches and Players

“The Midgets” Coached by Roy Hays and Sam Player.
Jim Arundell, Fred Delano, Roy Martin, Joe Cook, Garland Lemons, John Scoles, Stephen Flint, Jim Hibbard, Jim Bounds, Roger Westerburg, Jack Edmonds, Calvin Beeghly, Donnie Smith, Gene Chapin, Eddie Ybarra, Curtis Goodenough, Louis Delgado, Pat Askren, Al Carrillo, Frank Carrillo.

“The Bat Boys” Coached by Glen Philips and Don Mayfield.
Jack Howton, Dee Brown, Bill Mayfield, Tommy Hays, Arthur Chessani, Donnie Southwick, Donnie Myers, Larry Dunst, John Emmert, F. Owens, Donovan Main, Roger Ipswitch, Willard Harper, Kieth Warring, M. Romero, Herbert Bounds, Phillip Quezado Louis Ybarra, Danny Carrillo, Ruben Tovar, Phillip Tovar.

“The Stars” Coached by Hank Data and Johnny Chesanni.
John Arundell, Bobby Hays, Arthur Medina, Renaldo Chessani, Joe Council, James Pennington, Bob Deeter, Donald Wahl, Douglas Jordan, Shannon Shelton, Joe Myers, Rodney Helsel, Donnie Armstrong, Phillip Young, Joe Romero, Richard Hill, Don Brown, Roger France.

“The Yankees” Coached by Jim Cook and Mernie Young.
Kenton Knight, George Searcy, Donnie Goodenough, Adrian Sanchez, Eldon Collins, George Penrod, Fred Young, Sammy Bennett, David Player, Peter Phethean, Tommy Robertson, Johnny Method, John Sundstrom, Delivan Cappel, Gary Beckman, Dennis Charles, Bill Winterstein, Dennis Bartels, Danny Morastica, Ronald McClung, John Renollin.

 
Photo of the Week "Stampede of Runners for 5K, 10K race" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera, ISO 800, Tamron-16-300mm lens @ 16mm, aperture f/11, shutter speed 1/500 second.
Photo of the Week "Stampede of Runners for 5K, 10K race" by Bob Crum. Photo data: Canon 7DMKII camera, ISO 800, Tamron-16-300mm lens @ 16mm, aperture f/11, shutter speed 1/500 second.
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Race day fun & agony, Part 1 of 3
Photos by Bob Crum
Photos by Bob Crum
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Back in the day in the south Florida wilderness, wildlife – cottonmouth snakes, diamondback rattlesnakes, alligators and black bear – were constant threats to life and limb. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums (biting midges) equally menacing. But none of that prepared me for the start of the Fillmore Rotary's 5K-10K race last Saturday.

I didn't see a photo op as the racers gathered. Nothing exciting about photoing a horde of racers on the run from the sidewalk. What to do? Faithful readers know that I'm predisposed to photographically capture the ordinary in an extraordinary way. As a photojournalist, I eschew comfortable limitations. But would I dare execute what I was thinking?

I walked beyond the starting line and took a position in the street. The idea: Shoot approaching runners! Perhaps a low perspective would be more interesting so I kneeled. Switched to AI servo focus mode. Also switched to 'slow' burst mode. Ready!

Race on! As the runners approached, I started shooting. I was gleefully photoing! Glee was short lived! I did not plan on runners with only one thing on their mind: Win the race and not SEE me in the street. Several runners almost ran into me, swerving at the last second. Quite a harrowing experience! I quickly realized it was time to escape. I stood up and gingerly sashayed through the throng to the safety of the curb. Thank goodness the stampeding runners weren't bulls!

Though I captured a few photos during the stampede they're not quite what I anticipated. Should have used my 11-16mm ultra-wide angle lens. Alas, another learning experience. Anyway, I now know how I'm going to shoot the race start next year. I can hardly wait.

Afterward the parade. As usual, photographing from the curb produces photos about as exciting as watching garden slugs race. So for marching bands, I prefer to get in the middle of the street... my signature MO. The Fillmore High School band is used to seeing me there scrambling out of the way at the last second. Such is my exciting drive to create distinguished photos. I'll shoot the rest of the parade from the safety of the curb. Ho hum.

