Bob Crum

I'm overwhelmed with so many readers' questions that I'm contemplating taking a three month vacation in Hawaii. Between Maui, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Moloka'i and The Big Island there are at least 23 mermaids at last count. Paradise! But I digress.

Again, the most asked question lately is about photo editing, aka post processing. Though challenging, it's an important question because as I'm want to say: No photo straight out of the camera is as good as it can be.

Relax. Photo editing might seem daunting because it's not quite zippity-doo-dah easy. But I'm not going to get technically wonky. If you can drive a car... you can learn how to create awesome photos with some editing knowledge and the appropriate computer programs.

Ever since I (reluctantly) went digital , I capture images in the RAW format. RAW is a file format that includes all the image data from the camera sensor unprocessed by the camera. While RAW provides for greater editing flexibility in a non-destructive way, I have to start with RAW photos because the majority of my clients require high resolution photos. My Canon 7D MKII produces 300ppi (pixels per inch) RAW images. After editing, I adjust the resolution to meet client's requirements.

Jpegs are processed and compressed by the camera's computer. In the compression process, the camera throws away a big chunk of the photo pixels. Ouch! Camera companies claim that their camera is optimized to produce lovely looking jpeg images. Really? Try this: A skunk (a camera) is a beautiful black and white animal whose byproduct (jpegs) is odorous... and not in a good way.

I dramatize! Don't misunderstand me. While jpegs are compromised images, I don't mean to imply that all jpegs stink. They don't! A fairly good camera can produce very good jpeg images. My 7DMark II produces very nice jpegs. Some cameras only produce jpegs... RAW not an option.

There are some advantages to shooting jpegs. Jpegs are less stressful. For snapshots of Johnny's BD party, or Dirk and Susie's anniversary, or snapshots of a turtle race, jpegs are the cat's meow. No editing... shoot and immediately share on social media. For the creative urge in you, many cameras provide jpeg “picture style” options. Oh joy! Learn them and apply when appropriate. BTW, the images I submit for publication were RAW converted to jpegs, albeit high resolution jpegs. There you go!

However what if you crave something a little better (you know you do)? Hello photo editing. Of course the granddaddy is Photoshop. It's powerful. So powerful it scares me. I seldom use Photoshop because I seldom need it. Photoshop Elements, a baby Photoshop, is a great editing program. It's what I mostly use.

For the frugal among you, there are free photo editing programs. Gimp is the most popular. Many say that Gimp is an exceptional photo editor, rivaling premium software. Never used it so can't vouch for the hype. Other free programs include Paint.net, Photo Pos Pro and Photoscape among others. Google them for details.

Which one to choose? Depends on your requirements. Different tasks require different tools. Check the websites, reviews, and decide. Check youtube for tutorials on the various programs.

Photoshop Elements is good but better with NIK plugins (secret sauce) installed. They're free from Google. I use Color Efex Pro 4 and Viveza 2. Caution: Google quit supporting NIK plugins. Ugh! Thus, not guaranteed to work in an Elements version higher than 12. I am still using Elements 11 on Windows 7 Pro because it works! Version 11 is cheap on eBay! Once you learn and use NIK you'll be a photo editing genius.

Photo editing is not without a learning curve but well worth the time and effort if you have any interest in producing the best photos possible. Just sayin'.

Happy photoing.

