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FIREBAUGH (Mar. 2) - A Firebaugh man was killed in a traffic accident west of the city on Mar. 2.

The California Highway Patrol reports that Antonio Moya, 39, died of injuries received at about 7:01 a.m., on Nees Ave., east of Oxford.

Investigators report Moya’s vehicle was hit by a one ton Chevy pickup being driven westbound on Nees. The driver, Kevin Lund, 23, of Clovis, had set the cruise control at 69 mph, and apparently fell asleep and allowed the vehicle to drift into the easbound lane.

Moya, driving a 1991 Nissan pickup eastbound at an unknown rate of speed, was unable to avoid the oncoming vehicle. He had to be extracated from his pickup due to the severity of the impact.

Both Lund and a passenger, Nathan Sierra, 28 of Fresno, suffered moderate injuries and were taken to Kaiser Hospital in Fresno.

All of the individuals were reported to have been wearing safety belts. There were no arrests reported.

Mendota High SADD Members

TURN YOUR OLD USED CELL PHONE INTO CHARITABLE CASH

MENDOTA, CA (Jan. 30) - Mendota High School SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) has begun a new campaign collecting used cellular phones to raise funds.

Talking with MHS SADD President Rosa Iraheta today, she stated that the funds would go to the SADD Chapter. This will include the club activities as well as drug, tobacco and alcohol prevention education for students. Founded as Students Against Driving Drunk in 1981 in Wayland, Massachusetts, SADD has grown to become the nation’s dominant peer-to-peer youth education and prevention organization with thousands of chapters in middle schools, high schools and colleges. In 1997, in response to requests from SADD students themselves, SADD expanded its mission and name and now sponsors chapters called Students Against Destructive Decisions.

The donation of your used cell phone will show the students that something old can be turned into cash for their fundraiser.

The American Cellular Donation Organization (ACDO) is supporting the cell phone drive, a non-profit based in Michigan. Those who donate will not only be contributing to a great cause but also be protecting the environment. ACDO recycles the old cell phones, which prevents them from ending up in landfills where they can be very hazardous to our environment. ACDO recycles the non-working phones according to EPA guidelines and sells the working phones to an affiliate company. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the reusable cellular phones, based on current market value, will go to Mendota High SADD Chapter.

"Every 23 seconds a new cell phone comes off the production line, creating 800 million new cell phones just this year. This gives you a good idea on how many old cell phones will sit unused in people’s homes. There is no reason to waste space when you could give it too a good cause and help protect the environment," said Vincent Serio, founder and CEO of ACDO.

There is an estimated 500 million used cellular phones now lying idle in America’s closets and desk drawers. Since 1999, millions of dollars have been generated from collecting, refurbishing, and reselling used cellular phones and recyclable materials. Most of this money, over $10.5 million, has been donated to charities. If you have any old cell phones, now is your chance to turn your trash into charitable cash.

To donate your old cell phone to support Mendota High School SADD Chapter, you may drop off your cell phone at Mendota High School. In Fresno, you may drop off your cell phones at the Central Valley YMCA (downtown) or People’s Church (north lobby) in North Fresno/Clovis. For more information about Mendota High School SADD and its used cell phone drive, call Cheryl Taylor, SADD Advisor, at (559-655-2503).

Happy 100th Birthday

FIREBAUGH (Feb. 8) - Congratulations to Francisca Patlan, a resident of the city for 65 years who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. She was surrounded by family and friends during the special occasion.

Richard Knight (left), shown accepting a plaque from Mendota Unified Board Presiden Sergio Valdez.

KNIGHT RECOGNIZED FOR 49 YEARS SERVICE TO MENDOTA

At its Jan. 11 Board Meeting the Mendota Unified School District Board of Trustees honored longtime trustee Richard Knight with a plaque of appreciation. Since Knight is moving out of the area, he has submitted his letter of resignation effective Jan. 31. Knight has served on the Board of Trustees the past four decades, beginning in 1974. He began his teaching career in Mendota Unified School District as a teacher and coach in 1957, and continued in the district until his retirement in 1973. In recognition of his 49 years of service, dedication and contributions to Mendota Unified, the Board held a special presentation at its Jan. 11 Board Meeting to honor Knight.