Courtesy https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/checklist-household-re...

As a family, you can plan and make decisions now that will protect you and your family during a COVID-19 outbreak. Creating a household plan can help protect your health and the health of those you care about in the event of an outbreak of COVID-19 in your community. Use this checklist to help you take steps to plan and protect the health of you and your family.

PLAN AND PREPARE
Get up-to-date information about local COVID-19 activity from public health officials
Create a household plan of action.
- Consider members of the household that may be at greater risk such as older adults and people with severe chronic illnesses.
- Ask your neighbors what their plan includes.
- Create a list of local organizations you and your household can contact in case you need access to information, healthcare services, support, and resources.
- Create an emergency contact list including family, friends, neighbors, carpool drivers, healthcare providers, teachers, employers, the local public health department, and other community resources.
- Choose a room in your house that can be used to separate sick household members from others.
Take everyday preventive actions:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces Be prepared if your child’s school or childcare facility is temporarily dismissed or for potential changes at your workplace.
- Administrative Controls refer to employer-dictated work practices

TAKE ACTION
In case of an outbreak in your community, protect yourself and others:
- Stay home and speak to your healthcare provider if you develop fever, cough, or shortness of breath
- If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately. In adults, emergency warning signs*:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face
- *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptom that is severe or concerning.
- Keep away from others who are sick
- Limit close contact with others as much as possible (about 6 feet)
Put your household plan into action
- Continue to practice everyday preventive actions
- If someone in the household is sick, separate them into the prepared room
- If caring for a household member, follow recommended precautions and monitor your own health
- Keep surfaces disinfected
- Avoid sharing personal items
- If you become sick, stay in contact with others by phone or email
- Stay informed about the local outbreak situation
- Notify your work if your schedule needs to change
- Take care of the emotional health of your household members, including yourself
Take additional precautions for those at highest risk, particularly older adults and those who have severe underlying health conditions.
- Consider staying at home and away from crowds if you or a family member are an older adult or have underlying health issues
- Make sure you have access to several weeks of medications and supplies in case you need to stay home
- When you go out in public, keep away from others who are sick and limit close contact with others
- Practice good hand hygiene
Take the following steps to help protect your children during an outbreak:
- Notify your child’s school if your child becomes sick with COVID-19
- Keep track of school dismissals in your community
- Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places

On Monday, March 16, Fillmore Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Services handed out free school lunches (each lunch also include breakfast the for the next day) at three locations. Fillmore Middle School, Mountain Vista Elementary, and Piru Center Square in the middle of town in Piru. On Monday by 12:15pm, Piru had given out 90 meal bags, FMS 120, and Mt. Vista 150. For more info about the program see https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-high-school-flashes-blog/2020/...

Ventura County, CA – The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association (VCCFMA) is committed to maintaining its four farmers markets as a vital food facility and local food source during this time of uncertainty with the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the VCCFMA announces that all four markets will remain open for the foreseeable future in Midtown Ventura, Downtown Ventura, Thousand Oaks and Santa Clarita.

In order to provide the safest operations possible, the VCCFMA is modifying its systems by implementing more stringent cleaning and disinfecting protocols at the markets, which include increased sanitization of the equipment and frequently touched areas. Additional hand wash stations and sanitizing products are also available at the markets’ Information Booths. All sampling practices are being discontinued as well as the elimination of cooked foods.

The move of the Thousand Oaks Market scheduled for March 26 to the Front Northwest Outdoor Lot at the Oaks Shopping Center has been postponed during this chaotic time. The market will remain at the East End Parking Lot on Wilbur Road and Thousand Oaks Boulevard until the market operations become stabilized. A new move date, projected for May, will be announced once the site has been approved.

Shoppers can assist with safety by utilizing the hand washing stations, washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before eating or drinking and washing again thoroughly after using the restroom. Products will be limited, and shoppers are asked to observe social distancing as well. All food products need to be thoroughly washed when taken home. It is also advisable not to touch ones’ face, hair, body or clothes. Keeping these tips in mind will help ensure everyone’s safety at the markets.

