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The Kerman News Firebaugh - Mendota Journal San Joaquin - Tranquillity West Side Advance (Kerwest Newspapers) Serving Northwest Fresno County Since 1906 |
| 2006 Archive |
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Dealership, FFA Raise Funds By Kayla Diedrich Firebaugh FFA Reporter Firebaugh, Dec. 11 - Firebaugh Chevrolet and Firebaugh FFA announced today that the two organizations raised more than $2,000 in scholarship and operational funds through the Leadership Development Program, which was administered in Firebaugh. Through the program, FFA members accepted suggested donations of $5 from Firebaugh community members. The donors were then invited to visit the dealership for a T-shirt as well as a chance to win an all-new 2007 truck. The donated funds are earmarked for FFA chapter scholarships, the chapter’s treasury for operational needs, and to support California FFA, which helps fund FFA programs. The Leadership Development Program was a statewide fundraising program where individual chapters were matched with their local dealership. These dealerships helped support the local chapter’s fundraising efforts through financial contributions and local promotions. "Not only did Firebaugh Chevrolet provide this opportunity for our FFA chapters and organizations, but also supported, promoted and elevated the Leadership Development Program beyond our expectations,’ stated Heather Opfergelt, Firebaugh FFA Advisor. "The funds raised through this program will help send FFA members to college, increase FFA programs, pay for chapter fees and enhance the development of our future agricultural leaders." ‘This program gave Firebaugh Chevrolet an opportunity to directly impact and participate in our community," said Jacob Gonzalez. "As a business member in the Firebaugh community, we feel it’s our responsibility to assist our students as they strive for success and meet their goals."
Student Posters Highlight Red Ribbon Week These students were winners of the Red Ribbon poster contest, held at Mendota's Washington Elementary School recently: Kindergarten - Jefferson Hernandez, Ethan Alvarez, Heriberto Orellana.
First Grade - Elizabeth Chavez, Bryan Rangel, Kevin Castro.
Second Grade: Krissia Rivera, Carlos Tamayo, Maria Severiano.
Saint Josephs’ Kindergarten class students pose with heir winter auction project, a barrel which has been converted to be a planter box. It will be auctioned at the school's upcoming Holiday Fantasy Auction, Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Dos Palos DES Hall. For tickets please call 559-659-2841
Local resident to dance with the Sacramento Ballet in The Nutcracker Local ballet student Chelsea Best from Firebaugh will be performing in the holiday classic The Nutcracker over Thanksgiving weekend. Chelsea auditioned in August to be a part of the Fresno Dance Theater and join The Sacramento Ballet’s production. Since then, Chelsea and the other local dancers will put ‘in over 150 hours of rehearsal time preparing for the production and will receive special instructions from the Sacramento Ballet’s Artistic Director Ron Cunningham. "The children’s participation in such an elaborate and professional production is a very unique opportunity," said Yukari Thiesen, Artistic Director for Valley Performing Art Council. "To be able to be taught by Ron Cunningham is a great privilege. The educational value of their experience will be with them long after the Christmas season." The Nutcracker is presented by Valley Performing Arts Council and \\’°ill be held’ at the William Saroyan Theater for only three shows - 2 pm and 7 pm on November 25 and 1 pm on November 26. This classical adaptation features scenery straight from St. Petersburg, Russia, 37 professional dancers joined by 110 local dancers of VPAC’s Fresno Dance Theater. The scenery makes viewers feel as if they are transported into the story of The Nutcracker bringing Clara’s magical dream to life. Tickets are $25, $35, $45 and $55 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available by calling VPAC at (559) 224-7457, Convention Center Box Office at (559) 445-8200 and through TicketMaster at (559) 485-8497. The Nutcracker is a fundraiser of Valley Performing Arts Council, which is working cooperatively to cultivate classical performing arts in the Central Valley. VPAC shares classical arts curriculum in public schools and annually shares dance where over 3,000 students are exposed to classical arts annually.
