TheRanchos · 2019. 7. 1. · This is typical of our Board’s reaction to an issue. A vote to...

The PRSRT STDECRU.S. POSTAGE PAIDMADERA, CA.PERMIT NO. 61

Volume 5 Issue 12 2009 The Official Publication of Southeastern Madera County 50¢

RanchosIndependent

In This Issue The D.O.G. House • Page 4 / Editorial • Page 5GV Views • 6 / Classifieds • Page 22 / Fun Pages • Page 26

Santa Arrives in the Ranchos

Santa Claus is surrounded by Ranchos areaGirl Scouts for the annual lighting of the

Community Christmas Tree at Maywood Center.Photo courtesy of Don Foster

Click on “Local News” at

Math Crazy TutoringAlsoRelocates to Maywood Center

The Inaugural Maywood CenterChristmas Fair started with an idea topromote the businesses in the MaywoodShopping Center and to increase Christ-mas sales. Jackie Soltero, owner of theDog Gone Cute Store and some of herfriends chose Saturday, Dec. 5 as the datewith the idea that it’s just before every-one gets too busy and before any bigstorms might arrive. She contacted theother businesses in the Maywood Centerto encourage participation, but because itwas short notice several businesses wereunable to be as involved as they wouldhave liked.

Amazingly though, it all came to-gether with sidewalk vendors, funnelcakes and the Grinch. The Madera Ani-mal Shelter brought several pets foradoption, four of which found homes forChristmas. The Friends of the RanchosLibrary sold books and Snickers bars andthe Beauty Club sold Christmas gifts andvideos from their video store. The DogGone Cute Store had tables with Christ-mas sale items of all types for pets andpet owners. The Houstons of the MaderaRanchos sold delicious funnel cakes andlemonade in front of the Ranchos Libraryand Tom Filer, owner of Math Crazy nowlocated in the Maywood Center, dressedup as the Grinch and posed for photo-graphs with brave shoppers and businessowners. The photos were taken by EllenMester of the Ranchos Library and werequickly printed by Hart’s Photographyand Gifts.

More Info About Math CrazyFor the past four years,Math CrazyTu-

toring has been offering help in both mathand reading comprehension toMadera Ran-chos residents from its location on Avenue12. Tom and Pat Filer sold their building onAvenue 12 but will continue to provide tu-toring in the Ranchos from their new loca-tion in the Maywood Shopping Center.

“There is still a great need for our serv-ices,” saidTomFiler, whowill stay andman-age theMaderaTutoringCenter.MathCrazyis now located to the west and next door tothe Madera Ranchos Library in the May-wood Shopping Center. The Madera centerwill be co-managed byWhitney Crane.

Beginning in January, Math Crazywill also offer a Saturday Seminar inS.A.T. preparation. The Filers, who cre-ated the Math Crazy brand, operate addi-tional tutoring centers in both Fresno andClovis.

The Maywood Center had the Grinch onhand for its first Christmas Fair the first weekin December, with the Grinch played by May-wood Center’s newest business owner, TomFiler of Math Crazy Tutoring, flanked here byhis wife Pat (left) and daughter Lizzie.

Grinch Brings Gifts to Holiday Fair

After all of the meetings and all of the talking and all of thewaiting, the “Draft Madera Ranchos Avenue 12 Corridor VisionPlan” is now available. This is the codified result of meetingsbetween Ranchos citizens and members of Madera County’sPlanning Department and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Depart-ment of City and Regional Planning. The 59 page documentis quite impressive, showing every step of the process so farincluding pictures submitted by Ranchos residents, wish listsfor what community members said the wanted for Avenue12 and what they said they didn’t want.

Included in the package are all recommendations, land usesuggestions, road use suggestions, sidewalk suggestions, greenery and land-

scaping suggestions -- it is quite a complete volume.The Vision Plan is available at the following locations:1) The Ranchos Library (2 copies available)2) The Madera County Resource Management Agency (Planning Department)3) The internet at www.madera-county.com/rma/archives/uploads/1260212847_Document_upload_maderaranchosavenue12draftvisionplan12409.pdf.

