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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 James Vaughn, KB Home’s Attorney An extensive history of Pole Creek and its ties to the steelhead fish rehabilitation program was presented to the Council at Tuesday's regular meeting. No printed presentation was available. According to City Manager David Rowlands, "At this point no modifications [to Pole Creek]are planned. In the future if funding become available there would be another channel for the fish [steelhead] between the current culvert and bike path and the backyards." A contract in the amount of $14,000 for the 2017 Fourth of July Community fireworks by Exposhows, Inc. was approved by Council. The creation of an ad hoc committee to negotiate with KB Homes on the Citrus Grove Development, and the appointment of two members of City Council to serve on this committee was approved. Council members Diane McCall and Manuel Minjares were appointed to the Committee. Discussion with the single representative from KB Homes, Mr. Vaughn, was limited due to the fact that two other representatives failed to show up. Their absence was due to being out of town at that time. After a year and a half of planning with KB Homes the Council has many unresolved issues needing attention. KB is resisting further delay, but the lawyer for that firm, Vaughn, suggested that a 180-day extension of time for further discussion might be reasonable, but that he had to confer with other company members. KB Homes filed a lawsuit against the City of Fillmore last week, which Council Members learned of only during the last Council meeting. The Council is resisting discussions while under the shadow of a lawsuit. The Council seeks to revise the construction plans to include several changes. Unanimous objections to items like design, color, parking, crowding, and the number of 3-story condo units were expressed by each Council Member. KB is resisting most of these proposed changes, stating that the disagreements were "unfortunate" but that they didn't cause the problem. They point out the substantial money already invested in the project. They claim to be acting in good faith, as Council Members also claim. The Council asked that the lawsuit be withdrawn during any further discussion concerning plan revisions. Council for KB has refused to withdraw the lawsuit. No progress was made in negotiating any plan revisions. Council remains adamant about holding talks without the threat of a lawsuit. Staff will be bringing back a proposal for Council to determine if 90 days up to 180 days is reasonable. The future of the Fillmore Towne Theatre was discussed. Options to sell, lease, or use as a city-owned entity were proposed. The Theatre issue was placed on hold until the possibility of hearing from new parties interested in its development. Fillmore's newest park, near River Street, was named Rio Vista Park, by unanimous vote. An ordinance, No. 17-878 to authorize a permit process for parking in front of private driveways and adoption of Resolution No 17-3592 to establish the fee for such permits was approved. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 Jose “Froggy” Estrada after winning his 2nd Pro MMA Fight at the LA Exchange back in August 2016. Enlarge Photo On May 5th Jose ‘Froggy’ Estrada will be bringing MMA back to the 805 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. They are the first MMA fights in Ventura County in over 10 years. That night he will be the Main Event out of 10 fights. Estrada is looking to keep his professional record undefeated as he goes into this one 3-0, facing an experienced Emilio Chavez (11-9) from Fullerton, Ca. Tickets can now be purchased at www.ticketon.com. You won’t want to miss this sold-out show. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
The Ventura County Fire Department reported that rescue units were called to search for a hiker in the Squaw Flat-Tar Creek area of the Los Padres National Forest around 4:30pm, Friday. Rescue units on foot, with Ventura County Sheriff ’s helicopter, were deployed. According to reports Steve Swindle, spokesman for the department, at about 6:00pm the hiker was found five miles off the trail and airlifted out of the area, and was taken to Santa Paula Hospital by ambulance. |
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By Mark Ortega — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
40th Class reunion set for June 10th
Those youngsters from Fillmore High, Class of 1977, plan to reconnect at their 40th class reunion on June 10th, 2017 at the Fillmore High Alumni Dinner/Dance. Please spread the word to anyone from the class of ‘77 and let them know all Alumni know are welcome. The Alumni Dinner/Dance starts at 3:00pm on the patio and grass area of the Veteran's Memorial Building. Light snacks, bar service, and dinner are provided by Ventura’s award-winning caterer DJ's California Catering. Dinner is at 6:00pm, socializing and dancing ‘till midnight. The Alumni Dinner/Dance is one of Fillmore's signature events of the year. The Fillmore High Alumni Association is happy to be hosting the great Class of 1977's 40th Class reunion. If you are from the Class of '77, or any alumni of Fillmore High, please make your reservations soon at www.fillmorehighalumni.com (Click on Events) or by visiting Patterson Hardware store (open 7 days a week). We are looking forward to seeing those smiling faces from the class of '77 and all Fillmore High Alumni. Go Flashes! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 Friday night at approximately 9:50pm, Fillmore Fire Department along with Ventura County Fire responded to a heavy traffic collision on the SR23. Photos By Sebastian Ramirez Enlarge Photo  The driver was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Ventura County Medical Center with moderate injuries. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