Gathering Hears Plans for Measure W
Picking up yard signs urging a yes vote on Measure W are (left to right) Jack Minnite, a member of the West Hills Community College District board of trustees; Dr. Wayne Walters, superintendent of Firebaugh Unified School District and Maurice Leford, a retired farmer and member of the Firebaugh-Mendota Rotary Club. FIREBAUGH, Sept. 20 - Plans for a new south wing of North District Center, Firebaugh, were unveiled recently for community members who turned out to hear about Measure W, the $49.4 million higher education bond that will appear on the Nov. 7 ballot. Frank Gornick, chancellor of West Hills Community College District, told the group that if Measure W passes, it will qualify WHCCD for $79 million in matching funds from the State of California. "If we don't pass Measure W, that money, which is our tax dollars, will go to other areas of the state," he said. Combined, the funds will allow for $31.7 million in projects at West Hills College Coalinga, $4.1 million in projects at North District Center, Firebaugh and $37 million in project at West Hills College Lemoore. Dr. Gornick told the gathering that the cost of the bond for the average homeowners is $2 a month-about the same as a cup of coffee each month at Starbucks. He pointed out that assessed valuation, on which the bond is levied, is far different than appraised or current market value. "A house that is assessed at $100,000," he said, "may be worth much more if it were sold," he said. "The current value is the market value-not the assessed value, which is usually much less." Cost of the bond to local property owners would be $25 per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation. Meetings similar to the one in Firebaugh were also held in Lemoore and Coalinga. Gornick noted that campaign co-chairs Fred Harrell and Bob Viets and members of the campaign committee are available to speak with community groups about the bond measure. To schedule a speaker, please call (559) 934-2134. For additional information on Measure W, visit the West Hills College website at www.westhillscollege.com and look for the link to Measure W. Firebaugh Youngster Takes Awards
Silveiras Elba 3331 won reserve grand champion cow-calf pair at the 2006 California State Fair Junior Angus Show, August 19 in Sacramento. Garrett Blanchard of Firebaugh, owns the February 2003 daughter of Gdar SVF Russ 184B. A March 2006 heifer calf sired by V A R New Design 0140 is at side. Brad McCurry, Mount Hope, Kan., evaluated the 38 entries. Photo by American Angus Association. Garrett also won reserve grand champion bull (Silveiras Good To Go 5447) and reserve grand champion female (Silveiras Elba 5503) at the event.
'Lope Contest Popular at Roundup
John Baltierra, representing the City of Firebaugh's Cantaloupe Round Up committee is show above presenting George Pappas, president of Pappas & Co. the Winner's Trophy and Hat for submitting the winning cantaloupe in this years "Best Westside Cantaloupe Contest". George and Philon Pappas, owner of Pappas & Co. beat out a field that represented all the major packing houses on the Westside. This was the first year for the contest and due to the response of the packing houses and the crowd; the contest is going to become an annual event.
Congressman Pledges Help with Mendota Prison Funding
US Congressman Jim Costa (above, left) talks with Mendota Mayor Joseph Riofrio at the building site for a new federal prison, just south of Mendota. Below: Costa soothes prison construction workers, some of whom were irate at finding their access road near the prison site blocked by a gaggle of officials and reporters.
US Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno), who represents large areas of the Westside, visited the construction site of a federal prison at Mendota Thursday afternoon, Aug. 24. He pledged to work at restoring funding for the project, which will run out of money at the end of the year. Construction kicked off in 2005, and the site is about half complete. But the federal government has announced it will stop funding the prison due to economic pressures. It was reported that funding for the project was diverted for the war in Iraq, and to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The 960-acre prison, located just southwest of town, was first budgeted at $100 million, then about $160 million. Officials say the prison, designed to hold about 1200 federal inmates, has cost about $95 million so far, and likely that much or more will be needed to finish. Last week Costa called the decision to suspend work "penny wise, pound foolish," and a "monument to the foolishness of this administration." He said he believes that eventually the prison will have to be completed, and that stopping and starting the work may add as much as 20% to the final cost. It would cost about $3 million a year just to maintain the facility unfinished, it was reported. Mendota City officials were on hand Thursday afternoon to push for continued funding. Mendota is one of three new federal prison sites, needed to handle overcrowding. The others are in New Hampshire and West Virginia. Mendota Mayor Joseph Riofrio said he recalled asking an official if it wouldn't make more sense to complete the Mendota project before pouring in money to start new ones. "That's a very good question, Joe," was the answer he received, Riofrio said. Riofrio said the area, suffering from chronic unemployment, and now feeling the effects of ag land retirement, hopes to see economic benefits from the prison. Even the building phase is helping the city, "the construction workers come into my store, and other places in town, every day," he said. Costa said that he hopes to convince his colleges in the House of Representatives that stopping work on the prison is not a good idea. Earlier this year California US Senator Diane Feinstein had $10 million in a $51 billion spending bill set aside to continue work on the prison long enough for more permanent funding to be approved. However, the $10 million still needs to approved in the House.
