District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Kenneth Douglas Griffin, Jr. (DOB 7/04/95), of Ventura, was sentenced to serve seven months in custody and placed on formal probation for three years for his role in causing a 2014 explosion at Santa Clara Waste Water Company (“SCWWC”) in Santa Paula, California. Numerous SCWWC employees as well as first responders were injured either by the initial explosion or by inhaling a toxic cloud of chlorine gas generated by the illegal disposal of hazardous chemicals that were present on site.

Griffin was an on-site supervisor at SCWWC at the time of the explosion. Griffin was involved in moving chemicals from the SCWWC facility to an off-site storage lot to impede enforcement efforts by the Ventura County Environmental Health Division. Griffin also failed to warn employees of a serious concealed danger at the plant, specifically, the presence of a hazardous material known as sodium chlorite. In addition, he failed to provide sufficient warning regarding chemicals that were mislabeled or entirely unlabeled at the SCWWC site.

Griffin is scheduled to begin serving his jail sentence on October 13, 2017. Griffin was also ordered to pay victim restitution in an amount to be determined upon further order of the court. Under terms and conditions of his formal grant of probation, Griffin is prohibited from being employed in any Supervisory capacity over employees handling hazardous materials for a period of three years. This case was jointly prosecuted by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office and the California Attorney General’s office.

Bob Crum

To summarize part one: All photos are subject to personal interpretation.

Recall that a photographer friend took issue with my recent Photo of the Week. She was brutal calling it hideous. No problem. Opinions and belly buttons... everybody's got one. She expressed her opinion. OK. It only hurts for a little while. I hope!

If you'll recall I had a plan... a vision. I waited for the right time. When it all came together I executed. Though I considered it a success, the story was not obvious to her. Maybe many others also missed what I attempted to portray in a photo. She may have a point. Photojournalism is not without challenges!

Consider a technically correct photo, in focus and correctly exposed. As such, the viewer should have but only one logical option: Like or dislike the subject or overall composition. An opinion! Does it matter?

When I cook, I cook to suit my taste. Would I add a spice that my taste buds dislike? I treat photography the same way. My way!

Several years ago I was photographing up on the Rocky Peak trail where I heard mermaids sometime frequent as a retreat from seaweed. The trail leads to a panoramic 2,715-foot summit on the border between Los Angeles and Ventura counties in the Santa Susana Mountains. The area is peppered with huge boulders.

A couple of years later, I was asked to give a photography presentation to a group of artistic types in Thousand Oaks. As I was showing the photo of a huge boulder and it's dark shadow one in the audience blurted: “Why did you take that photo, shadow ruins it.”

Such comments in a public setting might unnerve some. I smiled. It gave me the opportunity emphasize the subjective nature of photography. I explained to the objector that my photography is intended to please my harshest critic: Me! The photo – by design and intention – wonderfully illustrates the dynamic range between light and darkness. In essence, as an integral part of the boulder, the shadow exhibited it's own mysterious character.

Any photographer who remotely thinks about creating photos to please everybody is doomed to frustration. Is it any different regarding any form of art?

Another aspect of photography often overlooked is 'style'... a certain 'look'. As I say repeatedly, the camera merely collects data... I create the photo. Through the years I have developed a personal style that I apply universally. It starts with the camera but I don't do anything special or particular in-camera. My “style” is produced during post processing (PP).

My post processing is not conventional. Warning: Tech info ahead! The left and right walls pertain to the extremes of the histogram. A histogram is a graphical representation of the pixels exposed in the image. The left side (wall) represents dark areas while the right side (wall) represents the bright areas. Conventional rules dictate that the middle area represents correct exposure. Not my rule. Unless mood dictates otherwise, I generally push the exposure toward the right wall without clipping which is why my photos tend to be on the bright side. Have you noticed?

Again... it's all subjective. Simply what I prefer. Maybe you like it. Maybe you don't. Irrelevant because it's just photography! Whenever I'm asked to critique photos I first address apparent technical issues. Lacking any, I then only address composition if, in my opinion, a different perspective might tell the story better. Constructive notes only.

Hark! Autumn is now! Charge your camera batteries! Think about hillsides full of red and gold-colored leaves. Aaaaah. I'm planning day trips in search of random displays of gorgeous fall foliage. Anyone want to go? Failing to find such trees, I'll spray paint some. Tree- friendly paint of course.

The photo of the week is from my recent trip up to Gopher Glen Apple Farm in See Canyon. A favorite side road. But no Aspens.

Happy photoing.

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

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) urges Californians to get the influenza (flu) vaccine in September or October ahead of the arrival of influenza season.