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

Who puts tables and chairs on Central Avenue and asks the community of Fillmore to come out and break bread with their Neighbors? The FHS Alumni Association does, that's who. On Thursday evening September 21st from 5-9pm, the FHS Alumni Association will close down Central Avenue between Sespe Avenue and Main Street to celebrate Homecoming 2017. We ask all Alumni and the community to come out early and eat downtown. There will be plenty of tables and chairs and different food vendors to choose from. There will be a DJ (Danny Ibarra 'FHS '85) playing in front of Central Station, and a live Band (Richard Carrillo, Class of '75) will have his "Country Roads" band near Main Street playing all your favorites, old and new for everyone to enjoy. Once you get your meal and a place to sit, sit back, relax, and watch Fillmore High's Homecoming Parade 2017. The parade starts promptly at 6:30pm from the corner of 2nd and Central. The parade will continue down Central Avenue and end at Main Street. Right after the parade, the high school will crown the Homecoming King and Queen on a stage under the Town Theater marquee. So much fun in Fillmore next Thursday evening. Calling all Alumni from around the county and the community of Fillmore to come out for Food, Family, and Fun in Beautiful Downtown Fillmore. Go Flashes!!

Jose “Froggy” Estrada is back and ready for the Combate Americas “El Grito en la Jaula” (Translation: Americas Battle Cry of the Cage). On Friday September 15th in Redlands California he will take on Izic Fernandez who has a 2–3 record. Froggy looks to advance his record to 4-1, as he makes his debuted in the Featherweight class (145lbs) with this fight. The fight will be at Splash Kingdom Amphitheater in Redlands California. Doors open at 5pm. You can tune in on Azteca TV, ESPN Deportes or ESPN. Tickets can be purchased at www.tickton.com

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE ON SEPTEMBER 21: Soroptimists will once again host the celebration of the International Day of Peace on September 21 at 6:00p.m. at the Peace Pole in City Park. The event will celebrate peace makers in our community and a special dedication to Janine Rees. Come to help us remember that peace starts with each of us! For information, contact Lynn Edmonds 907-6576.

Today, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launched a health information and education campaign about what’s legal in California and potential health impacts of cannabis use. Senate Bill 94 (SB 94) - Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) - makes it legal for adults 21 or older to possess, consume and cultivate cannabis in California. Sale of cannabis from licensed retail outlets will become legal January 1, 2018.

CDPH received funding to develop a campaign, as detailed in SB 94, describing:
• The scientific basis for restricting access of cannabis and cannabis products for persons under the age of 21 years;
• The penalties for providing access to cannabis and cannabis products to persons under the age of 21 years;
• The potential harms of using cannabis while pregnant or breastfeeding; and
• The potential harms of overusing cannabis or cannabis products.

“CDPH engaged in extensive conversations with stakeholders in California and partners in other states with legalized cannabis to target the most vulnerable populations and apply their lessons learned,” said CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “We are committed to providing Californians with science-based information to ensure safe and informed choices.” CDPH has and will continue to incorporate the latest data available into public messages to increase awareness about how cannabis affects bodies, minds and health.

On CDPH’s website, individuals can find information about legal, safe and responsible use, and health information for youth, pregnant and breastfeeding women, parents and mentors, and health care providers. CDPH produced fact sheets with safe storage tips and the important things Californians need to know about purchasing and possessing cannabis for personal use. An educational digital toolkit for local governments and community organizations will be available in the future.

For additional information, visit the Let’s Talk Cannabis web page at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/DO/letstalkcannabis/Pages/LetsTalkCanna...

www.cdph.ca.gov

Albert Hernandez, 31, Fillmore

On Thursday night, August 31, 2017, The Ventura Sheriff’s Department Communication Center received a call of a stabbing victim in the area of A Street and River Street in the City of Fillmore. Patrol deputies from the Fillmore Station responded and found a single victim with multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital and the injuries were not life threatening. The evidence at the scene suggested the crime occurred on the bike path adjacent the Santa Clara River.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit, Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau, and Fillmore Patrol Station responded to the scene and began the investigation. Detectives quickly identified Albert Hernandez as the suspect and began an intensive search. Albert is known as a local gang member in the Fillmore area.

The following morning, September 1, 2017, Investigators located Albert Hernandez on his way to work. He was arrested without incident. Detectives also located what they believe was the weapon used to stab the victim. The weapon was in Hernandez’s possession at the time of arrest. Additional evidence of the stabbing was located at Hernandez’s residence.