Current updates will be available on VCCFMA social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For more information, call 805-529-6266, or visit the website at www.vccfm.org

Bob Crum

Check out the Youtube sandpiper video here https://youtu.be/oMFgwlQfdBY.

I'm delighted and surprised to see hundreds of emails from readers in my inbox.

However, so many emails that I had to hire three personal assistants. Therefore, I'm sending an invoice for $3.81 to everyone who emailed me last week to cover payroll! The hullabaloo is the result of my recent proselytizing unmercifully about photo 'prints'.

Noah, William, Isabella, James, Emma, Logan, Elijah, Ava, Lucas, Charlotte, Ethan, Jacob, Olivia, Michael, Sophia, Daniel, Amelia and others wrote essentially asking: Do you make prints yourself? Yes! Or do you send the digital file to a photo lab? Sometimes.

Except for canvas or aluminum prints, I produce prints up to size 13" X 19" (the maximum size photo paper my printers can handle) in my photo lab. I have two printers: A Canon Pro 10 and a Canon Pro 9000 MKII. Two printers because they each use a different type of ink. The Pro 10 uses pigment-based ink; the 9000 MKII uses dye-based ink.

Colorants in dye-based ink are fully dissolved in water, while pigment-based inks are insoluble particles suspended in water. The pros of Dye-based Inks: Cost less, has a broader color range and accuracy of color and produces prints more vibrantly.

The main advantage of pigment-based ink is that the ink will generally last longer because the colors locked in the pigments will protect them from evaporation or oxidation. Typically pigment-based ink costs more.

For most small prints, 4"X6" or 5"X7", I use the dye-based 9000 MKII printer. Longevity is not critical. For "Fine Art" prints selling for $$$$$, I use the pigment-based Pro 10 printer because longevity is important.

Making prints is the culmination of the creative process. From composing the photo in the camera, to post-processing, to the print slowly emerging from the printer is a pleasurable creative process. As photographer Jodi Durr said: I remember the moment (I made the photo) so vividly because it was photographed. I cherish the moment so fondly because it was printed."

Selecting the photo paper best suited for the print is essential. So many options! Brands include Red River, Canon, Epson, Hahnemuhle, Innova, Moab and Canson, to name a few. Choices include the thickness/basis weight. Photo papers are designed not only to look a certain way but also to feel a certain way. Texture refers to the fibrous look and feel of the paper. Surface sheen refers to the reflectivity of the paper coating. A print of a boudoir mermaid photo on Hahnemühle Photo Pearl 310 is so sensual! Imagine that hanging on your wall!

Print just 'special' photos. For every 50 digital photos I shoot, most likely only 1-2 worthy of printing. Also, it doesn’t make sense for everyone to invest in a photo printer, I understand that. But whether you print at home or send a file to a photo lab, print a special photo!

Think about collecting 30 (or more) photos from a family get together or a birthday or any special event for a photo book. Blurb, Shutterfly, Costco and others make great, economical photo books. Photo books make treasured family heirlooms.

I recently read: Take a trillion photos. Forget billions of them. But print one, and do it right. Mount it, frame it, display it! I'll add that five years hence you'll be delighted you did.

Wildlife is the photo of the week if birds may be considered wildlife. These little birds, sandpipers if I'm correct, frequent Faria County Beach around sundown, dashing around and poking their beaks into the sand. Interesting birds and so much fun to watch.

Send comments, suggestions or questions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

Chancellor Greg Gillespie has announced that after monitoring the status of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic daily and consulting with and reviewing information from local, regional, state, and federal health agencies, Moorpark, Oxnard, Ventura colleges and Ventura College – East Campus will begin transitioning to virtual and alternative instruction for lecture classes beginning the week of March 16 through March 20. Following the week-long transition, lecture classes will move to virtual and alternative instruction beginning March 23. Student services on campuses and other support resources—such as libraries, computer labs, food pantries and admissions and records—will continue to be open and available to students.