 Ventura County Sheriffs surrounded a house in the 700 block of River Street Saturday, April 22 in the City of Fillmore. Police blocked off the street from through traffic at noon while the search spilled over into the neighbor’s yards, and a K9 was called in. Neighboring residents stayed in their homes while police enter the targeted residence. No arrests were confirmed. Enlarge Photo |
 Photo of the Week by Bob Crum: "Along the shores of Mono Lake, wildflowers and tufa tower" Photo data: ISO 100, 35mm, f/11, 1/60 sec shutter speed. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
A ghost town and tufas
As you read this, I am in Reno, NV cat sitting my daughter's felines while she's in New Zealand. While here, I'm hoping to get to photograph Lake Tahoe... the most photogenic lake west of the Monongahela River. So far, the prospects are dismal. Cold, windy, totally cloudy every day since I got here. Stay tuned. Due to my travels, this week's column will take a different turn. Hold on! Fun stuff ahead! Bodie the ghost town for instance. An awesome experience. At first glance, it's overwhelming. So many photo ops. In a space of merely 20 feet I could easily shoot 50 or more compositions from varying perspectives. Light also has a profound effect on the structures because of the colors of the aged wood. I visited Bodie only once. That's not enough. Upon reviewing the images back home on the computer display I saw many photo opportunities missed. I'll go back! Just south of Bodie sits Mono Lake. A nondescript lake at first blush. Most will barely give it a glance as they drive by on Highway 395. But its special features are extremely unique. The attraction of Mono Lake is the tufas (too'-fahs). From the monolake.org website: “Tufa is essentially common limestone. What is uncommon about this limestone is the way it forms. Typically, underwater springs rich in calcium (the stuff in your bones) mix with lake water rich in carbonates (the stuff in baking soda). As the calcium comes in contact with carbonates in the lake, a chemical reaction occurs resulting in calcium carbonate--limestone. The calcium carbonate precipitates (settles out of solution as a solid) around the spring, and over the course of decades to centuries, a tufa tower will grow. Tufa towers grow exclusively underwater, and some grow to heights of over 30 feet. The reason visitors see so much tufa around Mono Lake today is because the lake level fell dramatically after water diversions began in 1941.” Water diverted by L.A. Water & Power. Mono Lake is a magical place. I've been there four times. Going back sooner than later. You never see the same thing twice. The tufa structures are very intriguing due to their composition and shapes. Tufas display varying colors depending on the natural light at any given hour of the day. Colorful at sunrise and sunset and bright white at midday. All of the variables make photographing Mono Lake tufas extremely challenging. Should you decide to go, the greatest concentration of the tufa towers is located at the South Tufa grove just off of Hwy 120 East, at the south end of Mono Lake. You'll need a park pass available at the parking lot kiosk. Don't forget to take a polarizing filter! Caution from monolake.org: “Many first-time visitors to Mono Lake, unfamiliar with the geologic term "tufa" have been known to ask directions to the 'tofu.' Your nearest grocery store or the Mono Market is the best bet.” You've been warned! Until next time, happy photoing! Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 Two people were injured in a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Highway 126 and the railroad tracks Saturday at about 2:30 p.m. Reports indicate the cyclists both struck a railroad crossing arm. Ventura County Sheriff’s deputies were investigating the incident. Highway traffic was obstructed for about one hour, and the tracks were reported closed until 4:20 p.m. Reports show both cyclists were taken to an area hospital. “A helicopter was initially called but canceled when crews determined the injuries were not life-threatening,” according to the VC Star. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 The Fillmore Sheriff’s Department donated $10,000 to the Fillmore-Piru Boys & Girls Club last Saturday at a organizational meeting. The Club will benefit greatly from this gift as it is busy adding new space to the Boys & Girls building and increasing its teaching projects. Enlarge Photo |
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By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