Workers Complain of Fertilizer Drift About 50 field workers were exposed to sulfuric acid spray drift in a field on the Westside Aug. 17. The farmworkers were picking grapes in a field near Kamm and Highway 33 (southwest of Cantua Creek). They were downwind of a nearby field which was being ground sprayed with sulfuric acid fertilizer. Around noon the workers began feeling sore throats, itchy eyes and nausea. They abandoned the field, and no serious injuries were reported.
Body's Dental Records Checked Authorities are checking the dental records of a woman's body, found near Mendota recently. The unidentified body was found Aug. 10 in the 3000 block of West Whitesbridge Rd. Investigators are checking to determine if the body might be that of Debbie Hawk, a Hanford woman who was declared missing on June 13. Initial inspection led investigators to believe the body is not that of Hawk, but they can't be sure until a forensic examination is completed.
Jose Antonio Ramirez, city manager of Firebaugh, was the keynote speaker
Upward Bound Community Projects Featured at West Hills Were the 28 Upward Bound students dressed up to present their "community projects" - or were they dressed up for the dance which followed family night at the West Hills College Coalinga theatre on Thursday, Aug. 3? No matter. The students from four area high schools, backed with power point, took their turns on the stage to present to the audience of some 50 parents, friends and well-wishers, their work in their communities The evening kicked off with Title IV Director Bertha Felix-Mata flowing between Spanish and English in outlining the schedule, as did keynote speaker Jose Antonio Ramirez, city manager of Firebaugh. Using his complex work and background as an example of the "path to critical and creative thinking," Ramirez traced his topic from "emotion to logic" and forecast the benefits offered by students' presentations for a healthy, helpful life. UB is a federally funded program offered to high school students 14 to 18 years old who meet state criteria including being enrolled in one the seven qualifying high schools, be freshman, sophomore or juniors and have the potential to succeed in college. The program is also open to first generation college goers and the student must be a citizen or have permanent resident status. A total of 51 young people were involved in the nationally-known program this year. Tutorial participants are required to attend a two-hour session a week at their own high school. A Saturday program is conducted once a month. Students also participate in cultural, educational and recreational activities, "an important part of the Upward Bound program, Felix-Mata added. Firebaugh students, lead by Nereyda Hernandez, were Remigio Gamino, Miguel Hernandez and J. Paul Llamas, explained the damage done by the closure of a local community employer in their project of "unemployment." Mendota students, advised by Alfonzo Garcia, were Ronald Castillo, Sandra Castillo, Carlos Garcia, Ariel Magana and Elizabeth Soto, picked another social ill which affects young people: drug abuse. Their program not only explained the dangers of drugs, but also offered statistics in becoming addicted. The students from San Joaquin/Tranquillity included Aaron Borunda, Diego Borunda, Jacinto Elias III, Viviana Guzman and Cesar Ramirez. They were introduced by Ricardo Marmolejo and discussed "homeless" in their communities. Students receiving awards included Daniela Pimentel, outstanding leadership; Remigio Gamino and Viviana Guzman, outgoing personality; Erika Jacobo and Ronald Castillo, personal growth; and Carlos Garcia, determination to succeed. The evening ended with closing remarks and the Upward Bound dance. Ricardo Marmolejo is an Upward Bound advising specialist and Jessica Jimenez-Pimentel is secretary. Alfonso Garcia and Brian Hooper are instructors.