“We are initiating the changes to our classes out of an abundance of caution,” said Gillespie, who noted that there are currently no cases of COVID-19 at any VCCCD campus. “We value our students, classified staff and faculty and want to support everyone in their educational and work efforts by maintaining a healthy and safe environment.”

“We made the decision after thorough consultation with Ventura County Public Health, our educational partners in the community, the State Chancellor’s Office, and our academic, classified, and student leadership,” added Board Chair Bernardo M. Perez. “Moving to virtual instruction enables our colleges to continue meeting the educational needs of our students and our community, while implementing a proactive approach that addresses concerns about everyone’s health and well-being.”

Courses that do not readily fit into a virtual format—especially in career education areas and other specialized disciplines—will be excluded from the requirement. At this time, laboratory classes, performing arts courses and activity courses (physical education/kinesiology) will continue as scheduled while implementing social distancing practices. Online courses and dual enrollment classes in the high schools will both continue as usual.

Virtual instruction will continue until April 6, which is VCCCD’s Spring Break. Classes are expected to resume April 13 and continue through the end of the semester. Due to the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the district will continue ongoing assessment regarding student instruction.

Effective March 16 through April 13, all public events and other activities expected to draw 250 or more people to any VCCCD campus will be postponed, modified, or canceled. This is in accordance with the latest guidelines from California Department of Public Health on events and gatherings, which recommends increasing social distancing and limiting large events. The decision regarding canceling, modifying or postponing graduation ceremonies for the colleges will be made at a later date.

All interested community members are encouraged to visit VCCCD Alerts for comprehensive campus information and latest updates.

About Ventura County Community College District
The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 115-campus California Community College system, and serves more than 32,000 students annually. The District’s three colleges—Moorpark, Oxnard, and Ventura—offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education, and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, please visit vcccd.edu and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

To view this press release on our website or to access it in a different file format
(i.e. doc, pdf, html) please visit: https://newsroom.vcccd.edu/category/press-releases/

As Ventura County’s regional transportation planner and bus operator, the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) is monitoring COVID-19 closely and staying in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ventura County Office of Emergency Services and other local transit providers. Currently, VCTC Intercity buses are running as usual while VCTC takes steps to reduce health risks for the community.

“Currently, our service is not affected by the coronavirus; however, should changing circumstances require us to adjust or cancel service, we will provide timely and detailed information via email, our website, and social media. We are monitoring the situation closely, along with the community of transit operators across Ventura County,” said Darren Kettle, VCTC executive director.

The following are highlights of the hygiene protocols we have implemented across VCTC Intercity Transit services:

Enhancing cleaning: VCTC has increased frequency of cleaning on fleets and at ticket sales office to multiple times a day, including with every shift change. VCTC utilizes recommended disinfectants to wipe down surfaces and equipment, with specific emphasis on high touch points.

Increasing supplies of antibacterial products: VCTC has increased available supplies to staff and drivers, such as antibacterial hand-sanitizer wipes, and made them available throughout employee workspaces.

Reinforcing good hygiene practices: We are sharing with employees and passengers the best ways to prevent communicable diseases, as well as implementing social distancing techniques, when possible. Training and other materials are distributed throughout our operations and will be revisited regularly by staff.

VCTC also shares the following CDC-recommended tips for riders to keep themselves and the community healthy:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
When sneezing and coughing, use tissues, promptly dispose of them and immediately wash your hands.
If you are feeling ill, please stay home until feeling better.
Practice social distancing by staying six feet from anyone who appears sick and selecting a bus seat far from other riders when possible.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit cdc.gov, and for local emergency planning information go to vcemergency.com.

About the Ventura County Transportation Commission

The Ventura County Transportation Commission is the regional transportation planning agency committed to keeping Ventura County moving. Program information is available at goventura.org.