Publisher’s Opinion The worst housing plan in Fillmore's history is about to be inflicted upon our town. The KB Home company has begun tussling with the Fillmore City Council over the design of its proposed 104-unit condominium complex at the southern end of Central Avenue. 375 residents are expected to be living there. "This is calculated based upon 3.61 person per household and there are 104 units." Four of these proposed units will be small studios. According to our City Planning Department, Kevin McSweeney, concerning new cars "... there will be a two garage [units] for each unit and a total of 33 guest parking spaces on the street. That comes to 233 new cars." "There is no parking within the development for guests. Residents will park in their private garages. Guests will park on the street." The Council was notified April 6 that KB had filed a lawsuit to push approval of the plan; the City has not as yet been served. Another major concern of the Council (which should also concern all residents) is the number of 3-story units - 77. Three 3-story units along River Street, which do not face River Street, are planned. The side of these units face River. There are 10 units facing River Street that are 2-story. The Council has a right to be alarmed about this proposed plan. Imagine adding 233 new cars to River Street! This plan is zoned high density, but there should be reasonable limits to density. This proposal will flood the area with too many cars. And any such structures can be assumed to last for at least 75-years. This proposal would change forever the friendly character of our town. I urge our City Council to resist this plan forcefully. It is unreasonably high density. The City of Fillmore seems to be targeted recently with nightmare proposals, sand trucks by the thousands and now crowded, high density living units within adequate parking for hundreds of new cars. KB Home has a right to build housing units of reasonable size with reasonable parking. It will build and later leave the scene. What they leave behind will impact our city for nearly a hundred years. I foresee 77 three-story units in such a small area as Fillmore's twenty-first century tenements. I hate to use a "progressive" word, but it's time to RESIST - mightily. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 Fillmore Unified School District Board Recognition Measure E Bond Oversight Committee 2015-2016 Annual Report Apple ConnectEd Update Local Control Accountability Plan Update 2017-2018 Enrollment Personnel Recommendations Adopt Resolution 16-17-17– Staff Appreciation Week May 15-19, 2017 Support the James Jimenez Foundation |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 Rotary Club Donates to FHS Swim Team. Fillmore Swim Team members Jose Ruiz, Luke Myers, and Aviana Ramirez receive check for $500 from Rotarian and Swim Coach Cindy Blatt. Submitted By Martha Richardson. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore Rotary Club Welcomes New Member. Rotary President Julie Latshaw inducted new member Renee Swenson. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. (L-R)Julie Latshaw, Esmeralda Simental, Alicia Hicks, Program Chairman. Esmeralda Simental from the Ventura county Probation Agency was the guest speaker at Rotary. She related the various positions she has held over 24 years as a Peace Officer most dealing with youth. Enlarge Photo  Fillmore Rotary Club Host Guest Speakers. Alicia Hicks introduced Marcy Schneider from the Human Services Agency adult Protective Services. They help in cases of elder abuse which can be anything from physical abuse, self neglect to financial abuse. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
 On Thursday, April 13th, Fillmore Fire Department along with Fillmore Sheriff’s Department barbecued hot dogs for some of the students who raised the most money for patients at the City of Hope Cancer Research Foundation. Photo By Sebastian Ramirez. Enlarge Photo |
 Photo of the Week: "Fence Post and Poppies" by Bob Crum. Photo Data: ISO 200, 16mm, f/22 @1/10 sec. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 19th, 2017
Poppies and a bean bag
 Bob Crum Being Saturday morning, 4/15/17, I'm writing about the past weekend that isn't here yet. It's not easy saying what I don't know I'm going to say. It goes without saying but if you expected anything less, I'd be speechless. Or not. Anyway, as you read this on Thursday, 4/20/17, I'll be packing and loading my F-350 for a trip to Reno, NV. Leaving Fillmore Friday morning. My daughter will be flying to New Zealand and some things at the house need addressing. Debra has cats. Being such a cat lover I cannot think of anything else that I'd rather do more than cat sit. Ummm, wait... there is one thing! Photographing Lake Tahoe mermaids! Do you think I'd be in Reno and not tour Lake Tahoe... the most photogenic lake west of the Monongahela River? Not only that but I'm considering trying something I've not yet done: Time-lapse photography. It may be a treat... or a bust. Much depends on the weather. A clear blue sky does nothing for time-lapse photography. I need lots of cumulus clouds floating over Emerald Bay. A flock of pink flamingos flying overhead would add a nice touch. With a little luck, the tour boat will appear to circle Fannette Island. When it comes to weather, ya know... fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me 429,638 times and you're the weatherman! **** Well folks, the wild flower season in the lower elevations is about done. However, I selected Fence Post and Poppies for Photo of the Week. Little things, like the fence post, add a little extra interest to a photo