Gerardo Uribe, 39, of Santa Paula.

On February 10, 2020 at approximately 1247 hours, the Santa Paula Police Department received a call of a robbery that just occurred at the Metro PCS store located at 328 E Harvard Blvd. Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the scene. Through the investigation it was discovered a suspect had entered the store, brandished a weapon at the clerk and demand the register be emptied. The suspect then fled the location.

On February 18, 2020 at approximately 1010 hours, the Santa Paula Police Department received a call of a robbery that just occurred at the Metro PCS store located at 919 E Main St. SPPD Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the scene. Through the investigation it was determined a suspect had entered the business, brandished a weapon, went behind the counter and took money from the register. The suspect then fled the location. Responding officers were able to obtain video of the robbery as well as the suspect fleeing the scene.

SPPD Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Gerardo Uribe of Santa Paula. On Thursday February 27th 2020, the SPPD Detective Bureau, Special Enforcement Unit and VCSO Fillmore Detectives executed a search warrant on Uribe’s residence related to the robberies. Uribe, who was already in custody for a commercial burglary that occurred in the City of Fillmore, was arrested for the robberies at the Ventura County Main Jail.

Anyone with information regarding the robberies is urged to contact Detective Dan McCarthy at (805) 525-4474 x282 or dmccarthy@spcity.org.

Bob Crum

So disappointed that no one correctly described how I made last week's photo of the week. No problem. I'll treat myself to the scoop of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

One day I was fine, the next my health ambushed. It started a few weeks ago as a chest cold but men don't go to the doctor for a mere chest cold. But incessant chest congestion and coughing grew worse over time like a cat sneaking up on a mouse ready to pounce. On Tuesday, 2/25/20, gasping for breath, I left denial in the parking lot and drove to the Santa Paula Hospital, the Hilton on the hill. Parked the truck and s____l____w_____l____y walked into ER gasping. I didn't make it to the counter, collapsing on a chair in the ER lobby. CODE BLUE!

Medical staff whisked me into the ER room and began to execute their much-appreciated expertise: EKG, blood was drawn for lab testing, chest X-Ray, an IV placed in my right arm, and a face mask applied to force oxygen into my lungs. Diagnosis: A debilitating case of pneumonia on top of COPD on top of asthma - proof that I don't get half-way sick!

A week later, I returned home. Because COPD is a chronic disease, recovery, to whatever degree, is likely going to be a long slog. Run-and-gun photojournalism waylaid, I'm considering turtles as subjects to chase. Furthermore, compromised lungs mean that I need supplemental oxygen provided by oxygen concentrators at home and when out and about. Obviously, my grizzly bear wrestling career is doomed. But I have my doctor's permission to continue with my photographic specialty: Mermaid boudoir photography.

Ill health does not prevent me from being creative. Last week's photo of the week, starry night roses, was a creative project. To create the photo, I clipped a rose from one of my rose bushes, put it in a vase, and put the vase in front of my TV. When the TV is off, the screen is black. I turned on the room's overhead lights to create a shadow of the rose on the TV. Yes, the dark rose on the right is a shadow. But the shadow was too dark. So I programmed my Canon 7D MKII 'real' camera for HDR (High Dynamic Range), fixed aperture at f/ll, shooting seven brackets in 1/3 stops. I then elected to have the seven shots combined in-camera to create the HDR image. Viola!

During post-processing (editing), I lightened the shadow rose slightly and also brightened the background oh-so-slightly to accentuate the stars. You did notice the stars, right? Ahem, the stars are dust particles on the TV screen. Oh, 'tis so easy, and such fun, to fool the eye!

As a creative medium, photography is replete with a plethora of possibilities and options! Limitations exist only from a lack of imagination!

Recall a previous column whereby I discussed seeing an image in your mind before making the photo? Consider it a form of pre-visualization. Observe an object, in this case the rose, or scene and then experiment with various perspectives, always aligning the composition with your mind's image. It works, but it requires patience. Most photographers struggle with composition because they shoot too fast. Hence, they end up with so much crap that I call it 'shoot-to-delete' photography. Slow down and enjoy creating!