ABOVE (l to r) Mendota Councilmembers John Flores and Yvette Quiroga, Jennifer Seeger, Mayor Joseph Riofrio and Mayor Pro Tem Robert Silva. Mendota Receives $1 Million GrantOn August 8th, Jennifer Seeger from the State of California presented a grant check in the amount of $1,004,979 to the City of Mendota. The Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2002, is a $2.1 billion dollar bond measure (Prop. 46) that was passed by the voters in California in November, 2002. The bond provides millions of dollars to help fund the construction, rehabilitation and preservation of affordable rental housing, emergency shelters and homeless facilities, as well as funds that can be used to provide downpayment assistance to low and moderate income first-time homebuyers. Seniors, families with children, teachers, disabled persons, veterans and working people will benefit from the bond.
West Hills College Coalinga fall semester classes started Monday, Aug. 14. Attending a new student orientation on the campus on Thursday were Mendota students (left to right) Alberto Verduzco, Mario Plascencia and Louie Gonzales. They were welcomed by Bertha Felix-Mata, director of Title IV programs at the college, who grew up in Mendota and is a graduate of West Hills College and UCLA. Students have until the end of the first week of classes to enroll. For details, visit the campus in Coalinga or the North District Center, Firebaugh or www.westhillscollege.com.
Joins Angus Association Carole Silveira of Firebaugh, is a new member of the American Angus Association, reports John Crouch, executive vice president of the national breed registry organization in Saint Joseph, Missouri. The Association, with more than 34,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef cattle registry association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on more than 14 million registered Angus.
Work on Book About Firebaugh A group of friends who grew up in the Firebaugh area in the 1950s are colaboratating on writing a book to leave to their descendants. It is to be a written account of the founding, growth and development of the city of Firebaugh. The writers hope to find people who would like to contribute information and stories about Firebaugh's history and share photographs depicting people and events from the past. The writers will also be looking for people to assist then in identifying people depicted in old photographs that they have already collected.
One man was killed and four people injured in a traffic accident south of Mendota recently. The California Highway Patrol reports the incident happened at about 5:42 a.m. on Friday, July 21, on Highway 33, north of Adams Ave. A 1999 Saturn with one person was northbound, and for unknown reasons drifted into the southbound lane. A 2000 Chevy pickup, with a driver and three passengers, heading southbound, was unable to avoid the Saturn and the two vehicles crashed headon. As a result of the collision the Saturn driver, later identified by the Fresno County Coroner's office as Corey Kerslake, 29, of Atascadero, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. A friend of the victim reports he was a construction worker at the new federal prison, going up just south of Mendota. The pickup driver, Richardo Albundiz, 43, and passengers Daniel Martinez, 35, Art Santana, 32 and Guillermo Duarte (age unknown), all of Firebaugh, sustained only minor injuries. Officers at the scene noted that the dead man was not wearing a seat belt, while the other four men were. Alcohol does not appear to have been a contributing factor in the collision, the CHP reported. Motorists were reminded to wear their safety belts, and to drive safely and without distraction, especially on two lane roads where there is less of a margin for error.
Nancy Daniels (left) and Karen Lopez at one of Mendota's Downtown Beautification fundraising events. Making a Difference in Mendota Drive down 7th street in Mendota on a Saturday evening and you might see over 60 people happily staring at a wall, walk by on a workday and note the various students armed with buckets of paint and raw artistic talent, stroll through the locations that have sprouted new flowers and you'll soon be asking the same question.A group of Mendota residents, business owners, non-profit groups, students, parents, city council members, city hall staff, youth educators and even passers-by are all enjoying the art of making Mendota's downtown a true community centerpiece. The participants are part of the Mendota Downtown Beautification Committee, a volunteer group organized in early May because local citizens wanted to enhance their community entertainment and economic opportunities. After an open ideas session on May 22, the Committee developed a list of projects to create an attractive downtown space. Once armed with the list, committee volunteers found their momentum and haven't stopped moving forward since. Projects of the Committee now include free outdoor movie nights, a community mural, the development of a park and recreational area on 7th street, painting programs, business development opportunities, benches and trash barrels (to be installed in early September), and flowers and greenery. Generous financial support has come from PG&E, the Firebaugh-Mendota Rotary Club, the City of Mendota, local business donations and private persons. The amount of progress the committee has made has been all based on the coordination, intelligence and commitment of the numerous volunteers. As more people continue to become involved, the Committee will be continuing to expand its projects and services. New volunteers are always welcomed. To become involved, call Mendota City Hall at 655-3291 ext 17 or simply join in as you pass by. The next free movie night will be Tuesday, August 1 at the corner of Quince and 7th streets. As always, all are invited. The committee says its goal is that next time, community members don't just ask what's going on, but that they all take part and help to decide.