The Fillmore Community Awards Committee is proud to announce Fillmore & Western Railway Company as the 2019 Business of the Year!

After learning about being selected Business of The Year, Josh Carsman, Fillmore & Western’s Marketing & Events Director said, “We are very grateful to be chosen Business of the Year by the Fillmore Community Awards Committee. Thank you!”

Josh went on to say, “With regards to the future of Fillmore & Western Railway. I'm optimistic that all parties involved can come to the table to reach a future sustainable long-term agreement that is beneficial to each. Whatever I can do to increase & expose the value that this railroad brings to the Heritage Valley & beyond I will. Its preservation plays an important role to Ventura County. Especially with driving tourism & economic development to the cities it connects. Each city has such a great agricultural history. Each has something special to offer. It's quite magical when we can all come together and do great things. People from other cities & counties even begin to notice. And thus begins the tides of change. Full steam ahead! We are extremely thankful for the community support & recognition we have received. Your local support is a critical part of the process & we hope to continue serving this community.”

Fillmore & Western Railway Company (Short Line Enterprises) was founded in 1967. Between 1967 & 1972, the company bought, sold and traded locomotives, passenger cars and freight cars. The majority of the equipment was acquired from the property departments of 3 major movie studios: MGM, Paramount & 20th Century Fox.

In 1996, Short Line Enterprises became the film division of the Fillmore & Western Railway Company. Operations expanded from movie work and limited passenger trips to year round Weekend Scenic adventures, Murder Mystery Comedy Lunch & Dinner trains, Holiday trains, Special Event trains, Steam train rides, School trains & privately chartered group trains. The antique trains of Fillmore & Western rolled into the 21st century. They remain highly involved in the magic of movie making, while the company's unique excursions provide the means of travel to a bygone era.

Fillmore & Western supports partnering with neighboring cities when possible and thanks all those who support preserving the railroad for years to come. They thank the local community and hope to remain in Ventura County. Visit Fillmore & Western’s website at FWRY.com and "Like" them on Facebook.

The Community Awards will take place on Saturday, April 11, 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Fillmore-Piru Memorial Building. More information to follow.

Presentation by Ma’ayn Johnson, A/CP, Housing and Land-use Planner, explained developments in Ventura County, historically and at the present time. Emphasis on the “housing crisis”, regional and state-wide, needs assessment, was discussed.

8-D - Council discussed and approved contract in the amount of $18,000 for the 2020 Fourth of July community fireworks show to be provided by ExpoShows, Inc. Fillmore.

A presentation by Ma'ayn Johnson, A/CP, Housing and Land-use Planner, explained developments in Ventura County, historically and at the present time. Emphasis on the "housing crisis", regional and state-wide needs assessment, was discussed.

A presentation was given to remind the Council of future Red Cross Month. Action will be taken at a later date.
8- A- City Council discussed amending the City’s contract with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. to have Mariposa handle citywide irrigation services.

Considering the need for assistance with irrigation, staff has negotiated with Mariposa to have Mariposa perform irrigation services on a citywide basis, as previously advertised, in amount not to exceed $6,910/month or $82,920 annually. This amount will furnish a full-time irrigation specialist to the City, and at a very competitive rate.

Motion was approved, as recommended, to approve an amendment to the Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. contract in the amount of $82,290 per year and appropriate funds totaling $12,418.15 for FY19/20 general fund supported landscape irrigation maintenance areas.

8-B - Staff requested City Council receive report on proposed additions and updates to the Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services; conduct a public hearing to obtain comments concerning the additions and/or changes; and consider adopting Resolution 20-3750 to add a credit card processing fee, certain parks and recreation fees, and add fire inspection fees under Building and Safety, update and/or add various filming fees, increase the planning deposit amounts for various planning activities plus restate some of the fees previously established and set forth in the City’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.