The photo of the week is another opportunity for a lucky reader to win two scoops of Baskin Robins ice cream. Yes, two scoops! Send an email naming the subject and how I made the photo. The first correct response wins! Hurry! Happy photoing!

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

Three Santa Paula residents were taken into custody for their role in a commercial burglary that occurred at the Domino’s Pizza restaurant in December 2019.

On 12/16/19, the Domino’s Pizza Restaurant in Fillmore was burglarized. When employees responded to the store to open it for business that day, they noticed the safe was open and cash was missing. An undisclosed amount of US Currency was removed. There were no signs of forced entry. It appeared someone with knowledge of the inner workings of the business was responsible for the burglary.

The investigation led to the recovery of vital surveillance footage. Through video images, detectives were able to identify the getaway vehicle and its owner. In addition, investigators obtained information which revealed an employee of the restaurant, Angelina Perez was involved in the crime. Investigators were able to collect intelligence that led to the identification of Gerardo Uribe and a male juvenile.

On 02/18/20, Perez and the juvenile were located in a vehicle in the city of Santa Paula. They were immediately taken into custody. Later the same day, investigators located Uribe in his vehicle in the city of Fillmore. With the assistance of patrol personnel, Uribe was apprehended as well. Perez and Uribe were booked in the Pre Trail Detention Facility for PC 459-Burglary and PC 182 (a)(1)- Conspiracy. The male juvenile was booked at the Juvenile Justice Center for probation warrant as well as PC 459-Burglary and PC 182 (a)(1)- Conspiracy.

Perez and Uribe remain in custody with bail set at $50,000.00

Nature of Incident: Domino’s Pizza Burglary Suspects Arrested
Report Number: 19-194750
Location: 529 W. Ventura Street, Fillmore
Date & Time: 02/18/20 at 1600 hours
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Investigative Bureau
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent - City of Residence – Age
S- Gerardo Uribe, 39, of Santa Paula
S- Angelina Perez, 19, of Santa Paula
S- Male Juvenile, 17, of Santa Paula

Prepared by: Sergeant Vince Alvarez
Approved by: Captain Garo Kuredjian

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).

At Tuesday night’s City Council meeting Fillmore Chief of Police Garo Kuredjian spoke regarding the addition of a second School Resource Officer for the next 2.5 fiscal years. It was approved by Council.

Council Approves Second School Resource Officer

8-A At the February 11th City Council meeting members of the City Council requested the placement of a discussion regarding the possibility of having the agenda translated into Spanish on a future agenda. Councilwoman Lynn Edmonds stated that she would like the City Council to consider having the agenda translated, not the staff reports or other agenda items, and made available at each City Council meeting.

Three transcription services were contacted to determine costs. The average cost would be about $3,000 per year, not including staff costs.

Following discussion, council failed to pass this motion.

8-B Mid Year Financial/Budget Analysis and Fund Balance by Fund Submitted for review is the 1) Mid-Year Financial Report, which is the fiscal year to date through mid-year financial results, and the Financial Forecast through the remainder of the fiscal year for the General, Water, Sewer, Recreation, Community Pool and Street Funds; 2) a summary of the Fund Balance by Fund (Attachment A) starting with FY 2014-15 plus the forecast for the current fiscal year impact on fund balance and the ending fund balance; and 3) request to approve a Supplemental Budget Request.

It was reported that "The overall financial position of the City is stable. Property taxes are down , and sales tax revenue continues to decline. Fortunately development permit revenue is up and is currently offsetting the reduction in sales tax. However, development permit revenue is considered one-time revenue and therefore not a reliable source of revenue to meet ongoing expenses in future years."

8-C The City Council approved the addition of one (1) deputy sheriff position to the existing police services contract with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in order to add a second School Resource Officer (SRO) for fiscal years 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22.

8-E The City Council is being requested to approve a new contract with Owl Tek, LLC, to provide information technology and film permitting services. This contract will cover a two year time period. The City will have the ability to extend the term for two addition alone-year periods. The decision to exercise an option to extend the contract would require a contract amendment approved by the City Council and notice to Owl Tekat least 90 days before expiration.

FISCAL IMPACT: The base cost of this contract is for 32 hours of services for all services other than the film permitting work at $2,000 per month. Additional hours above the 32 base hours will require the approval of the City Manager and will be charged at a rate of $45 per hour.

