The following is a press release regarding Ventura County’s failure to enforce pipeline shutdown following flood warnings, putting municipal water supplies and downstream communities at risk. Courtesy Rebecca August, Los Padres ForestWatch
Three conservation organizations filed a formal complaint today against the Ventura County Planning Division for failing to enforce its own requirement to safeguard municipal water supplies and downstream communities from oilfield failures during floods.

The Ventura County Planning Division failed to issue a required shut-down order for the Santa Paula Canyon oilfield following flash flood warnings issued for the area last month. The complaint follows new warnings from the U.S. Forest Service of increased flooding risk over the next several years following December’s Thomas Fire, which burned about 440 square miles, including parts of the Los Padres National Forest immediately adjacent to the oilfield.

“We’re shocked and disappointed that Ventura County officials and the oil company failed to temporarily shut down this oilfield when the surrounding hills were barren from a recent wildfire and flash flooding was predicted,” said Rebecca August, Los Padres ForestWatch public lands advocate. “We hope the county takes our complaint seriously and uses an abundance of caution when rain is predicted in the area. The health of our environment and communities is at stake.”

In approving the permit in 2015, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors required the operator of the field, at that time California Resources Corp., to temporarily shut down its 200-foot oil pipeline across Santa Paula Creek when flood warnings are issued.

The current operator, Carbon California, took over the field last year and failed to comply with this permit requirement. The creek is a municipal and agricultural water supply for Ventura County, as well as critical habitat for endangered southern steelhead. The company also is required to submit a report identifying any structural damage from flooding and corrective measures taken. These are among several conditions the board approved in response to public concerns about safety when it granted the permit in 2015.

In a recent report, the Forest Service said areas burned by the Thomas Fire, including the Carbon California oil-and-gas field, are at high risk of increased flooding and debris flow until vegetation in the upper watershed is reestablished over the next decade.

“Modeling has estimated flows to increase 2.2 times that of normal flows,” the Forest Service recently concluded in its Burned Area Emergency Response report summarizing the hydrologic conditions in the Thomas Fire burn area. “Overall, Santa Paula Creek will likely experience a pronounced increase in sediment and higher peak flows. Houses, roads and other infrastructure in and near the creek are at increased risk and should be assessed in detail for post-fire risks.”

Today’s complaint points out that Ventura County officials put public health and environmental safety at risk by failing to require Carbon California to follow basic safety procedures. The complaint also notes that the oil company failed to submit a required fire protection plan to the Ventura County Fire Protection Bureau. With no plan in place, it is unclear what actions the company took after the Thomas Fire burned through the facility on Dec. 7, 2017.

In addition, the complaint points out that the oil company failed to submit an incident report to the Ventura County Planning Division following the fire and the storms that followed in January.

“Ventura County is responsible for protecting Santa Paula Creek and communities downstream from these oilfields,” said Ileene Anderson, a biologist at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The county needs to enforce its own safety requirements. Officials dropped the ball after the Thomas Fire by failing to initiate safety measures to protect people and wildlife in harm’s way.”

“The evidence available with this complaint demonstrates gaps in enforcement of permit conditions when it comes to oil and gas activities in Ventura County, not all operators always comply. The public relies on the county to provide vigorous oversight,” said Kimberly Rivers, executive director of Citizens For Responsible Oil & Gas. “The Planning Division must do a better job of holding the oil industry accountable and enforcing the terms of their permits.”

About Los Padres ForestWatch
Los Padres ForestWatch is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting wildlife, wilderness landscapes, watersheds, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Los Padres National Forest.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.6 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.

Citizens For Responsible Oil and Gas — CFROG — is a Ventura County-based nonprofit watchdog organization that defends local communities and wild places from the impacts of oil and gas extraction.

Bob Crum

As I go from one photo adventure to another, I delight in acknowledging the role that serendipitous weather plays in my behalf. Many of my most fortuitous photos are the result of a kind and considerate Mother Nature. For this I am forever grateful.

However, it behooves me to do my part. Meticulous planning included researching weather reports. We all know about the accuracy of weather reports... right? Anyway, given light winds and calm seas predicted, and not having any scheduling conflicts, I had the good sense to take advantage of glorious weather that weekend. Good thing considering last weekend's blustery weather!