Request was continued to 3-24-2020

8-C - Discussion regarding establishing a commercial and industrial vacancy registration program and fee.
Vacant storefronts can be found in almost every area in Fillmore. Part of this problem is often due to the per square foot rents that are charged for commercial space, which can be financially prohibitive for some small businesses. As a result, commercial spaces remain vacant, creating a financial and economic impact on our community.

The impact of vacant storefronts not only degrades the character of Fillmore but creates visual blight and negatively affects the desirability of new businesses locating in an area, which in turn affects City tax revenues. Vacant commercial spaces also often attract undesirable behavior, and cause economic disruptions, whose externalized impacts are felt by surrounding neighbors, businesses, and ultimately the City, which must expend considerable resources addressing such impacts.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

A narcotics investigation led to the arrest of two men and two women on March 4, 2020, for drug related violations including maintaining a place for selling or using controlled substances.

Between June 1, 2019 and February 26, 2020, Eddie Posadas and his acquaintances have been arrested by Fillmore patrol deputies for numerous drug related offenses at Posadas’ Fillmore residence. Detectives conducted an investigation and were able to confirm Posadas was involved in the sales of methamphetamine. Detectives were able to gather enough evidence to obtain a search warrant from the Superior Court in Ventura County for Posadas’ residence located in the 600 Block of Lemon Way in the city of Fillmore.

On March 4, 2020, detectives executed the search warrant at Posadas’ residence. Posadas, Xochitl Cervantes, Maria Negrete, and Mario Correa were all contacted as Posadas’ residence and were arrested for drug related violations. During the search, a small quantity of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was found inside Posadas’ residence.

Based on the investigation, Posadas was booked into the Main Jail for a felony violation of HS 11366 – Maintaining Place for Selling or Using Controlled Substances and misdemeanor violations of HS 11377(a) – Possession of a Controlled Substance, HS 11550(a) – Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance, and HS 11364(a) – Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office elected to file the previously mentioned charges and Posadas remains in custody with his bail set at $25,000.

The Narcotics Street Team is comprised of Narcotic Detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Oxnard Police Department.

Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrests
Report Number: RB# 20-32233
Location: 600 Block of Lemon Way, Fillmore
Date & Time: 03/04/20 @ 1:30 PM
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Patrol Services, Fillmore Detectives, and Ventura County
Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Street Team
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
(S) Xochitl Cervantes, 24, Fillmore
(S) Eddie Posadas, 30, Fillmore
(S) Maria Negrete, 48, Fillmore
(S) Mario Correa, 55, Fillmore
Prepared by: Detective Shawn Pewsey #3867
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

On Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 22:27 hours, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Old Telegraph Road, west of Seventh Street, involving a vehicle, which struck a pedestrian.

Joseph Anthony Ramirez, age 20 from Fillmore, was driving a 2007 Toyota traveling eastbound Old Telegraph Road, west of Seventh Street. For reasons that are still under investigation, a female pedestrian was walking within the eastbound lane of Old Telegraph Road, west of Seventh Street, directly in front of the Toyota. The front end of the Toyota struck the female pedestrian, which caused the female pedestrian to be thrown onto the westbound lane of Old Telegraph Road.

After the collision, Ramirez came to a stop and remained on scene. The female pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene at 2248 hours by fire department personnel. The pedestrian has yet to be identified. The Ventura County coroner's office will be handling next of kin notification. Joseph Anthony Ramirez did not sustain any injuries as a result of the collision.

Eastbound and westbound lanes of Old Telegraph Road were closed for on-scene investigation. The lanes were re-opened to traffic on 03/05/2020 at approximately 0200 hours.

The collision is still under investigation. Anyone who witnessed or has information regarding the collision should contact the Ventura Area CHP office at (805) 662-2640.