Albert Hernandez was charged with California Penal Code Section 245, assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held at the Ventura County Main Jail on $150,000 bail.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Gang Unit proactively investigate violent and gang related crimes in partnership with members of our community. Anyone with gang or crime information is encouraged to contact detectives or Ventura County Crime Stoppers.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

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Come one come all to the Alumni Association Blue & White Night and FHS Homecoming Parade celebration on Thursday evening, September 21st in beautiful Downtown Fillmore. The Alumni Association will have plenty of Food vendors for you to choose from and to get your evening meal. The food vendors will be open at 5:00pm and there will be ample tables and chairs provided by the Alumni Association for you to enjoy your meal and watch the Homecoming parade. Bands, Floats and a King and a Queen. Yes, you read that right. The High School will crown their 2017 King and Queen right under the Town Theatre marquee right after the Parade. There are high school homecomings, but you all know that no one does Homecoming like Fillmore High and the FHS Alumni. So mark your calendars for Thursday evening, September 21, for a wonderful Parade/Celebration in beautiful Downtown Fillmore!

Recognitions
The Board recognized the following during the regular board meeting:
-Patriot Day and National Day of Service Remembrance
-Fillmore Adult School’s First High School Graduate: Congratulations Mireya Enriquez!
-Introduction of New Staff: Congratulations to all of our new staff who joined Fillmore Unified this school year.

2017 Summer School Report
The Board received a report regarding the 2017 Summer School program. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Martha Hernandez, and Principal, Sandra Cano.

2016-2017 Unaudited Actuals
The Board received a report on the 2016-2017 Unaudited Actuals. Information was presented by Assistant Superintendent, Andrea McNeill, and Director of Fiscal Services, Martha Corona.

Approved Resolution No. 17-18-02 for Proclamation of September as Attendance Awareness Month
The Board approved the resolution and stands with schools across the United States in recognizing September as “Attendance Awareness Month”.

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

Pictured are co-authors Becky and Ernie Morales at this past Saturday’s book signing. Photo Courtesy of Bob Crum.
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(Standing l-r) Sue Bolton, Kathy Briggs, Dennis Beeghly, Lynne Edmonds (seated l-r) Co-Authors Becky and Ernie Morales and Evie Ybarra.
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Submitted By Martha Gentry, Director of the Fillmore Historical Museum

Becky and Ernie Morales and Evie Ybarra were at the Fillmore Historical Museum on Saturday, September 2, 2017 to sign their new book “Rancho Sespe.” The book is full of photos and stories about the families who worked and lived in the close knit community of Rancho Sespe in the 1920s through the 1960s . There were school events, parties, birthdays, and weddings to attend and a rich heritage of family history.

The long history of the ranch itself was an example of the changes that were happening in California from its beginnings as Spanish mission lands, through its ownership by the Carrillo family in 1842 and its eventual sale to Thomas More and his brothers. The sale of the ranch to Thomas More by his brothers in the 1850s eventually led to More’s murder over property and water rights as homesteaders fought for the lands surrounding the ranch.

If you wish to purchase the book or just learn more about the Ranch, visit the Fillmore Historical Museum where there is a large collection of Rancho Sespe information and memorabilia. The museum is located at 350 Main Street, Fillmore, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9-12 and 1-4 and Saturdays from 10-3. Phone: 805-524-0948 for more information about tours and hours.

Bob Crum

Without assignments on the calendar, and the weather lately quite hot, why not go standup paddle-boarding with the mermaids? Great idea until my frontal lobe considered it too dangerous given my propensity to collide with sea buoys, sail boats and whales migrating south. The parietal of my brain said HA, you know how sensational paddle-boarding is with the mermaids... GO! Not so fast, said the occipital part of my brain... visually processing my falling off the paddle-board. The basal ganglia assured me all would be OK if I went. Besides, with mermaids to help me back on the board... falling off frequently would be fun. It was. The plan was flawless.
Sorry, no photos. My Canon camera is not waterproof. Did I hear a boo??? Speaking of cameras, so many questions. Why do I need a digital camera when my smartphone camera does the job? Egad! Smartphone cameras are indeed improving at the speed of an asteroid. And they fit in your pocket or purse. All is well and good... for snapshots! SNAPSHOTS!