I was at the Ventura Harbor Village again the past weekend for a photo shoot of a different nature. More in a moment. Didn't know the speed but the wind was howling. The ocean was riled and cantankerous. Many moons ago, as a captain of a sport fishing vessel out of Port Everglades, FL, I encountered such frothy oceans. Foregoing better judgment, on a rollicking boat I sometimes ventured forth. Forget photoing anything when just standing vertical is a challenge. Imagine trying to photograph a canon battle between two tall ships on a riled ocean? But I digress.

Last weekend I was commissioned to photograph a yacht for sale by the owner at the harbor. The weather was not photographic friendly. The wind that riled the seas also created so much mist that my mist-negating filter was negated. Thankfully, the shoot was postponed. Incidentally, I have the only mist-negating filter in the world.
While there, I thought why not shoot the two tall ships approaching the high seas, rough as it was. I positioned myself on a breakwater. BTW, it's also a place frequented by mermaids. The Lady Washington came along and I captured misty photos of a tall ship shrouded in mist in the misty Santa Barbara channel making me misty-eyed. Anyway, I waited for the Hawaiian Chieftain which is usually right behind the Lady Washington. Fifteen minutes later, it became obvious it was not coming. This means no canon battle. C'est la vie.

Back at the dock, I learned that the Chieftain endured an 'accident'. The end of the bowsprit was broken off. Curious, I endeavored to find out what happened. No one on board the Chieftain dared talk about it. MUM! One volunteered: Call headquarters!

On a high note, the Ventura Harbor Village is never without photo ops. Last Sunday was no exception. For example, a small abandoned boat was tied to a dock cleat. Something of special interest attracted many seagulls and a curious pelican. The commotion was also a photo op! Eventually all the birds departed. Upon the boat owner arriving with his son I asked what in the boat would attract a flock of gulls and a pelican? Birds, he asked? A quick look around and he proclaimed: They ate all my son's peanuts and cheese crackers”! The gall of those dastardly gulls!

Quick mention: If you ever need a weekend excuse to get out the of house, visit the Ventura Harbor Village. Think fun events, music and wildlife. I also think great food and photo ops.

Photo of the week is a favorite of the Hawaiian Chieftain I made from the Lady Washington the weekend before last. I watched her as the enticing image formed in my mind. Will it manifest? It did! A magnificent, colorful tall ship, with full sails, passing in front of the fabulous north Ventura coastline. Click! Done! Awesome!

Happy photoing.

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

The Fillmore/Piru GSA Board of Directors voted unanimously to oppose the Sespe Aquifer Exemption proposal, and to send a letter to the State Water Resources Control Board, stating their position.

Director Glen Pace recused himself because he represents the Piru Pumpers, but he also spoke in support of the board opposing the exemption.

The GSA board received at least 60 emails from residents in Fillmore and across Ventura County, urging them to protect Fillmore’s water by opposing the exemption, and drafting a letter, like the City of Fillmore’s, to the State Water Resources Control Board.

About 30 Fillmore residents attended the meeting.

Most everyone in the room stood when asked if they opposed the exemption, and several made public comments to that effect, as did CFROG, Keep Sespe Wild and Los Padres ForestWatch, who were there at the invitation of Fillmore residents.

One individual spoke in favor of exempting the Sespe aquifer from Clean Drinking Water protection, a representative from Seneca Resources.

Courtesy Rebecca August, Public Lands Advocate • Los Padres ForestWatch

Fillmore Unified School District

Board meeting highlights for the Fillmore Unified School District

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) Fall 2017 Results
Information presented by Assistant Superintendent Education Services, Micheline G. Miglis

Approve 2017-2018 Comprehensive School Safety Plans for all Fillmore USD Schools
Board approved the Comprehensive School Safety Plans

Approve Resolution Number 17-18-11 to Adopt a Developer Fee Justification Study for the District and an Increase in the Statutory School Facility Fee (Level I Fee) on New Residential and Commercial/Industrial Developments
The Board approved Resolution Number 17-18-11.

Award Bid for Metal Roof Restoration at District Office Room 17 and Sierra High School Rooms 3, 4, and 7
The Board awarded the bid to Western States Roofing, Inc.

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

On Wednesday, February 21st 7pm at the Fillmore Library, 502 Second St., Fillmore a community meeting was held to discuss the expansion project for the Fillmore Library. They discussed the goals of the overall project as well as ways the community can help. The expansion plan is to add 2,200 square feet to the library, which is currently 2,900 square feet.