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

“Getting vaccinated is the best protection against flu illness,” said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “You can prevent missing work or school, visits to the doctor or hospitalizations, and protecting others from coming down with the flu.”

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

For the second year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) only recommend injectable flu vaccines. The nasal spray flu vaccine (live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV) is not recommended for use this season due to concerns about the effectiveness.

Each year, flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and, sometimes, thousands or tens of thousands of deaths in the United States.

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

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

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

CDPH encourages Californians to contact their health care provider, physician’s office, clinic or pharmacy about obtaining the flu vaccine. Some local health departments may also offer low- or no-cost flu immunizations.

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

Rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to increase in California, according to new statistics from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). These diseases are reportable to the state and local health departments. The data are presented in CDPH’s 2016 STD Annual Report: a summary can also be found on CDPH’s website.

Over a quarter million cases of STDs were reported in 2016, a 40% increase compared to five years ago including, 198,503 cases of chlamydia, 64,677 of gonorrhea, and 11,222 of early syphilis. Particularly concerning to health officials, 207 cases of congenital syphilis were reported. If not caught early, syphilis during pregnancy can result in congenital syphilis leading to stillbirth or permanent, lifelong disabilities. Syphilis can also cause permanent loss of vision, hearing and other neurologic problems in adults. If left untreated, STDs can increase the risk of HIV infection and lead to lifelong reproductive health problems.

“The number of reported STDs in California is increasing at a concerning rate,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “This is the third year in a row that we have seen increases in chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.”

These three diseases can be prevented by consistent use of condoms, and they can be cured with antibiotics, so regular testing and treatment is very important, even for people who have no symptoms.

Chlamydia and gonorrhea rates are highest among people under age 30. Rates of chlamydia are highest among young women, whereas males account for the majority of syphilis and gonorrhea cases.

Regular screening for STDs is recommended for people who are sexually active. STD services also provide opportunities for further prevention of HIV through testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.

“All Californians need to know how to protect themselves and their partners,” said Smith. “Getting tested regularly is one of the most important steps.” A directory of where to get tested can be found at this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage.

CDPH is collaborating 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. For more information, go to the CDPH Sexually Transmitted Diseases Control Branch website.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Fillmore Unified School Board Meeting Highlights:

WELCOME! Micheline G. Miglis, Assistant Superintendent of Education Services
The Board approved Micheline G. Miglis as the new Assistant Superintendent of Education Services.

Dashboard Local Indicators
The Board received a report regarding the Dashboard Local Indicators. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez.

Approve Management/Confidential/Supervisory Off-Schedule One Time Payment
The Board approved the staff recommendation for Management/Confidential/Supervisory employees to receive a 2% off schedule payment based on 2016-2017 earnings.

Approved Tentative Agreement Between California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter #421 and Fillmore Unified School District
The Board approved the Tentative Agreement between CSEA and FUSD.

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

Ten-year-old Presley McLain was selected from nominations all over the state as the 2016 California Division Statewide Recognizing Excellence Special Recognition Youth Engagement Recipient. “The mission of the American Cancer Society is fueled by its volunteer efforts. Your commitment and dedication have played a very important part in making a difference in ending the pain and suffering caused by this disease. Thank you.” stated Cynthia LeBlanc Dir. CA Division Awards Team in a letter sent to Miss McLain in May 2017. This year Presley has raised $7633.00. for Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru by asking family and friends to donate to RFL in lieu of birthday gifts. Presley invites the public to attend the RFL this year scheduled for Sept. 23-24, 2017 at Shiells Park in Fillmore. The daughter of Lori and Bobby McLain, Presley aspires to continue raising money for a cure for cancer and someday would like to be the Events Chair for Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru like her mother Lori. This year Presley is on the Luminaria committee. If you are interested in making a donation, forming a team or have any questions please contact Caitlin Barringer 800.227.2345 or Caitlin.Barringer@cancer.org

Bob Crum

She really said that about my photo of the week.

It's OK. Actually, it's a gift of sorts. It provides a grand opportunity to discuss the “subjective” nature of photography. The freedictionary.com defines “subjective” as: “belonging to, proceeding from, or relating to the mind of the thinking subject and not the nature of the object being considered.”

The subject of the subjectivity is my Photo of the Week last week. A photographer friend said: “No offense but that picture is hideous. (gasp!) There's way too much stuff going on that picture and you lose the drama of what you were trying to say. You've lost the plan light and you had so many colors I don't know where to put my eyes in the sky oh it's terrible.”

Last week's Gazette provided a great example of the subjective nature of photography. On the front page was the staff photo of the U.S. Flag flying from the Fillmore Fire Department ladder truck. I too shot a similar photo about 1 p.m.. Not satisfied, the rogue in me opted for a something different. Try to tell a story, not just shoot a photo.