The City of Fillmore has been utilizing Patrick Maynard to provide IT Consulting Services since August 15, 2015. Since then, Patrick Maynard is now part of a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC), Owl Tek. Owl Tek will continue to provide the City with computer desktop application support; server and work station administrative services; microwave network support; network administration services; assistance with email, security and backup efforts, channel 10 broadcast live streaming, telephone systems, physical security at City Facilities, film permitting, and any additional project that may be added by the discretion of the City Manager as needed for the City’s efficiency and business practice improvement.

Staff is recommending that the City Council: 1. Approve the contract for two years with Owl Tek, LLC, to provide consulting services as stipulated in the scope of work of the contract.

Council unanimously approved the recommendation.

Submitted by Jan Lee.

The Vision 2020 Civic Pride Committee has selected a really fun theme for the Flower Show this year. It is “Fairy Tales and Flowers”. The theme should inspire some beautiful displays of bouquets, arrangements, potted plants and single stem flowers.

Again this year, the Flower Show will be held at the Active Adult Center (533 Santa Clara Street, Fillmore) on May 2nd and 3rd. There will be youth and adult categories. Pull those weeds. Plant those seeds. Nurture those roses and other garden plants. Now is the time to plan to participate in the flower show. Every year, we invite the town to participate and view the flower show. It is so much fun!

The 2020 Civic Pride Committee does numerous things in Fillmore. They plant and maintain many of the planters around town. They also award a Yard of the Month recognition to Fillmore yards. That is how they know many people have gorgeous flowers and plants surrounding their homes. Yes we have many rose entries. But one category is “Any Other Unlisted Flower”. That means anybody could enter at least one bloom to share with the rest of us. You don’t have to be a botanist to grow a flower or plant. Nature does most of the work. Once you take a chance and enter the flower show, you will discover that gardeners are friendly, helpful people. We sincerely hope you will enter something in the flower show this May.

For more information go to fillmoreflowershow.org

Bob Crum

The digital age has infiltrated our lives in many ways--some good, others aggravating. Digital devices from audio recorders, TVs, cameras and of course, cellphones. Ah yes, cellphones, the prolific pocket-size devices that render cognitive-behavioral therapy for the gazillions of people who have a narcissistic personality disorder. And of course, to occasionally make a phone call.

While the plethora of digital devices presents many appealing conveniences, it has also caused yet another photographic demise: The print! Remember prints? We shot some photos on a 36 exposure roll of film, and before we finished the whole roll, we rushed to the one-hour photo facility. After relishing a Starbucks iced dirty chai latte, we dashed back to pick up the prints.

Back at Starbucks, LOOK at Johnny at his first birthday party putting the whole cupcake in his little mouth. OMG, here's a photo of Aunt Julie falling off the picnic table. And one of the cute little puppy, but who is the idiot who named him Wigglebutt? Ah, the wonder of prints!

Photographic prints used to document everything from anniversaries, to birthday parties, to graduations, to family reunions and get-togethers on holidays. Cellphones killed all of that. Phonetographers take snapshots all day to plaster on Instagram and or charm their Facebook (FB) friends and watch to see how many 'likes' their masterpiece collects. What? Only 12 likes? Com'on people. It's a gorgeous photo of my trophy pumpkin! When was the last time you had a print made from a photo you took on your cellphone? Never? I'm not surprised considering that 53% of consumers haven't printed a photo in more than 12 months, 70% don’t have photo albums and 42% no longer print photos at all!

Let's briefly consider technology. You presently back up your photos on hard drives. Good. But did you forget that hard drives crash! Poof, photos all gone. Oh, you are one up on me, eh? You have your photos stashed up in a cloud. Good for you. Wait, are you sure that 'cloud' company is going to be around in 10 years? Or what if they hike the storage price to a point you can't afford? Gotcha! And BTW, have you heard about HEIF? HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File, pronounced 'heef' as in beef) is a new file format. The MPEG group developed it. The HEIF format is used by Apple as a modern replacement for JPEG . But to view a HEIF, you have to first convert it to a jpeg. Egad! Point being that all those great jpegs from your cellphone might not open on state-of-the-art computers of the future. More about this important subject later.