Then on to the May Festival carnival. The photo ops: Hundreds! With a variety of rides and games, and people having fun, it's a great opportunity to explore many methods of creating photos with... ahem... a camera. Generally speaking, I keep aperture at f/11. At a carnival I'm not inclined to isolate a single subject by depth of field. For story telling with images I prefer to keep everything from foreground to background in focus thus f/11 is generally the rule. However, I'll vary shutter speed considerably in order to illustrate movement. A slow shutter speed blurs the object illustrating movement. In all cases, auto ISO will usually adjust, within reason, for proper exposure. Hint: for exposure checks, don't rely on the camera's LCD review screen. Check the histogram!

After the perfunctory daytime photos, I went home for supper returning after sundown for the night photos. Difficult to say in polite language the issues with carnival night photography. Bright lights make getting sufficient foreground ambient light to show people a huge challenge. There is no one aperture/shutter speed setting that works in all situations. Check the histogram... adjust as needed! A tripod is helpful in such situations and very beneficial for recording video. Parade & carnival photos soon.

Send comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com

 
 
Race day fun & agony, Part 3 of 3
Photos by Bob Crum
Photos by Bob Crum
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A record number of Californians were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) in 2017, according to a new report released by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). More than 300,000 cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and early syphilis were reported: a 45 percent increase compared to five years ago.

Particularly concerning, in 2017, there were 30 stillbirths due to congenital syphilis in California. This is the highest number reported since 1995.

STDs can cause a number of serious health problems. If left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Syphilis can cause permanent loss of vision, hearing and other neurologic problems.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are highest among people under age 30. Rates of chlamydia are highest among young women, and males account for the majority of syphilis and gonorrhea cases.
“STDs are preventable by consistently using condoms, and many STDs can be cured with antibiotics,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “Regular testing and treatment are very important for people who are sexually active, even for people who have no symptoms. Most people infected with an STD do not know it.”

CDPH is collaborating with local health departments and organizations throughout the state to raise awareness. CDPH is working with the California Department of Education and community groups to implement the newly enacted California Healthy Youth Act, which mandates comprehensive STD/HIV prevention education in schools.

Other state efforts leverage innovative strategies such as courses for medical providers and teachers, expedited partner treatment to local clinics, and free and low cost online ordering options for home delivery of condoms and STD test kits. For more information, visit the CDPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch.

 
Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Ventura County

The Humane Society of Ventura County invites the public to come out on Saturday, June 9, and get a behind-the-scenes look at its Ojai animal shelter, learn more about its programs and meet the people who run it.

The HSVC’s annual “Birthday Bash and Open House” will honor its 86 years of nonprofit service to the community. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9 at the Ojai facility, at 402 Bryant St.
Visitors that day can interact with the animals – who of course will be available for adoption – tour the kennels and clinic, meet the staff, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring the whole family to enjoy refreshments, take part in a treasure hunt and learn more about how YOU can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Humane educator Robin Satnick will offer a variety of activities for children along with information on responsible pet ownership. Humane officers will be available to discuss ways we all can help protect animals throughout the county.

Firefly Ceramics will once again be on hand, with its special Tiles for Tails program. For a $25 donation benefiting the HSVC’s new kennels, you can design your own tile that will be permanently displayed on site at the shelter.

Additional event sponsors include Starbucks Ojai and Walmart Oxnard.

Founded in 1932, the HSVC opened its Ojai shelter in 1982. Here’s some of what the compassionate care facility has accomplished in 36 years:
• 18,000 dogs, cats, horses and other animals have been adopted out of the shelter.
• 70,000 alteration surgeries on dogs and cats have been done in its spay and neuter clinic.
• 20,000 cases have been investigated by humane officers of the HSVC.
• 10,000 classroom visits have been made by its humane officers.
• 500 awareness presentations have been made for civic groups and community organizations.
• 500 community outreach events have taken place.
“The Humane Society of Ventura County has accomplished quite a bit, when you add the numbers up,” said Greg Cooper, Director of Community Outreach for the HSVC. “Considering our meager budget as a private nonprofit, the HSVC continues to provide valuable services to Ventura County in an extraordinary way.”