Presentation to Winner - The Firebaugh-Mendota Rotary Club Poker Run and Motorcycle Raffle event chairman, "Butch" Flemming presents winner Pablo Rangel of Firebaugh his 2006 Harley Davidson Heritage Motorcycle.
Hold Groundbreaking for New Mendota Library
An artist's rendering of the new Mendota Branch Library, locaed on Belmont Ave., just east of Derrick.
Fresno County Supervisor Phil Larson was MC for the event.
Mendota Council representatives Yvette Quiroga, Joseph Riofrio and Robert Silva were on hand.
Mendota Unified Board President Sergio Valdez speaks.
Library Representative Karen Bosch Cobb.
Below: Officials and even some of the school children attending the ceremony took turns wielding the traditional gold shovels during the groundbreaking ceremony. O
MENDOTA, May 26 - Groundbreaking ceremonies for a new Mendota Library building were held this morning. Over 50 dignitaries and two or three bus loads of local school children attended the ceremony, on Belmont Ave. just east of Derrick. The new library will replace Mendota’s current facility, in use since 1956. The new building will provide more than 12 times the space, expanding from the current 960 square foot building next door to City Hall, to one with 12,635 square feet, located a stones throw from the Mendota High campus. The new building will have computer, career and copy centers, a separate children’s area, a young adult space, a family literacy center, a ‘quiet room’ and a meeting room with outdoor patio space. The facility will be staffed by a librarian, two assistants and a part time aide. Mendota Mayor Joseph Riofrio said that with the new library the town will be "turning a corner." Funds for the $5.4 million project is from Fresno County Public Library Measure B , The State of California, Mendota Unified School Dist., and the Friends of the Library. Mendota has had a library since 1911, although the facilities have not been impressive. City Councilman Robert Silva recalled that in his youth the library was a small area in the lower part of a barn. "What a difference for our kids," he said Friday.
Firebaugh’s Joel Saldana Jr. was a speaker at West Hills College graduation ceremonies recently in Coalinga.
American Dream Alive, Well at West Hills College The American dream is alive and well at West Hills College from the look of the smiles on the faces of graduates and their families at Friday night’s (May 26) ceremonies. Congressman Jim Costa, whose 20th District includes much of the area served by West Hills, spoke to graduates of the struggles of his grandparents who immigrated to the U.S. 100 years ago. Like many of the graduates and their families, he said his grandparents came to the U.S. not speaking English and not able to read and write. Education is the key to a brighter future, the congressman said, adding his support for West Hills and the work it does in west side communities. Chancellor Frank Gornick commended Costa for his long-time support of West Hills—first when Costa served in the State Assembly and Senate and now as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Community Colleges. Dr. Anthony Tricoli, president of West Hills College Coalinga, encouraged graduates to be bold in their thinking. "Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk," he said. "It is often a simple idea by those who are willing to take a risk that will have the greatest impact, or experience the greatest degree of success." Robert Clement, athletic director at the college, was introduced as the West Hills alumnus of the year during the ceremonies. In addition to his work at the college and in representing it at state and national athletic organizations, Clement was recognized for his extensive work in the community. He currently chairs the Lemoore Planning Commission and is active in his church and a number of other community groups. Faculty Senate Awards were presented by Anita Bart, president of the WHCC Academic Senate. Karan Patlan, Ernesto Barajas and Hillary Davis were recognized for the department of social sciences/public service. Jarod Warren was honored by non-teaching faculty. Erica Gonzalez, Romelia Martinez and Graciela Hernandez were honored by science, math and physical education faculty. Tia McLauchlin and John Sanzberro were honored by allied health. Frank Sjoberg received the award for business and Bailey Smith and Tanya Lemaster were recognized by arts and letters. Firebaugh student Joel Saldana, Jr., did the graduate address and Coalinga students Hillary Davis, Danielle Jaurena and Jarod Warren sang, "My Wish." West Hills conferred 668 degrees and certificates during the Coalinga ceremony and others at West Hills College Lemoore and Naval Air Station, Lemoore. Of the graduates, 69 percent were women and 31 percent were men. The oldest student was 67 and the youngest, Corcoran’s Larry Lodgson, was 18. The number of degrees and certificates awarded at the college has almost doubled since 2000 when 345 were issued.