In the meantime, the digital-photography-school.com website sums up the topic perfectly. "While there is joy in taking photos and viewing them digitally, our satisfaction is not properly realized until we have printed our photos. A photo that isn’t printed is like a script that is never performed or a musical composition that is never played. There is still value in the digital photo, just as there is value in a script or musical composition. But the value is mainly the hope that one day the digital photo will be printed and share a bodily life with us – to inspire us, cheer us, and remind us."

If the paper edition is not in color, be sure to check the photo of the week at fillmoregazette.com. The first person who can briefly describe how I made the photo wins one free scoop of Baskin-Robbins ice cream. Happy photoing!

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

At last night's school board meeting, Sandy Butts of Mountain Vista Elementary School, presented the foreign exchange students who are attending Fillmore High School this year.

February 18, 2020 Meeting

Second Interim Report Presentation
The Governing Board received a presentation on the Second Interim Report by Andrea McNeill, Assistant
Superintendent of Business Services.

Approve Memorandum of Agreement for School Resource Officers (SRO)
The Governing Board approved the Agreement with the City of Fillmore.

Approve the 2019-2020 Comprehensive School Safety Plans for Fillmore USD Schools
The Governing Board received a presentation and approved of the 2019-2020 Comprehensive School Safety
Plans for Fillmore High School, Sierra High School/Heritage Valley Independent Study, Fillmore Middle School,
Mountain Vista Elementary School, Piru Elementary School, Rio Vista Elementary School, and San Cayetano
Elementary School.

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

Happy 115th Birthday to Rotary International! Rotary Club of Fillmore and the Interact Club of Fillmore High School will be celebrating the event by doing some community service. Rotary’s motto is: Service Above Self. They will be joining Soroptimist International of Fillmore in cleaning up the bike path. The Soroprtimist will also be hosting the annual treasure hunt for the kids in the community. Both events will take place on Saturday, February 22nd from 9am-10am. We will be meeting in the parking lot of Taco Llama (corner of “A” Street and Old Telegraph Rd.) Please bring a bag for your treasure, wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, cap, gloves and sunscreen. We will provide the trash bags and picker uppers. This FREE event is open to the public. For more information on the Rotary Club of Fillmore and/or Soroptimist International of Fillmore please contact Ari Larson 805.794.7590 or email: petenari55@hotmail.com

Bob Crum

Phonetographers continue their ardent clamor: Photography is dead! Emails received reveal that many have plumbed the pages of a Merriam-Webster dictionary for words such as deceased, defunct, done and bitten the dust to justify their state of mind. But camera companies - Canon, Nikon, Fuji Film and Olympus - didn't get their memo telling them to go out of business.

Hark, phonetographers! Camera companies, obviously operating in a parallel universe, are continuing to produce new and exciting high-tech cameras and tantalizing lenses for "photographers" and photography enthusiasts! Phonetographers, look at what you're missing.

The most advanced Rebel to date, the exciting new Canon EOS Rebel T8i is equipped with a 24.1mp CMOS APS-C sensor, Digic 8 image processor and ISO range of 100-25600. Designed with intuitive recognition technology, this powerful camera also recognizes and remains locked on your subject with its 45-point all cross-type AF system, EOS iTR AF (Face Detection) during viewfinder shooting and Eye Detection AF during Live View shooting. For vloggers or social media aficionados, the EOS Rebel T8i offers 4K 24p video capability and vertical video support, along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology, making it easy to share everything you capture.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a significant feature of the new EOS Rebel T8i: AF button. Those of you who follow this column regularly know that I use 'back button' focus, not the half-depress of the shutter release button to activate autofocus. The "AF" button on the T8i is a dedicated autofocus button, a huge benefit, IMO.

Nikon’s new long-awaited flagship DSLR has finally arrived. The Nikon D6 is equipped with a 20.8-megapixel sensor powered by a new Expeed 6 processor offering burst shooting up to 14 frames per second. Other features include: 105 cross-type autofocus points, ISO range extends from 100-102,400, expandable up to 3.2 million, 4K/30p video recording capabilities, now with focus peaking and MP4 recording and built-in WiFi. Bluetooth and GPS and 14 customizable buttons. (Y'all know how much I love camera buttons!)