The project is expected to cost between $1.3 million and $1.5 million. A portion of the budget will come from the Lucille Wigley estate, a Fillmore resident who passed away in 1995 and left $425,000 to the county library system, to be used for the Fillmore’s library. The City of Fillmore will also contribute to the project by using fees paid by developers that could total $200,000 or more. They expect the fundraising to take around two years, and the expansion to start in 2020.

Project goals include:
•Reach more people with vital library services and have more positive impact on the community.
•Establish a community gathering space.
•Create a safe and accessible facility for all community members.
•Increase efficiencies and deliver services via modern technology.
•A quiet space for students to study and do homework
Project details:
•2,220 square foot addition
•Community meeting room
•Reading lounge
•Two study rooms
•Two new ADA compliant restrooms

Project partners include: the City of Fillmore, Ventura County Library Foundation, and Friends of the Fillmore Library.
For additional information, contact Ventura County Library Director, Nancy Schram at nancy.schram@ventura.org or (805) 256-8535.

Fillmore Library is located at 502 Second St., Fillmore, CA 93015. Hours of service are Mondays and Tuesdays 2pm – 7pm; Wednesdays 10am – 5pm; Thursdays through Saturdays 12pm – 5pm. Ventura County Library:

Inspiring our community to explore, discover, and connect. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

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In 1978, the first test tube baby was born, the Susan B. Anthony dollar was minted, and Fillmore High produced a great group of seniors as they began their journey in life marching through the Shasta Daisy arches at graduation. It's been 40 years since that day, and they are ready to celebrate their 40 year class reunion at the 2018 FHS Alumni Dinner on June 9th. The Alumni Association will have a special area just for their class to have their reunion at the Dinner. By having their reunion at the dinner, they will not only be able to see each other, but they will also be able to reunite with friends from other classes. We hope many alumni make it to this year’s 105th Annual Alumni Dinner & Dance. Last year’s dinner was sold out, so get your reservations in early! It's the event of the year in Fillmore and the great class of 1978 will not be left behind. Calling all FHS Alumni to the 105th Alumni Dinner. Reservations are available online now at www.fillmorehighalumni.com/events/2018/1/15/105th-annual-fillmore-high-a...

Bob Crum

In years past, I intended to sail on a tall ship. Didn't happen for various reasons. Upon hearing the tall ships Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington were in port, again the sea beckoned. I answered with a boarding pass to make intention become reality.

Rrrrrr mate! Greeted at the dock by none other than the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow. Capt. Jack was accompanied by several pirate fiends...er…friends. One might have thought it was a Key West Mallory Square party with mateys singing the Disney song A Pirate's Life for Me - Yo ho, Yo ho, a pirates life for me.

At 2PM on weekends, the two ships set sail and engage each other in a mock cannon battle. My boarding pass was for the Saturday sailing on the Lady Washington. I preferred the Lady Washington because the Hawaiian Chieftain looked the more photogenic of the two ships.

Photo ops were replete but proved challenging. Ships are in constant motion... rocking to and fro. I wish I had my camera mounted on a 3-axis gimbal. My body could have made good use of a stabilizing gimbal... or a flask of rum. As I write this I'm still rocking to and fro... without rum!

It wasn't just the constant motion that proved problematic, every which way I turned to capture a photo, there were ropes... oops... lines. Also had to deal with 42 other passengers. Worse, the center of the ship where the cannons sat was off limits. Crowding passengers to the fore and aft decks limited the already scarce space on the gunwales. But you know I'll find a way... even if it means pulling rank. Out of my WAY mateys... press here! Nah. Instead, I just pushed overboard those that dared to get in the way of my shot!

On the way to the battle ground, staff led passengers singing sea shanties. Sea shanties are work songs that were used on sailing ships. Their rhythms coordinated the efforts of many sailors hauling on lines. Laid end to end, Lady Washington’s 156 lines of running rigging would extend three miles. Hoisting the sails is quite a feat. Afterward, no in-boom furling the mainsails or jib on this ship. Up the masts like monkeys go crew members to secure the sheets. Tally-ho mates!