Washington Elementary School in Mendota enjoys traditional HIspanic folk dances during Cinco de Mayo celebrations
Local Wrestlers Compete at San Jose Members of the Firebaugh Wrestling Club were in action at the California State freestyle wrestling Championships, San Jose Convention Center on May 12-14. Results: Midget: To Triniserna 1-2; 50 Marcelino Madriz 3-2-5th place, 120 Javier Madriz-4-2, 3rd place Nice: 145 Bryan Cervantes 4 pins State Champion School Boyz: 95 Chris Martinez 7-1, 2nd place 75 Adam Magnusson-6-1, 2nd place 85 Lalo Gutierrez: 1-2 Cadets: 15&16 year olds: Manuel Pena 3-2; Elilisis Gutierrez: 3-2, Victor Rodriguez 3-2, Sal Agradano 3-2 JR Fila Johnny Coronado 3-2, 3rd Johnny Garcia: -0+2, 1+2 Emmanuel Gutierrez 1-2. 1-2 Alex Cervantes, 3-2, 5th, 2-2 Jaime Contreras 1-2 Referring: Adam Magnusson, Manuel Pena, Elilisis Gutierrez, Victor Rodriguez, Sal Agrgdano, Emmanuel Gutierrez, Jaime Contreras Record number 7 Great Job freestyle wrestling of 2005-2006 Coaches: Bill Magnusson, Rick Martinez, Javier Madriz, Alex Cervantes, Johnny Coronado.
Eagle Track Team Takes WSL Championship The Firebaugh High school Track and Field team concluded a very successful season by winning the 2006 Varsity Boys WSL championships. The team started the year well placing second at the Yosemite Invitational and continued their success though the season staying undefeated and winning the WSL championships with a 33 point margin over second place Fowler. The team was prepared and ready for a tough afternoon at the championships, they had one thing in mind, win a Championship and that they did. Placing at least three runners in just about every running event along with solid performances in the jumping events gave the Eagles the victory. Placing top three in their respective events were: Jessica Vasquez: HJ (4-6) 1st; LJ 14-4 3rd;Mayra Rocha 800 (2:42) 1st; 400 (1:04) 2nd Chelsea Best: High Jump (4-4) 2nd; 100 LH (18.8) 3rd Cristian Dominguez 100 (11.8) 3rd; 200 (24.0) 2nd; High jump (5-6) 3rd TJ (73-1) 2nd Michael Barragan: 400 (51.9) 2nd; 110 HH (17.10) 1st; 300 IH (42.6) 1st; LJ (20-4) 1st Remigio Gamino: 400 (54.9) 3rd; 300 IH (43.20) 2nd; 110 HH (17.7) 2nd Leo Nava 800 (2:11) 2nd; 1600 (4:58) 2nd; 3200 (10:54) 1st Jose Melendez 800 (2:13) 3rd Nick Gonzalez TJ (35-2) 3rd |
Looking at the architect's rendering of a new south wing of North District Center, Firebaugh, which will be funded by Measure W are (left to right) Rosemary Burciago, Sara Avila and Carmena Ramos.
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