Olympus announces OM-D E-M1 Mark III and a new pocket camera, the PEN E-PL10. The OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the third iteration of this model equipped with a Micro Four-Thirds 20-megapixel sensor that features a new image processing TruePic IX engine.

Forget worrying about shooting in the rain. Being weatherproof and dustproof is a significant benefit! Rain forest photography anyone?

This M1 Mark III handheld can produce a high-res shot by stitching together 16 photos to create a single 50mp image. Wow! Other features include 121 cross-type autofocus points, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, up to 60fps RAW + JPEG capture and Pro Capture mode records frames right before you fire the shutter. And UHD 4k/30p and DCI 24p video. Awesome!

Why are these dynamic camera companies continuing to produce new and exciting cameras if photography is kaput? Hmm. Perhaps new technology makes photography more exciting than ever? And everyone knows that a dedicated camera can create better photos than any cellphone, right?

Even though it's a micro 4/3 sensor camera, the specs of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III are impressive. If it weren't such a hassle, I'd sell all my Canon gear and buy the new OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera and a couple of lenses. It appears to be the perfect camera for my specialty: Mermaid boudoir photography. However, specs are not always translated to shooting in the field so I need first to try out the camera.

Photo of the week is the Rincon made looking west from Faria County park during the recent king tide. High tide indeed!

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

City Planning and Community Development Director Kevin McSweeney gave a brief oral report on the status of several on-going development projects including fast-food restaurants Sonic and Wendy’s.

The City of Fillmore is undergoing a great many housing projects, homes, condos, and apartments. Kevin McSweeney, City Planning and Community Development Director, gave a brief oral report on the status of each of the following development projects:

7.A Development Project Updates
The City of Fillmore is undergoing a great many housing projects, homes, condos, and apartments. Kevin McSweeney, City Planning and Community Development Director, gave a brief oral report on the status of each of the following development projects:
1. Sonic
2. KB Homes
3. Citrus Packing House, 341 A St.
4. People Self Help, 215 Palm
5. Many Mansions
6. Alex Glasscock, 461 Central Ave
7. Iron Horse, Rio Vista Park, Traffic Circles, Levee Bike Path
8. East Bridges (133 units)
9. Iron Horse Rollover I (76 units)
10. Iron Horse Rollover II (90 units)
11. Heritage Groves (160 units)
12. Old Sewer Plant Land Use Options prepared by Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students
13. Measure I, Amendment to the North Fillmore Specific Plan

The old Burger King site is expected to be replace by Wendy's.

The City Council requested to have a discussion regarding the potential expansion of residential uses on properties within the Commercial Highway (CH) zone along Highway 126 between “A” Street and Mountain View Street.

The discussion was tabled until the 2021 Housing Element update is underway, as was done for the Many Mansion project site, Citrus Packing Project site, and Balden Towne Plaza Expansion site before the last housing element cycle.

Council was asked to consider authorizing a contract with Data Ticket, Inc. to provide administrative and parking citation processing and adjudication services. The term of the proposed agreement includes the remainder of Fiscal Year 2019/20 plus the next two Fiscal Years, 2020/21 and 2021/22, and an optional one-year extension. It was stated that greater efficiency, better customer service, and a higher ratio of cost recovery can be gained by outsourcing the processing of administrative and parking citations. Council will study the plan further to decide which of three vendors is best for the city. Council is expected to contract with Data Ticket to provide this service.

Enlarge Photo

Courtesy Manuel Minjares Facebook Page

While Fillmore’s homelessness issues are nowhere near the scale that we see in other communities in our county, we do indeed have many that can’t afford housing and have no choice but to live on the streets, under a bridge, in the river bed, or in a vehicle.

The point in time count is exactly what it sounds like, a count of the homeless individuals during one day out of the year. In addition to the importance of knowing the size of your community’s homeless population, the numbers from the count are also used to determine federal funding allocations to address homelessness.

A big thank you goes out to all those all those individuals that participated in the count throughout the county and to those that work everyday to help get our neighbors off the streets.