As most of you know by now, I often exhibit tendentiousness. Bias! By now, y'all should know that phonetography is NOT photography! Let me explain why... again.

Seriously, photography is so much more than the equipment. It's a creative endeavor... a process so engaging that all who partake experience time standing still. It's an indescribable feeling: The photographer... camera... subject... oneness in a creative realm. Quite mesmerizing! It's not unlike the high a runner gets. Or the feeling a plein-air painter on scene experiences.

For this delightful, surreal experience, one needs a CAMERA! Herewith I'll present (at no extra charge) a few important things your not-so-smart smartphone camera might not be able to do that a digital camera can.

Zooming. Look. Way off to the right, there on the breakwater, you see a vivacious mermaid. You zoom the smartphone but it looks grainy. Most smartphones can't actually zoom. Instead they re-frame and crop the image to create the illusion of closeness. Real digital cameras with an optical zoom lens can zoom into the mermaid and capture a crisp in-focus image.

Self-expression. An important component of creativity. Smartphones are fine for utilitarian tasks but offer limited visual options included in digital cameras. Without using an app, your smartphone's camera probably can't change your aperture for genuine depth-of-field effects or use long exposure to capture the motion trails of taillights in the city.

Nighttime phonetography = frustration. Most smartphones lack light sensitivity, fast image processors and long exposure times of digital cameras. Long story short, digital cameras have a much larger dynamic range for a much larger range of conditions.

The ability to shoot longer with a digital camera is a big benefit. Battery fully charged, I'm lucky to get through the day with my LG-G3 smartphone. Digital cameras employ battery packs good for 300-600 photos depending on the camera & how much you chimp. Remember, photo ops wait for no one. Takes less than 15 seconds to swap camera batteries or memory cards. Can you do that with your smartphone?

Resolution. Megapixels don't just sound cool on paper - they're crucial in determining the clarity of your pictures. Most smartphone resolution ranges between 8 – 12MP. Most digital cameras sport 20 or more megapixels. For social media on the Net, smartphone resolution is OK. For anything more than that, not so good.

Good news. A few present-day cameras now feature Wi-Fi. Aha! Now you get great quality photos and can send out them out instantly to your FB page via your smartphone. Best of both worlds and you are now out of excuses for not photoing with a 'real' camera.

This week’s photos are a select few left-overs from the Fair. So many photo ops. I hope you enjoy.

Happy photoing (with your camera!).

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

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today three confirmed deaths in California due to West Nile virus (WNV). The deceased persons were residents of Kern, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. CDPH is unable to provide additional patient details including demographic information and name of hospital providing care to protect confidentiality.

“West Nile virus can cause a deadly infection in humans, and the elderly are particularly susceptible,” said CDPH Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith. “August and September are peak periods of West Nile virus transmission in the state so we urge everyone to take every possible precaution to protect themselves against mosquito bites.”

As of September 1, CDPH has reported 87 human cases of WNV from 13 California counties this year. Additionally, 239 dead birds from 30 counties have tested positive for WNV in 2017, and 2,284 mosquito samples from 24 counties have also tested positive for WNV this year.

The numbers of WNV positive dead birds and mosquito samples are below those at this same time last year, but the number of positive mosquito samples exceeds the state’s most recent five year average.

West Nile virus is influenced by many factors, including climate, the number and types of birds and mosquitoes in an area, and the level of WNV immunity in birds. West Nile virus is transmitted to humans and animals by the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of serious illness to most people is low. However, some individuals – less than one percent – can develop serious neurologic illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis.