of just poppies. But it took some ingenuity to capture the composition because of other distracting elements around the scene. If they were in the frame, it would have ruined what I wanted to convey. I used a Tokina 11-16mm ultra-wide angle lens on a Canon 7D. Though this lens is great for landscapes, rendering very sharp images, it does not have image stabilization. Hence... must use very fast shutter speeds or a tripod. One other thing; I visualized the composition in my mind but I couldn't use my tripod to get the desired perspective. So, instead, I rested the camera on a bean bag to hold it steady for the slow shutter speed I had to have. Where there's desire, the will and a bean bag... it gets done. Most times. For the website, fillmoregazette.com, there are a few more poppy photos and of couple photos taken on the way home. Obviously, I could not resist shooting a photo of that awesome tree loaded with character. The field of pretty petite lavender flowers topped off a fabulous day trip photoing wildflowers. Happy photoing. Email comments, suggestions or questions to: bob@fillmoregazette.com |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
 Members of KB Homes speaking to Council. The Fillmore City Council waived certain temporary use permit fees and banner hanging fees for local service clubs and organizations. Public Hearing Modification #4 to the project approved for tract Map 5353 for development permit 15-03 zoning ordinance amendment 15-02 and variance 17-01 sought by KB Homes was discussed. 104 units near Central Avenue and River Street include 3-story residential units. 33 condo-style and duplex units with granny flats are included. The meeting with KB Homes was overshadowed by the lawsuit it filed against the City of Fillmore that day. During public comment time, three residents of Edgewood Drive expressed serious concern about the size of the project adding too many cars on River Street. Ron Howard worried about quality of life issues with school children and traffic. River Street becomes an "Autobahn" at certain times of the day. He cited too many units as a cause of alarm. Also cited the 3-story units as not fitting into the area well with their 35-foot height. Robert Espinosa worried about possibly 200 more cars, the traffic and parking problems. All residents cited the narrow streets, especially River Street. Councilwoman Diane McCall was passionate about what she found as deficiencies in the plan. She was particularly critical about the shadow of a lawsuit by KB Homes against the city (which the council was informed of that night) had been filed that day. She found the architecture to be too similar in design, color, like a "collection." "They all look the same" according to McCall. "This town is Craftsman" she stated, recalling a 1930s style. All council members agreed the design did not fit Fillmore's look. Councilman Minajares found the plan "woefully inadequate" in design. He also was concerned about inadequate parking in time of growth. Councilman Holmgram "was 'no' from the start". He found the design "Too Santa Clarita", lacking the Fillmore style, "too boxy" looking too much like Irvine. He also worried about traffic problems which he thought would be caused by the size of the project. The plan also looked too much like a "collection" to him. Mayor Carrie Broggie thought a lot of work needed to be done but that "we can get there". The council was unanimously in agreement about problems with density, 3-story units, parking, and inappropriate architectural style for Fillmore. Representatives of KB Homes agreed that they and the city might work-out the differences of opinion. But the lawsuit has been filed. |
 On at least two occasions during the past several weeks much of the fencing along the bike path on Old Telegraph Road (parallel to railroad) has been destroyed. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
Many thousands dollars worth of damage has been done by someone tearing down posts and crossbeams. This damage extends for several hundred yards. The lumber is expensive, weather treated wood which will require many hours to remove and replace at taxpayers expense. The Gazette will offer a $100-dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this felony level act of vandalism. We also encourage others, individuals and organizations to contribute to this reward fund to make it more effective. The bike path is heavily used daily and is a greatly valued city asset. |
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By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
The 2017 Fillmore Flower Show. Photos by Bob Crum