For more event information, call 805-646-6505. For more on the HSVC, visit www.hsvc.org.

AT A GLANCE
What: The Humane Society of Ventura County’s 86th Birthday Bash and Open House
When: Saturday, June 9
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: HSVC shelter, 402 Bryant St., Ojai.
For more event information: Call 805-646-6505.
For more on HSVC: Visit www.hsvc.org

 
Katrionna Furness won the 2018 Division 4 100-backstroke title at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) games last Friday in Riverside. Kat is the first swimmer in Fillmore High School’s (FHS) history to win a CIF championship in the sport. She also placed 3rd in the 100 Freestyle. Pictured (right to left) at the CIF Finals are FHS Principal Tom Ito, Swim Coach Cindy Blatt, Katrionna, and Swim Coach Mike Blatt.
Katrionna Furness won the 2018 Division 4 100-backstroke title at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) games last Friday in Riverside. Kat is the first swimmer in Fillmore High School’s (FHS) history to win a CIF championship in the sport. She also placed 3rd in the 100 Freestyle. Pictured (right to left) at the CIF Finals are FHS Principal Tom Ito, Swim Coach Cindy Blatt, Katrionna, and Swim Coach Mike Blatt.
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Fillmore’s Towne Theatre marquee reflects the community’s congratulations to Katrionna, and she will be waving to the crowd in Saturday’s May Festival Parade.
Fillmore’s Towne Theatre marquee reflects the community’s congratulations to Katrionna, and she will be waving to the crowd in Saturday’s May Festival Parade.
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She was a little girl with big dreams living in the small mountain town of Mammoth Lakes. Fifteen miles down the road, standing alone in the middle of the High Sierra desert, was Whitmore Outdoor Pool, so isolated that directions on their website state "turn left at the green church off U.S. 395". But it was where Katrionna Furness joined her first swim club, the Mammoth Sharks, at the age of 6 years, and where her love of swimming eventually brought her to First Place in the 100 Backstroke at the 2018 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Division 4 finals, Riverside Aquatics Center, last Friday, May 14th.

"It was pretty cool," Kat, a junior at Fillmore High School (FHS), responded when asked about winning CIFs. "It made all the hard work worth it." It has been 13 years since a Fillmore High swimmer has qualified for CIF finals, and Kat is the first swimmer in Fillmore High's history to be a CIF Champion. She will be riding in Saturday’s May Festival Parade, under the Towne Theatre marquee which reads “Katrionna Furness CIF Champion”.

Kat swam seasonally in the popular resort town, three months a year, where the average snowfall is 200 to 500+ inches. But last August her dream brought her to Fillmore to swim year-round with the Buenaventura Swim Club, at the Ventura Aquatic Center on Kimball Road. She entered the club's Gold group in September and advanced to Senior group in December, under the direction of Senior Coach Jason York.

"Coach York inspired me to push myself and improve my technique. He changed my swimming."

Coach York told the Gazette, “I am very excited for Kat and her future. In just a short time with our team she has dropped a lot of time in a variety of events. She still has all summer and, of course, her senior year to improve even more. I anticipate her to gain valuable experience over the next season and expect her to be even better this time next year.”

The decision to leave her home and family for year-round training was not an easy one for the then-15 year old, or her parents Daniel and Chrissy Furness. Kat left Mammoth High School at the beginning of her junior year. She also left friends she has known since kindergarten, and her brother Ryan and sister Summer, both also competitive swimmers. But the drive she felt to pursue training and opportunity was strong, and she moved in with her grandparents, Fillmore residents Bert and Wanda Castel de Oro, to train year-round.

Kat is aware of the family support that has brought her to this victory. "I'm so thankful that my mom got me into this sport. My mom and dad have supported me in so many ways and made me want to do my best. They have made a lot of sacrifices so that I can be here now."

She joined Fillmore High School's swim team in January, training under coaches Mike and Cindy Blatt. Working with the Blatts and York, Kat dropped 10 seconds from her backstroke, ending with her winning CIF time of 59.68, nearly a second ahead of second-place Catherine Tran of La Quina, who touched in 1:00.66. Kat also took 3rd Place in the CIF 100 Freestyle, with a time of 54.21, 4.5 seconds off since training in Ventura County, and .56 behind second place winner Destiny Lewis of Grand Terrace. When asked about her local training Kat said, "Mike and Cindy [Blatt] always wanted me to do my best and taught me a lot about the groundwork of swimming.” She added with a laugh, “They taught me how to grab the touch pad."