Investigating Officer: S. Gonzalez

Head Coach Charlie Weis

Fillmore High School is pleased to welcome Charlie Weis as the Flashes Head Varsity Football Coach. As part of his responsibilities, Coach Weis will also teach as a member of the FHS Special Education staff. He brings an impressive list of professional skills and experience. Since 2014 at Moorpark High School, Coach Weis served as a Specialized Academic Instruction teacher and Football Coach in various capacities. Working with the football team, he served as a Varsity Wide Receivers and Tight Ends coach for the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons. Starting in 2017, Coach Weis took over as the JV Offensive Coordinator, then, JV Head coach, while continuing to assist on the Varsity staff through the 2019 season. Coach Weis will undoubtedly be a great fit for the Flashes football program. During his time in Moorpark, Coach Weis was also recognized as the Teacher-of-the-Year for 2017. Additionally, he served as Department Chair for 2 years, Future Business Leaders of America Advisor for 5 years, an Academic Decathlon Coach and Advisor for 4 years, and the Speech and Debate Coach and Advisor for 2 years.

Coach Charlie Weis has deep roots in the Fillmore community. Though raised in Moorpark, he originally resided in Fillmore when his parents, Chuck and Diane Weis, both worked as educators in the Fillmore Unified School District. Returning to his roots, Coach Weis currently resides here in Fillmore with wife Kellsie McLain-Weis, FUSD’s Coordinator of Curriculum, Assessment, and Technology. He is now part of the Fillmore staff and will be a tremendous asset to the instructional teams, sports programs, and community at large.

Bob Crum

Understandably, I received many emails asking: Why did you become ill? I don't know why, but I know how because I witnessed it in a dream. It began with the arrival of the Quadpulse Interplanetary SUV from the planet Hephaestus in the 5th galaxy of the constellation Triangulum Australe. Reverse thrusters roaring, the ship stopped abruptly and hovered over my bedroom. The metallic-looking Kenzyke wearing green-tinted diaphanous attire suddenly appeared at my bedside. With the precision of a Kia car-factory robot, it promptly injected a pathogen (pneumonia) into my arm and vanished. A small welt remains, umm, wait, it's a pimple. (Excerpts from the science-fiction book I'm writing: Kenzyke Irruption, Dreams Manifested.)

Print value redux. Recall that I recently exalted photographic prints citing digital-photography-school.com's blog. Paraphrasing, there is joy in taking photos and viewing them digitally. However, a photo that isn’t printed is like a script that is never performed or a musical composition that is never played. There's value in the digital photo, just as there is value in a script or musical composition but the real value is the print itself.

Paraphrasing photographer Huntington Witherill: “The electronic image could no more replace a fine photographic print than a synthesizer could replace a violin!”

Popular photography concludes: "A good, framed photo hanging on your wall is worth 50,000 shots sitting in the cloud doing nothing. They can remind you of your friends and family members, great times, and who you used to be in the good ol’ days, while digital photos just bit-rot away on a hard drive." That's very potent!

Paraphrasing photographer Christopher Burkett: “The fine print is much more than a mere reproduction of an image. It is the culmination of the inspiration and vision of the photographer. In its highest form, the fine print can be a transparent vehicle, boldly communicating with whispers and suggestions of worlds previously unseen and unknown. No other form of the image can convey as powerfully the subtleties, the presence and the luminosity which exists in the fine print.”

Not everyone agrees. I received emails from several phonetographers who insist that in this digital age making prints is a waste of money. Good point! I wouldn't waste money printing anything like a lot of the shoot-to-delete crap-shots I see on social media. When you make a print, you are making an art object. Has anyone tried hanging a jpeg digital file on their living room wall? Touché!

Last Sunday, friends camping at Faria Beach County Park invited me over for BBQ. The Fillmore sky looked promising for a glorious sunset, so of course I took my camera and Daryl Benson reverse graduated filters.

The reverse grads are darkest in the center, clear on the bottom and transition from dark to light above the horizon, ideal for sunsets and sunrises. Typically, these scenes feature a bright horizon, dark foreground and medium-bright sky above the horizon. Placing the darkest density on the horizon line will reduce the sun's brightness, lighten the foreground through the clear portion of the filter and add a subtle gradation of brightness to the sky — all in a single exposure.