Another Fillmore blooming success. A great variety of delightful flowers of every hue and color filled the main room of the Active Adult & Community Center last weekend. On display, gorgeous flowers of all kinds including bouquets and single stem entries. Youngsters of various ages also submitted floral masterpieces and works of art. As usual, there were lots of blue ribbons scattered about. Except for intermissions during war times, the prestigious Fillmore Flower Show has roots dating back to the early 1900s. Through the years, hundreds of gardening enthusiasts, young and old, relished the opportunity to show off their gardening and creative skills in arranging displays, bouquets and single stemmed flowers. Co-chairpersons Linda Nunes and Joanne King produce and coordinate this relished tradition. But it could not happen without a bevy of dedicated volunteers and dozens of gardeners competing for the grand prize. Planting, nurturing and presenting their championship flower is the goal. But will the flower bloom right at showtime? To the chagrin of many gardeners, their plants didn't check the calendar thus blooming too soon or not at all. C'est la vie. As in every flower show, there is one grand champion: The Best of Show. While it might appear that judging such a grand display of so many beautiful flowers and arrangements is a judge's nightmare, they must do the deed. They did. By unanimous decision, this year's Best of Show was a fantastic dish garden produced by Carmen Zermeño. Zermeño's entry was no small feat. Besides the grasshopper, there are many intricate miniature plants assembled in a most artistic way as to amaze. For that reason, and others, it's the Best of Show. Given the quantity of quality flowers in several classes, declaring blue ribbon winners was no small task. Obviously, Fillmore has no shortage of green thumbs. Also, no telling how much Miracle Grow was used in producing the prodigious flowers on display. There isn't a year when a magnificent collection of beautiful flowers aren't on display at the flower Show. But aren't there any Fillmore men with green thumbs? And year after year, one wonders why never any petunias? Ever! 2017 Flower Show winners are: Carmen Zermeno, Best of Show Joanne King, Division I, single stem cut rose Julie Latshaw, Division II, ruffled white Carolyn Lasky, Division III, calla lily Bene Ambrasid, Division IV, bouquet, white watsonia Joanne King, Division V, floral arrangement, roses and alstroemeria Lone Larson, Division VI, tiny pink roses Amelia Aparicio, Division VII, potted plants Carmen Zermeno, Division VIII, dish gardens Brenna Larson & Anna Walls, Division IX, youth floral arrangement Giselle Lozano, writer, & Sissy Valencia, illustrator, Division X, youth composition Samantha Martinez, art winner Congratulations to the blue-ribbon winners and to all the green thumbs that entered the results of their gardening efforts. Great flowers, great show and great gardeners all! Til next year, green thumbs up! |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
The April 2017 Yard of the Month award was presented to Brian and Linda Stethem by Ari Larson on behalf of the Fillmore Civic Pride/Vision 2020 group. Their yard features many lovely plants and trees including: Mauritius Hemp, Eugenia trees, Sago Palm, Cordaline, Yucca tree, Olive trees, Strawberry tree, Lions Tail and an Agave that they love. Most of the plants they used are succulents. Brian and Linda were inspired by the California missions when they landscaped their garden. They added a bell and a cross as finishing touches. Originally the home was built as a workshop for his father Jack. When Jack retired Brian and Linda decided to convert it into their home. “It is a fluid and evolving process, we are constantly redoing the yard,” said Brian. It is also a family affair, when Brian’s parents Jack and Joleen come over and help with the plants. The house is located at 605 Old Telegraph Rd. Thank you to Otto & Sons Nursery for providing them with a $40 gift certificate. For more information on Fillmore Civic Pride please contact Ari at 805.794.7590 or petenari55@hotmail.com |
 Photo of the Week by Bob Crum. Beautiful white roses displayed at the Fillmore Flower Show. Photo data: ISO 400, 48mm on 16-300mm lens, f/5.0, 1/250 sec. Enlarge Photo By Bob Crum — Wednesday, April 12th, 2017
'Twas a valiant attempt!
Bob Crum Occasionally I come up with a great idea. Besides photographs of the awards presentations, record video also. The idea sizzled... the execution fizzled. C'est la vie. Broadcast quality video (would I dare shoot anything less) requires a tripod to steady the camera. I had the tripod on hand. However, to use the tripod with the attached 'smoother than butter' fluid video head required a particular mounting plate attached to my camera. I couldn't find it so couldn't use the tripod. Fret not! Fortunately, I also had my monopod with me. The mounting plate already fastened on the camera works with the monopod. Hallelujah... let the video recording begin. No, you are not going to see the video. I know... I'm disappointed too but there's ample justification for withholding it. For just a moment, visualize a drunk videographer on a ship being mercilessly tossed around on rough seas attempting to video record a vivacious mermaid frolicking on an iceberg. Obviously you'd love to see the beautiful mermaid but watching the video would have you quickly reaching for Dramamine. If you've never experienced motion sickness, you certainly would from watching my video shot on the monopod. It's awful. I'd be mercilessly cruel to put you through such an ordeal. Wait, there's more. A second catastrophe. If it wasn't for bad luck, I would have had no luck at all! For unknown reasons to date, the camera did not record the audio with the external microphone attached. Good grief, I recorded silent movies! Unless I'm mistaken, the age of silent movies ended over 50 years ago! Maybe time to bring them back? I can do that!!! By now it should be obvious that shooting video is my new and present danger... er... challenge. To that end, I'm now graciously