Bob Crum

There is no better time for all phonetographers – you know who you are – to park your cell phone in your pocket and get serious about 'real' photography. The technology of present-day cameras is so good that they are capable of producing amazingly good photos. Dare I say better than cell phone photos?

Briefly, price mainly reflects features. More expensive cameras feature faster processors, more focus points, auto bracketing, etc. Obviously the more expensive equipment, the higher the resolution and better overall quality. But not necessarily a better photograph! So, if you don't intend to shoot HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography or need high speed burst mode no need to waste money on a camera with features you won't use.

But instead of discussing cameras specifically, the following is intended to provide justification for buying any camera if you don't own one. Or about becoming a 'photographer' sans snapshots if you own a camera.

Creativity is the magic ingredient of 'wow' photos. It's the essential element for taking a simple superficial cell phone 'snapshot' to an artistically-rendered photograph. That is not hyperbole!

As previously said, technical know-how is not complicated. Just make 50,000 photos and you will have mastered the technical aspects of photography. Take heart. Simply shoot consistently for only a few months and you will understand the holy trinity of exposure: Shutter speed, aperture and ISO. But technical proficiency alone does not make a ‘wow’ photo. Creativity is paramount regardless of the camera!

The good news is everybody has the potential to be creative but too many fear disapproval or failure. To paraphrase photographer Barbara Bender: “Creativity can only flourish in an atmosphere of experimentation, risk taking, playfulness, curiosity and a sense of adventure. It is only possible when the excellence of the final product is irrelevant.”

The notion that 'technical' excellence of the photo being irrelevant is important because it frees you to photograph whatever inspires you without regard to any judgment afterward by others. Inhibition, more than lacking technical skills,thwarts creativity. Remember, art is subjective so put aside all fears of feeling foolish, grab your camera and just photograph what you want and how you want. That's what I do with wild abandon and love it!

Photographer Ming Thein describes creating compositions “as the practice of arranging elements in your frame into an aesthetically pleasing way, and a way that draws attention to your primary subject. It's moving away from the technical into the artistic. There is a “right” exposure and point of focus, but there’s no “right” composition — only compositions that looks right, and those that don’t.”

Obviously photography is an artistic endeavor not merely a mechanical process. As such, there is no right or wrong way to produce noteworthy photos. It's about expressing oneself, without judgment. More importantly, isn't doing something creative the spice of life? Furthermore, photography is fun and it's true that doing anything that brings joy reduces stress which therefore improves our quality of life. What more motivation do you need to engage with the world through photography?

The photo of the week, a joyful girl and her proud father, is an example of patience... and timing. With the camera to my eye, I patiently waited for a magic moment. Timing is about being ready to instantly capture the unexpected. At the exact moment I saw the girl reach out to touch her father's hand I pressed the shutter release button and wrote the touching story using a visual language: Photography. Justification indeed!

Happy photoing.

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

At Tuesday night’s meeting the Fillmore School Board recognized classified, certified and management retirees of the Fillmore Unified school District for their years of service.
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Recognition to Classified, Certificated and Management Retirements

The Governing Board recognized FUSD staff retiring during the 2017-2018 school year. Congratulations to our dedicated staff for their years of service.

Approve Resolution Number 17-18-21 Commending CIF SS Individual Swimming Champion

Board approved Resolution 17-18-21 and congratulated FHS Swimmer, Katrionna Furness, and Coaches Mike and Cindy Blatt.

Proposed 2018-2019 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and 2018-2019 Proposed Budget, Including Proposition 30 Expenditure Plan.

Presentations to the Governing Board regarding LCAP by Assistant Superintendent, Micheline G. Miglis and the Budget by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill.

Approve Resolution 17-18-23 for Award of Contract under Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Procedures

The Board awarded the contract to Cal Pacific Roofing, Inc. for FHS Buildings 2 and 3– West Wing (Rooms 58-61 and 62-65)

Personnel Recommendations

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

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!

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.