People 50 years of age and older and individuals with diabetes or hypertension have a higher chance of getting sick, and are more likely to develop complications.

CDPH recommends that individuals protect against mosquito bites and WNV by practicing the “Three Ds”:
1. DEET – Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to label instructions. Repellents keep the mosquitoes from biting you. Insect repellents should not be used on children under two months of age.

2. DAWN AND DUSK – Mosquitoes that transmit West Nile Virus usually bite in the early morning and evening so it is important to wear proper clothing and repellent if outside during these times. Make sure your doors and windows have tight-fitting screens to keep out mosquitoes. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.

3. DRAIN – Mosquitoes lay their eggs on standing water. Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property by emptying flower pots, old car tires, buckets, and other containers. If you know of a swimming pool that is not being properly maintained, please contact your local mosquito and vector control agency.

California’s West Nile virus website includes the latest information on WNV activity in the state. Californians are encouraged to report dead birds on the website or by calling toll-free 1-877-WNV-BIRD (968-2473).

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By Charles S. Morris

In Fillmore, the eclipse on August 21st was an interesting event. For those in the thin band of totality, it was spectacular.

As totality approaches, you notice that the sky is gotten quite a bit darker and the temperature has dropped. The sky takes on a very eerie look. The planet Venus can now easily be seen. With only seconds to go, looking to the West, the sky darkens in that direction, as the moon's shadow approaches. Looking through a filter, one can see just a thin arc of light where the sun used to be. And then it's gone. There are yells of excitement and "filters off" and then it becomes quiet.

Looking up where the sun is supposed to be, without any filters because none are needed, there is a black hole in the sky. This is literally the dark side of the moon on full display. It is not totally round because the moon has valleys and mountains that are projected along the limb. In certain places you see small bits of pink or red gas that hangs above the sun's surface. These are called prominences. We can use special telescopes to see prominences without an eclipse, but they are even more impressive when projected onto the white solar corona, the outer atmosphere of the sun. Visually, the solar corona extends one or two solar diameters away from the sun. Being at solar minimum, very few sunspots on the sun, the solar corona is distinctly extended. It is the solar corona we can't see from Earth, except during an eclipse And the human eye sees all this at once.

Extending over you is literally a dome of darkness during totality, not totally dark, but perhaps like twilight an hour after sunset. Brighter stars and planets can be seen. For this eclipse, Venus was obvious and Regulus, the brightest star in Leo the lion, was visible near the sun. Other stars and planets were no doubt visible, if one looked for them. Along the horizon in all directions the sky is brighter. It is like a cone of darkness has descended on you, which is exactly what has happened. You are completely under the moon's shadow.

I was in Gendo, Wyoming for the August 21, 2017 total solar eclipse. Gelndo was on what is called the centerline of the eclipse and provided viewers with 2 minutes and 25 seconds of totality. This was the first total solar eclipse in the continental United States since 1979 and was expected to be seen by millions of people. Personally, I have been fortunate to have been to six total solar eclipses.

Why do people go all over the world to see these rare events? Because eclipses are one of the most awe-inspiring sights that nature produces. No photograph or video can do justice to what the eye sees, although pictures and video can give a hint of the excitement.

For camera buffs, the pictures included in this article were taken with a handheld Canon 6D camera with a 200 mm lens, which is an unorthodox method for photographing eclipses, but allowed for taking minimum equipment. The exposure was fixed at 1/500 sec, f/8 and the ISO was varied between 200 and 4000 during the eclipse, which effectively increased the exposure. This method also provided more time for just looking at the eclipse.

The next total solar eclipse in the United States will be in April 8, 2024. However, every year or so there is a total solar eclipse someplace in the world. More and more people are traveling to see these rare gems of nature. The first thing that is often asked after a total solar eclipse is "When is the next one?" Chasing solar eclipses is addictive.

* TEMPERATURES...High temperatures will range from 98 to 112 degrees through Friday. Low temperatures will be in the 70s to lower 80s...highest across the elevated and foothill locations.