“Kat scored 40 points, placing FHS 21st out of 47 teams scoring points at the Division 4 Championship,” said Cindy. “Coach Mike and I are very proud of Kat. She loves to race and proved to be a fierce competitor. She has inspired her teammates and we look forward to next year."

FHS Principal Tom Ito made the 3-hour drive from Fillmore to the CIF finals and cheered Kat on from the sidelines.
“As a former coach, I can say that athletes such as Katrionna are an exception. She has the focus and determination to achieve in the most trying of situations. She left her family and community with the intent to swim competitively for Fillmore High School. All year she has swam double workouts on a daily basis. At the CIF Finals she had just completed warming up and was ready to swim when the meet was stopped for a ten minute break. After the break, when she and the other athletes were ready to swim, the timing system went down. After a seven minute delay, the race finally started. Through each delay, where other athletes would have lost composure, Katrionna remained calm and focused and had a peak performance when it counted the most,” stated Ito.

Kat qualified for the Junior Olympics at the age of nine, and competed in July 2011 near San Francisco, where she made finals in her 50 Backstroke, the only Mammoth Shark ever to do so. She acquired a time standard beyond Junior Olympic and Far Western Time, placing 8th, despite her limited technique and lack of backstroke flip turn--but she had a champion's heart. She continued to qualify each year for Junior Olympics and consistently took Overall First Place at meets, swimming against year-round swimmers. She competed and qualified for finals at High Country League Championships in Minden, Nevada, King of the Hill meets held in Carson City, and consistently took first place at Swimming at Altitude at Lake Tahoe, where coaches from year-round swim teams would comment about her natural ability in the water, and encourage her to pursue full-time training.

Since moving to Southern California Kat has qualified for Winter Age Group (WAGs) which were held in December 2017 in Huntington Beach. She placed 12th in the prelims with her 50 Freestyle and made it to finals where she finished in 8th Place with a time of 25.84. She also qualified for finals in five events at the Canyon Qualifying Meet in Santa Clarita at the beginning of the year.

Her times since moving to Fillmore have steadily improved: 50 Free-dropping 2.6 seconds ending with a 25:84; 100 Free-4.5 seconds ending with a 55:21 at CIF; 200 Free-6 seconds ending with a 2:05; 500 Free-21 seconds ending with a 5:51.20; 100 Back-10 seconds ending with a 59:68; and 200 Back-10 seconds ending with a 2:19.49.

Kat will be participating in the June Age Group (JAGs) Invitational Swim Meet, June 14-17, hosted by the Buenaventura Swim Club. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the Champ continue her training dreams https://www.gofundme.com/100-back-d4-champ-needs-help.

The Fillmore Gazette expects to see her at next year’s CIFs! Go Kat!!

 
Left to right, FUSD Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelo, Baby Otter, Cindy Blatt, and Martha Richardson, introduce Fillmore Rotary Club’s effort to teach small children how to float, and swim. With a book about a baby otter learning how to float, the program alerts parents to the dangers of drowning when pools are unattended.
Left to right, FUSD Superintendent Dr. Adrian Palazuelo, Baby Otter, Cindy Blatt, and Martha Richardson, introduce Fillmore Rotary Club’s effort to teach small children how to float, and swim. With a book about a baby otter learning how to float, the program alerts parents to the dangers of drowning when pools are unattended.
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Fillmore Unified School District
Fillmore Unified School District

Mathematics Assessment Analysis and Overview
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis.

Fillmore Unified Preschool Program Self-Evaluation
Information was presented to the Governing Board by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis and Child Development Director, Holly Harvan.

Approve Resolution No. 17-18-17 of the Fillmore Unified School District Ordering a Regular Governing Board Member Election, Ordering Consolidation with Other Elections, and Constituting “Specification of the Election Order” to be Held on November 6, 2018
The Governing Board approved Resolution No. 17-18-17.

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

 
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