My friend claimed too much stuff going on. My plan involved vehicles traveling underneath the flag to provide a perspective of the flag size relative to the vehicles. Obviously she didn't get my intent. What about you?

She also said that “you've lost the plain light and you had so many colors I don't know where to put my eyes in the sky oh it's terrible.”

All afternoon I hoped for sunset colors in the clouds. I preferred a 9/11 sundown. Near sundown, I took position and waited 30 minutes. As hoped the clouds lit up. Shoot. Not yet. I had to wait for some traffic. Finally, three vehicles came into view. Shoot! Mission accomplished.

Or was it. Did my story get lost in all the hubbub? Is simple better... just a static flag photo? What do you think? I can handle it! Remember, hideous has already been used. Her ghastly comment about my photo is simply her subjective opinion. Realizing this, I didn't take offense. But now neither will she get a gift this Christmas!

Technical issues involved maintaining proper exposure on the beautifully back-lit flag while maintaining the cloud colors. I only got one shot. No time for exposure adjustments or retakes. If I didn't properly program the camera... the plan would fail.

Art in any form is totally subjective. As people look at art–a painting or sculpture or a photo–it's natural to critique. As do I. More about this in a future column.

The Photo of the Week is Mr. Fishbreath of San Luis Bay at Avila Beach. I made my annual journey to Gopher Glen Apple Farm last Sunday. Think heritage apples! Anyway, I also always visit the nearby Harford Pier. Think nature photography. Other than a few seagulls landing nearby and a lone pelican flying around not much was happening and it was getting late. About to leave I noticed a large dark object twenty-five feet below swimming towards me. A mermaid??? Just as I pointed my camera in the general direction, a large sea lion surfaced for a brief moment, smiled and quickly disappeared under the pier. It all happened in a blink! Thank you Mr. Fishbreath!

Shooting at water is challenging. I had the camera in manual mode and ISO on 'auto'. For exposure's sake, I almost always let ISO float on auto for waterscapes because reflections change and the light changes with every camera position relative to the sunlight.

This was the first time a sea lion suddenly appeared from the depths and smiled! Made my day!!! I giggled all the way home!!!

Happy photoing.

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

VENTURA, CA – District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that Percy Stanley (DOB 07/24/1989), of San Bernardino, pled guilty to pimping a minor. Sentencing is set for October 17, 2017, at 9:00 a.m., in the Ventura Superior Court, County of Ventura, courtroom 12. He is expected to receive a three-year prison sentence.

Co-defendant, Asia Jones (DOB 10/31/1998), of Moreno Valley, pled guilty in March to causing a minor to engage in commercial sex acts. In April 2017, Jones was sentenced to local jail and placed on three years of formal probation. Jones now must register as a sex offender.

On January 11, 2017, police received a call from a resident reporting a possible act of prostitution. The caller reported that a silver Mercedes-Benz had dropped off a woman in the area, and moments later a male met up with the young woman. The two walked into a neighbor’s side yard, dropped their pants, and began having sex in plain view.

Members from the Ventura Police Department’s Sex Crimes Unit, Patrol Task Force, and Ventura County Human Trafficking Enforcement Team responded to assist in the investigation.

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.
Follow the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) lifted health advisories today related to certain sport-harvested bivalve shellfish in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. For these counties, the advisories are being lifted for whole scallops and all clams. The advisories were issued due to dangerous levels of domoic acid, a naturally occurring toxin that can cause illness or death. Recent testing shows concentrations of domoic acid have declined to safe or undetectable levels. There have been no reported illnesses associated with this event.

The CDPH warnings against eating sport-harvested razor clams from Del Norte and Humboldt counties and clams and whole scallops from Los Angeles County due to dangerous levels of domoic acid, remain in effect, as well as the statewide annual quarantine on sport-harvested mussels. The annual quarantine applies to all species of mussels harvested along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31.

Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short term memory, coma or death. No cases of human poisoning from domoic acid are known to have occurred in California.

You can get the most current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring Web page or the CDPH Annual Mussel Quarantine - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Web page.

CDPH Senior Environmental Scientist Vanessa Zubkousky-White discusses the lifting of these warnings.

www.cdph.ca.gov

Ari Larson

The Santa Clara Valley Hospice is pleased to announce their new board director Ari Larson. One of Ari's goals, as a Fillmore resident is to better promote the resources available to the Fillmore and Piru community. In addition to Fillmore and Piru the Santa Clara Valley Hospice serves, Santa Paula, Somis and Saugus. "I look forward
to working with the dedicated board directors and Martha Navarette the Director of the SCV Hospice," said Ari Larson.