Watching the Lady Washington crew pull the lines to raise the sails confirmed my suspicion that I might have made a great pirate... as the ship's captain. Hauling lines is too much work.

Photographically speaking, multiple issues. Besides constant motion of the boat affecting my vertical stability, 'twas a bright sunny day. To deal with glare on the water, I installed a circular polarizing filter on the lens. Unfortunately not the total solution. Remember, polarizing filters work most effectively when 45° angle from the sun. The Lady Washington's captain forgot about that as the two ships positioned for battle. C'est la vie.

Challenges aside, it was an exciting and fun-filled three hours aboard the Lady Washington as its cannons blasted holes in the Hawaiian Chieftain. Of course Lady Washington took few hits--fortunately all above the water line. Escaping the battle unscathed was a relief. Returning to port, delighted to see Mermaid Lucy basking on the sea buoy! Muah!

So many photos to choose from!!! The Photo of the Week is the Hawaiian Chieftain firing a rare canon doughnut at the Lady Washington. Boom!!!

The two tall ships are docked at the Ventura Harbor Village through March 5, 2018. Their schedule is here... http://www.historicalseaport.org/public-tours-sails/sailing-schedule/ven...

Happy photoing.

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

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that on February 7, 2018, investigators from the California Department of Insurance (CDI), Contractors State License Board (CLSB), and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (BOI) conducted a joint operation at cleanup and repair sites within the Thomas Fire disaster area to ensure compliance with California law.

Investigators contacted 55 business entities operating at 44 fire disaster sites. Most companies contacted were operating properly. However, five companies were ordered to stop working as a result of violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws. Investigations into these violations are ongoing and additional compliance sweeps are anticipated.

“We are pleased that most of our businesses are operating responsibly in helping residents to recover from the Thomas Fire. For those few who are not, we will take appropriate action to hold them accountable and to ensure future compliance,” said Totten.

Contracting without a license in a disaster area is a felony crime. Workers’ compensation insurance laws apply to all contractors, regardless of whether they are properly licensed. Anyone with information about violations of contractor laws or workers’ compensation insurance laws should contact the Contractors State License Board (800-962-1125), California Department of Insurance (800-927-4357), or the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigation (805-662-1750).

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.

Ventura County Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn announced the offices eligible for election in the June 5, 2018 Statewide Direct Primary Election.

Official nomination documents for candidates interested in the offices below may be obtained beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2018, at the Ventura County Elections Division, Hall of Administration, Lower Plaza, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Official nomination documents must be filed with the Ventura County Elections Division by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018.

Voter-Nominated Offices:
Governor
Lieutenant Governor
Secretary of State
State Controller
State Treasurer
Attorney General
Insurance Commissioner
Member, State Board of Equalization, 3rd District
United States Representative in Congress: 24th, 25th, 26th, and 30th Congressional Districts
United States Senator
Member of the State Assembly: 37th, 38th, 44th, and 45th Assembly Districts

Nonpartisan Offices:
Judge of the Superior Court
Superintendent of Public Instruction
Ventura County Board of Supervisors: 2nd and 4th Supervisorial Districts
Ventura County Assessor
Ventura County Auditor-Controller
Ventura County Clerk and Recorder
Ventura County District Attorney
Ventura County Sheriff
Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector
Ventura County Superintendent of Schools

Information regarding filing for these offices and the filing fee amounts may be obtained by calling the Ventura County Elections Division at (805) 654-2664, or by visiting the Ventura County Elections Division website: http://www.venturavote.org

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) today warned people not to eat cactus pads, or nopales, imported from Mexico sold at specific retail and wholesale locations around the state due to the presence of unapproved pesticides.

Routine surveillance samples collected by DPR inspectors found various pesticides, including dimethoate, omethoate, monocrotophos and methidathion, at levels that pose a health risk to humans. Both monocrotophos and methidathion have been banned for food use in the United States for several years.

“Anyone feeling ill after consuming cactus products should consult their health care provider,” said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “The symptoms of acute poisoning may include sweating, headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, hypersalivation, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Consumption of monocrotophos can lead to neurotoxicity and permanent nerve damage.”