accepting donations for the purchase of a camcorder... with which to properly record video for your viewing pleasure. Kidding of course! Back to photography and a little tech talk. Photographing flowers indoors at the flower show is challenging. Fluorescent light mixed with outdoor ambient light often confuses the camera's white balance. Technically speaking, white balance (WB) is the process of removing unrealistic color casts, so that objects which appear white in person are rendered white in the photo. Our eyes are quite good at judging what is white under different light sources, but cameras often struggle getting white balance correct. When it guesses wrong, it often results in an unsightly blue, green or orange color cast. Obviously, a white calla lily would look horrible with an orange color cast. What to do? Well, I could have used my Expodisc to execute a custom WB. But I would have had to do it everywhere the light was different. Too big a hassle. Instead, I took a chance and set white balance on automatic (AWB) and crossed my toes. Most of the time my camera does OK recording colors fairly accurately. If it flubs, like making a pink rose chartreuse, I could simple claim that I took artistic license. (I take artistic license a lot which explains away a multitude of flubs.) Actually, if the color is only slightly off, it's almost always correctable during post processing. The really uncorrectable ugly stuff goes into the trash can, which for me, is a large dumpster! BTW, the Best of Show dish garden was extremely difficult to photograph because of the pastel colors. I shot many photos at various exposures. In the Photo of the Week, please notice that the green grasshopper is not purple! Until next time, happy photoing! Email comments, suggestions or questions to bob@fillmoregazette.com |
 Highway 23 from near the top of Grimes Canyon, four cars begin to stack-up behind a double belly-dump truck exiting the sand quarry. The cities of Malibu and Moorpark are trying to add 400 more trucks per day to Malibu through Fillmore for 10-years. Enlarge Photo By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, April 5th, 2017
I spent about a half-hour near the top of Grimes Canyon Monday. While, like everyone who drives that crooked two-way road, I have been aware of the sand quarry for decades. Until you park your vehicle, stand on top of the berm, and look down towards the heart of the quarry you won't understand the magnitude of the operation. It's huge. The City of Malibu is seeking to reestablish its devastated beach area with sand from the Grimes Canyon quarry. Storms have washed away the beach and dunes which were once a favorite place for public recreation. Malibu has established a $31 million fund to push an estimated 43,000 truck trips, during the first stage of the project, or 420 trips per day. This train of double-belly-dump trucks would travel down highway 23 from the Grimes Canyon quarry, through Fillmore on Highway 126 and Santa Paula, Ventura, Oxnard, on down to Highway 101 and Malibu. All this to assure some Malibuian gets her suntan. Having spent the first 19-years of my life on a local ranch, and three years on the Alaskan pipeline, I know and love heavy equipment. It's not the quarry or its operation that bothers me. In fact I'm happy to note what appears to be a phenomenally successful business. But there can be too much of a good thing, and this plan is that. The scope of this idea is just overwhelming. The city of Moorpark and the organization that has contracted with it (Broad Beach Geologic Hazard Abatement District) without consulting with the City of Fillmore, agreed to save Moorpark from the proposed massive traffic and dump it all on Fillmore. Talk about sneaky neighbors! Common sense alone should alert the powers that be to the absurdity of this plan. I have not seen the contract, but reliable reports say "The 10-year plan, approved by the California Coastal Commission earlier this month, will allow residents to import 300,000 cubic yards of sand every five years to rebuild sand dunes lost over the years due to pounding storms and high tides." We are supposed to believe that a sneaky contract backed by $31 million will avoid future "pounding storms and high tides"? Fillmore has for years sought to limit truck traffic from the quarry to a reasonable number. This new proposed agreement would make any such future negotiations impossible. Adding these hundreds of new daily truckloads would make life miserable for the residents of Fillmore. As someone who has traveled the Grimes Canyon road since the days of the green bridges, I can certify that car traffic would be snarled endlessly. Rush hours would be made miserably slow. Impatient drivers seeking to pass slower trucks would cause more accidents. Noise and dust in town would increase exponentially. Where is that Environmental Protection Agency when we need it? It's always there when we don't. If there were ever a time for the citizens of Fillmore to raise their voices, and call their Representatives, it is now. Fillmore only learned of the Moorpark contract with Malibu at the last minute. That contract and the approval of the California Coastal Commission, are being appealed by the County of Ventura and the City of Fillmore. Should we lose the appeal, the issue should go to the Circuit court. 420 MORE trips per day! That's just nuts. |