Avenue 12 Vision Plan NowOnline

Cal Fire wishes you and your family asafe holiday season and to enjoy the holidayseason during the winter months, Cal FireMadera/Mariposa/Merced Unit Chief DaleHutchinson would like to remind you to becautious with trees, lights, candles, orna-ments, fireplaces and wood stoves. Duringthis hectic time of year remember fire knowsno holiday.

Do not dispose of fireplace and woodstove ashes until they are dead out. Heat canstay in ashes or coals for 3-7 days after yourfire is out. Never place ashes or coals intopaper bags or plastic containers. Always usea metal container to transport the ashes orcoals to a safe place. Never place ashes orcoals into a dumpster or trash can for dis-posal. They can and do start fires. If a dump-ster stored under the eaves of your home or

near your apartment caught fire it could spelldisaster for you and your family. The samecould happen if your waste disposal truckcaught fire in your neighborhood. Please usecaution when disposing of hot ashes andcoals.

Remember a dry Christmas tree willburn like a torch.Make sure your tree is fresh,re-cut the trunk at least one inch above theold cut as soon as you get it home. Keep thefresh cut end of the tree trunk in water. Neverplace your tree near a heat source. Check thewater level in the Christmas tree stand daily.Never use old or frayed electrical cords on ornear your tree. Never place candles on aChristmas tree. Promptly remove your treeafter the holiday and dispose of properly.

For more safety tips visit:www.fire.ca.gov.

Fire Safety:What’s Hot,What’s Not

A house fire on the morning of Dec. 7at 35221 John Albert Drive in the Ranchosserved to illustrate how thinly stretched fireservices are for Southeastern MaderaCounty.

Less than an hour earlier a house firein Madera near Highway 99 andAvenue 17was reported and was being fought whenthe call for the Ranchos fire came in. Al-though two Ranchos volunteers arrived onthe scene within minutes of the call, sincethere was only one person manning each of

the fire engines they were unable to ag-gressively attack the fire. A valuable watertender that was being used at the first firecouldn’t be released to go to the Ranchosfire until the first fire was under controland, as a result, firefighters had to wait fora water tender to arrive from Coarsegold.In addition, firefighters had to pump waterfrom neighboring swimming pools to try tocontrol the Ranchos fire.

Resident Carrie Der Garabedian wasnot hurt in the fire.

RanchosFire ShowsStrain onSystem

Congratulations to the LibertyHighVarsity Football Team. On Dec. 11 theywent toe-to-toe with Corcoran High fortheValleyDivisionVChampionship forthe first time ever in one of the most ex-citing football games thiseditor has ever seen. Thefinal score of 31-28 forCorcoran doesn’t tell thewhole story. It doesn’t tellabout Josh Garza’s 220yards for the night or hisincredible 85-yard kickoffreturn. It doesn’t tell aboutJustin Weldon's laserbeam accuracy with fieldgoals, extra points andthen, just for good measure, a 39-yardtouchdown reception that put us aheadwith about 8minutes left to play. It does-n’t tell about Garrett Doss’ playmakingability at quarterback or Big Ben

Cowger’s never-relenting defensiveskills that drew double and triple block-ers all night -- and he still got through.There was Mack truck Dylan Ferreirawho just kept hitting them right up the

middle, over and over. Lib-erty player after playerstood up and didwhat theyhad to do to get the jobdone and the final scoredoesn’t reflect that either.Coach Mike Nolte is to becommended for doing atruly awesome job withthese great youngmen andwith 20 seniors leaving theteam hiswork is cut out for

him next year.We are truly proud of you guys.

You play for love of the game andthere’s nothing more noble thanthat. Thank you.

LHSPlays inDiv.VChampionshipCorcoran High Squeaks By 31-28 in Heartbreaker

www.The Ranchos.com

Nearly5 millionU.S. homesalready relyon clean, safepropane ...

Propane is an approved,clean fuel listed in the1990 Clean Air Act andthe Energy Policy Actof 1992.

Propane is one of the cleanest burning ofall fossil fuels, is nontoxic and is notharmful to soil or water.

What are YOU waiting for?

WIN FREE PROPANE!