DPR sampled contaminated cactus pads that were offered for sale to consumers and wholesale customers between January 23-29 at the following locations:
• Rancho San Miguel Markets, Madera
• La Monarca Market, Lower Lake
• FreshPoint Central California, Turlock
• Arteaga’s Food Center, Sacramento
• Stater Bros. Distribution Center, San Bernardino
• S&L Wholesale Produce, San Francisco

DPR immediately removed the cactus pads it could locate from store shelves and distribution centers. The items were quarantined or destroyed so that they do not pose a threat to consumers. However, DPR believes it is possible that some of the cactus pads may have been sold to other stores in California, Nevada and Oregon. The tainted produce was packaged with the brand names “Mexpogroup Fresh Produce,” “Aramburo,” or “Los Tres Huastecos”.

“Many Californians eat cactus as part of their diet, but the pesticide levels we have found at some specific locations are concerning,” said Brian Leahy, DPR director. “We are not aware of any illnesses that have been reported to date, but we suggest that anyone who bought this product from these locations recently, return it to the place of purchase or dispose of it in the garbage.”

Washing or peeling the cactus is not effective and people should not try to salvage any of this contaminated produce.

CDPH and CDPR have alerted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the issue Consumers that observe the product being offered for sale are encouraged to report the activity to the CDPH toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.

City of Fillmore

In the coming weeks we will have a new Chief of Police, Eric Tennessen, who will be replacing our present, retiring Chief, Dave Wareham. No official information is available as yet as to time. Welcome Chief Tennessen. We will be sorry to lose Chief Wareham who has served Fillmore so faithfully over the years.

A public hearing concerning a decision to join the LACCE Joint Powers Authority was postponed for further information.

Approval was granted to spend an estimated $270,000 on California Waters Development Inc., for the Heritage Valley Parks Fountain Entry Feature Renovation Project.

The proposed Maxwell extension #5 and Modification #4 to Tentative Tract Map 5803 for property within the Business Park was tabled to March 13.

A license agreement with Seneca Resources Corporation to allow the use of public property was approved.

A hearing on the Los Angeles Community Choice Energy Aggregation (LACCE) was denied until staff has finished its research.

Hearing on proposal to create an electric car station was not granted.

Rudy Mora, 28 of Fillmore

An attempted carjacking took place on Monday, February 5th at around 6:00pm near the intersection of B and Third Street in Fillmore. The suspect attempted to take the car along with the adult victim’s two children who were in the vehicle. The victim was able to fight off the suspect and gave a description of the suspect to the police. The suspect was later identified as Rudy Mora, 28 of Fillmore. Mora was taken into custody on suspicion of felony carjacking and bail was set at $200,000. He was arraigned on Wednesday, February 7th.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

Beginning Wednesday, February 21st, 2018, the Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office will be holding a 12-week Public Safety Academy for the community. The academy is designed to provide community members with an inside look at law enforcement, first responders, the criminal justice system, and other public safety agencies.

The program will allow students to meet with members of the Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Superior Court, District Attorney’s Office, and Probation Department and discuss relevant issues affecting our community.

Classes will be held Wednesday nights, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, at the Active Adult Center, 533 Santa Clara Ave. Spanish translation services will be provided upon request. For an application, requirements, and additional information, please go to www.fillmoreca.com or contact the Fillmore Police Department.

Prepared by: Sgt. Kevin Vaden
Approved by: Captain Dave Wareham

(l-r) Instructors, Melissa Diaz, Hannah Faith, Gladys Racette, Renee Swenson, Jennefer Hime, Ruth Ricards, Carrie Sherwood, Jeanne Benson and Ernie Villegas from the City of Fillmore.
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ReGEN Haus Yoga and Movement Studio celebrated their grand opening on Saturday, February 3, 2018 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tours of the facility and an opportunity to meet with the instructors. Owner Renee Swenson sees ReGen Haus as an alternative to the traditional gym. The studio will focus on the wellness experience, mind, body and spirit. Phase one of the ReGEN Haus approach is the yoga studio with future phases including an antique retail store, and hopefully, a coffee house.

There is a wide variety of classes ranging from gentle yoga, Nia, dance movement, meditation and strength conditioning. For the full schedule of classes and workshops go to: regenyoga.com and/or get the app: Mind Body Online under ReGen Haus Yoga and Movement. Renee Swenson invites the public to come and visit. They are located downtown at 448 Santa Clara St.in Fillmore. If you are interested in hosting or teaching a workshop or class contact Renee 310.403.4647 or email: info@regenyoga.com