* IMPACTS...The very high temperatures create a dangerous situation in which heat related illnesses are possible. Temperatures inside vehicles, even if the windows are partially open, can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. To reduce risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency - call 911.

(l-r) Martha Navarette was presented a Mug from Rotary member Ari Larson, for speaking to the group about all Santa Clara Valley Hospice has to offer. Photo Courtesy Martha Richardson.
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Martha Navarette, Director of the Santa Clara Valley Hospice spoke to the Fillmore Rotary Club about how local Hospice started as home support group, but are now more than that. They lend medical equipment, transport patients to and from doctor appointments, have case workers and give referrals. They also give physical and spiritual support as well. All of the services are free. They are located at 217 N. 10th St. in Santa Paula. They are having a Grand Reopening on September, 15th at 5:00 pm. 805-525-1333

Bob Crum

After four consecutive weeks of run and gun photoing, I'm sill in recovery mode as I write this. The past weekend was without an assignment but it's never like I have nothing to do. I still have rodeo photos I shot at the fair to post process. A photojournalist's fun is never done.

Rodeos are a challenge to shoot. Bucking broncs and bulls are difficult to predict. I try to anticipate the animal's direction and start pointing the camera in that direction expecting to get the money shot. I guess wrong a lot, thinking the animal will go this way but it goes that way. Grumble... grumble.

Another thing I try to accomplish is getting the bronc or bull rider in focus while getting the animal a tad blurry to illustrate it's action. Of course that requires getting the shutter speed dead on, Ha! Again I frequently guess wrong, but when I'm right... the image is spectacular. I get paid a lot for spectacular photos. You'll see the effect in a couple of the rodeo photos if you're observant... hint-hint.

Of course, timing is crucial as well as composition. It's important to keep the shutter button poised and ready. I get so upset when I'm a millisecond late. Must be that as I gracefully mature (ahem... age) my reflexes are getting a tad slower. My legitimate excuse for miscues!

As you know, pressing the shutter release button halfway activates the autofocus presuming that you're gear supports autofocus. But from my experience, the process is somewhat problematic.

Too many times, depressing the shutter button half way to activate focus results in two problems: 1) the shutter button is often too touchy... push it a tad too much and get a premature photo missing the money shot; 2) in the heat of exciting action, the shutter button often gets pressed in one swift push preventing time for the lens to focus. Hence, too many out-of-focus shots. Not good. Remember, an out-of-focus photo cannot be fixed!!! So, I gave up on that method years ago. Even for mermaid boudoir photography.

On my Canon 7D Mark II, I have the option of assigning an external button to activate autofocus. It's commonly called 'back button focus'. I designated the “*” button as my autofocus activator. I use the shutter button ONLY when I'm taking the photo. Before I actually take the photo, I'm pressing the “*” button on back of the camera to 'pre' focus so that when I mash the shutter button, focus is done and locked. Bingo: Money shot!

Even by the back-button focus method is not totally fool proof... especially when I forget to push it! But it's much better than using the shutter button to focus before taking the photo. If you have a camera that allows you to assign another button to activate focus, I encourage you to do so. It will improve your in-focus to out-of-focus ratio significantly. For those you who try it, let me know about your experience. BTW, it will take practice so that it becomes second nature. Just sayin'.

Panning... following a fast moving a subject in focus with the background blurred... is an interesting and creative technique. Set the appropriate shutter speed, aperture, and follow the moving subject. Rodeos provide such opportunities. Online, fillmoregazette.com, find and identify the rodeos photo where I panned the subject and the first person who emails me the correctly identifies the photo (it's also marked) wins one free Baskin Robbins scoop of ice cream. Offer ends at noon on Wednesday, 9/6/2017.

I selected the 'leaping bull' as the “Photo of the Week” because I was amazed that an animal that large could jump that high.

Happy photoing!

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