"For example, some of the lesser known resources available at SCV Hospice include medical equipment and supplies, available for loan and medical transport to doctor visits and medical therapists," said Ari. To find out more and to tour their facility, the public is invited to the Grand Re-Opening of their new location on Friday, Sept. 15th at 5pm at 217 N. 10th St. Santa Paula, CA 93060. If you have any questions please call their office 805.525.1333 or scvhospicehs@yahoo.com

At Tuesday's regular City Council meeting, City Engineer Roxanne Hughes, presented a City Pavement Report to the Council, and Approval of Project List for RMRA Fund Eligibility. The City Council also approved a recommended project list and associated budget amendments to meet the funding eligibility guidelines for receipt of Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA). Council approved unanimously.

For complete details please refer to Council Agenda for 9-13, 2017.

The Council appointed Council members Diane McCall and Mark Austin to the Fillmore Development Council (FDC) Ad Hoc Committee.

During Public Comment, resident Bill Faith asked the Council to seek some solution to the problem of long-bed pickup trucks parking on Central Avenue. Trucks that extend beyond the designated parking length of spaces, and extend several feet into the traffic lanes pose a safety problem as well as a nuisance. The Council will look into the problem.

A second reading of an ordinance prohibiting trucks on River Street between "A" Street and Central Avenue to limit truck traffic and request to post traffic signs noting this prohibition was observed.

A discussion of Draft August 2017 Valley Express Fare Increases was made. Martin Erickson of VCTC gave a presentation on the new rate proposals.

A history of Valley Express, launched March 2, 2015 was noted, as was a new local fixed route service, and a new fleet of 15 busses. During the past year Valley Express held public meetings approving the expansion of general public Dial-A-Ride to the entire Heritage Valley area. Also discussed was potential fare increases. The Committees approved expanding the General Public Dial-A-Ride to be available to all riders in the Heritage Valley service area, not just to seniors or just those with disabilities. All riders in the Valley Express service area are now able to request door-to-door bus service. The price is $2.00 per trip.

For complete information on Valley Express schedules and prices please consult www.valleyexpressbus.org.

City Manager David Rowlands reported that a resolution of the contractual problems between the FCTC and Fillmore & Western Railroad has been reached. The Railroad will continue to operate as usual under the new settlement.

District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced today that many county residents have likely been affected by the Equifax data breach and advises that they consider appropriate steps to protect their personal data. Equifax is one of three major credit reporting agencies. According to Equifax, from mid-May through July 2017, they suffered a data breach that affected the personal identifying information of 143 million Americans and 15 million Californians. Be aware that Equifax representatives will not call residents unless the residents first call Equifax. Unsolicited calls could be a scam.

Consumers may contact Equifax to learn whether their data was potentially exposed. Contact may be made in one of two ways:
- Visit the Equifax website at www.eguifaxsecurity2017.com. Be sure to use a secure computer and, if using wi-fi, be sure that it is a secure network, or,
- Call (866) 447-7559.

According to the Equifax website, even if one’s data was not exposed, Equifax will enroll consumers in the TrustedID Premier service if requested by November 21, 2017. This provides, free of charge:
- A copy of the consumer’s Equifax credit report.
- Credit file monitoring for all three credit monitoring companies; Equifax, Experian, and
Transunion.

- Social security number monitoring. Equifax will search for suspicious websites for the consumer’s social security number.

- Identity theft insurance of up to $1,000,000.

- Equifax Credit Report lock. This prevents access to the consumer’s Equifax credit report by third parties, with certain exceptions. This acts as a “red flag” to credit issuers and is designed to lead to the consumer being notified before the lock is lifted. However, this only applies to Equifax reports. Consumers are encouraged to contact the other two major credit reporting agencies to place a red flag (free) or a lock (up to $35). The contact information is:

- TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 / www.transunion.com/fraud
- Experian 1-888-397-3742 / www.experian.com/fraud/centerhtml

All consumers that sign up for TrustedID Premier will be asked for the last six numbers of their social security number and will be issued a randomly generated PIN number. They will not be asked to provide credit card information nor will they be charged after the year of Trusted ID Premier has expired. Equifax has also changed its policy and those that take advantage of Equifax’s offer will not waive any rights to take legal action against Equifax.

For more information on the Equifax breach go to:
- www.eguifaxsecurity2017.com

To check your credit reports for free visit:
- www.annualcreditreport.gov. Accounts you do not recognize may indicate identity theft.

For more information on what to do as a result of a breach and to avoid identity theft go to:
- www.identitflheft.gov
- www.oag.ca.gov/idtheft
The Ventura County District Attomey’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. Follow the Ventura County District Attomey’s Office on Twitter @VenturaDAOffice.