With two 0.6 reverse ND grad filters in the Lee filter holder mounted on the lens, I was ready. However, with a two-thousand-foot thick cloud bank sitting on the horizon, the prospect of a spectacular sunset doomed. (sigh) However, spirits buoyed with the delightful sandpipers appearing as did Scarlet, a portly potbellied pig, the Queen of Faria Beach. Happy photoing!

Send comments, questions or suggestions to: focusonphotography@earthlink.net

In the face of a significant increase in the numbers of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus
(COVID-19) in mainland China and other Countries, many Ventura County residents are understandably worried and fearful. The Ventura County Department of Public Health (Public Health), out of an abundance of caution, is seeking to solidify the County's readiness should the COVID-19 virus be found here or in a nearby county.

Public Health is urging agencies, businesses, school districts, organizations and health care providers throughout the County to develop and/or update a plan for social distancing. “These groups are being asked to accomplish this within 24 to 48 hours,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Health Officer. “The discovery of community transmission elsewhere in the State makes me feel that COVIO-19 could arrive in our County at any time and we want to be prepared.” Community transmission means person-to-person spread. “Our first level of Protection comes from the quarantine and isolation of certain individuals,” said Dr. Levin. Levin stressed that these plans will not be put into effect immediately. “Once cases of COVID-19 are found in the community, it’s time to implement social distancing plans.” Social distancing means lessening contact between individuals throughout the County. Businesses, for instance, would review their staffing and identify workers who could work from home. This results in fewer people and less contact between people at the workplace as well. Members of the public should speak with their employer about whether they can still fulfill responsibilities of their jobs while working from home.

A population that is at particular risk from the COVID-19 is the elderly. Extended Care Facilities are being asked to write or update their plans for protecting their residents from interaction with those from outside their place of residence.

While children seem to be faring better than other groups with COVID-19, schools have made significant advances in their planning for possible temporary closure. Some schools were closed for weeks during the HAN1 pandemic ten years ago. It is important that schools and childcare facilities have a plan in place and are communicating with parents.

Primary care medical sites are being asked to implement plans to communicate with patients via Skype, FaceTime and over the phone. Many patient visits can be dealt with distantly thus avoiding crowding of clinics and the resulting increased risk of close contact which might further spread COVID-19.

There is little evidence that pregnant women are at particularly increased risk from this virus, but special care should still be taken to decrease their social contacts.

Gatherings such as regular religious services might consider live streaming their service so that congregants can view the service from home, or they may consider modifying their service so that there can be at least two spaces between each congregant.

“The cancelation of large, non-essential gatherings is a possibility down the line,” said Dr. Levin, “implementation of social distancing plans should be handled with creativity, flexibility and sensitivity.”

Above all, people who are starting to feel ill or who are ill, should stay away from others and not go into crowded settings.

People should continue to practice the same habits they perform to prevent themselves from getting the flu.
They should wash their hands frequently, elbow or fist bump one another instead of shaking hands or hugging, sneeze or cough into the crook of their elbow and maintain a six foot or greater distance between themselves and anyone who looks ill, Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Get a flu immunization to prevent influenza if you have not done so this season. The only two needs for face masks are the wearing of a surgical mask if you are ill and going out in public, such as going to the doctor's office or if you are a health care worker, wearing an N9S mask when you ae interacting with patients.

Preparedness information and up to date information about the situation in the County of ventura can be found at www.vcemergency.com. Updates will also continue to be provided on County of Ventura social media Facebook: @countyofventura, Twitter: @CountyVentura Nextdoor @County of Ventura Instagram: @Venutra_County_news

For the most up to date information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus on the national level, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and PreventiWQon at https://www.cdc gov/corenavirus/2019-ncov/index html.