NAME _________________________________ADDRESS ______________________________CITY _______________ STATE ____ ZIP ______PHONE ________________________________AVAILABLE BETWEEN JULY 1 - AUG. 31, 2010 • MUST BE A VALLEY PROPANE CUSTOMER

WIN250GALLONSOFPROPANE

MAIL TO: Valley Propane • PO Box 125 • Mendota, CA 93640

PROUDLYSERVING

THEMADERARANCHOS

SERVINGALL THERANCHOS’PROPANENEEDS

Propane fulfills energyneeds by burningcleanly and efficiently,giving you morevalue for yourenergy dollar.

• FREELEAKTEST• FREETANKRENTALFIRSTYEAR •Service you can trust at prices you can afford! We are locally owned.

Propane is used for furnaces, waterheaters, air conditioners, outdoorgrills, fireplaces and appliances.

12/0

9

I missed the Board meeting yesterday, Dec.15, but popped in to watch a couple of issues on-l ine today. I saw Dan Francouer of Ahwahneepresent the Board with a petition signed by 1,100cit izens asking the Board to replace the fundingfor Raymond and Ahwahnee winter f ire protect ion.

I do not think it goes far enough.All five Board members voted to cut the fire protection budget dur-

ing the budget hearings. We should not simply be attempting to fundRaymond and Ahwahnee at the expense of another area . I bel ieveMadera Ranchos was number two on the lis t of cuts , and with the cur-rent level of funding would see their staff ing eliminated. I t is t ime toend this B.S. of pit t ing cit izens against cit izens, f ighting for their verylives. The problem was created when all f ive Board members voted tocut the Fire protect ion budget – that is where the solut ion must befound.

One of the issues on the agenda was a couple of Board memberstrying to block the rescinding of the vote to cut funding for Raymondand Ahwahnee winter f ire protect ion.

This is typical of our Board’s reaction to an issue.A vote to rescind a previous vote requires a majori ty of the Board

to vote for i t . Rather than putt ing it on the agenda and allowing publicscrutiny and comment the Board decided to change Robert’s Rules ofOrder el iminating the Board’s abil i ty to correct a bad decision when amajori ty of the Board feels they made the wrong decision.

I received comments on a poss ible way to save money in ourbudget: Why not combine the Madera County Sherif f and theMadera County Corrections Departments? First some history.

Back in the 70’s, when Ed Bates was Sheriff , he fought continuallyand publicly with the Board. As a result , in order to punish him, theytook away the ja i l and created the Depar tment of Correct ions . Thisamounted to taking away more than 50 percent of the resources andbudget of the Sheriff . They showed him!

I am told a statewide bil l was passed soon after, preventing otherthan the exist ing Counties – Lake, Santa Clara and now Madera – fromhaving this separat ion. I t seems logical to have law enforcement andcorrect ions under one roof and would surely el iminate some duplica-t ion in overhead and/or management services. I t is well past t ime forthe Board to get over their tantrum and put it back the way it should be.I hope this would include juvenile and the Probation Departments aswell .

Unfortunately this would create two issues our Board would mostlikely object to. It would consolidate law enforcement under an electedoff ic ia l ( the Sher i ff ) accountable to the ci t izens of Madera Countyrather than individual department heads serving at the pleasure of theBoard. The other issue is that cuts would likely be in the area of man-agement and overhead posi t ions. To this point nearly al l budget cutsimplemented by the Board of Supervisors have targeted “boots on theground” employees actually providing services to us taxpayers, spar-ing management and administrat ive functions.

Every now and then a DOG just needs to bark a bit .This week [of Dec. 6] a t the Board of Supervisors meet ing the

“Chair” decided, “We are not going to have public comment on thismatter,” jus t af ter the Board had appointed our new Audi tor-Con-trol ler. California’s open government laws require the public be givenan opportunity to comment before or during the considerat ion of anyissue.

I have dedicated a lot of t ime and money in my efforts to keep cit-izens informed and trying to get more cit izens involved in our govern-ment . The effor t has been at t imes rewarding but most ly frustra t ing.

The D.O.G. HouseDemand Open Government by Dale Drozen

Click on “Local News” at37075 Avenue 12 • Madera Ranchos • 645-6630

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

VELVET TOUCH CARWASH Winter Hours • Sun - Tue & Thu - Fri • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.Sat • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Closed weekdays from 1 - 2 p.m.

Great Christmas Gifts!1. CarWashCouponBooks • 10washes for the price of 8!2. Gift Certificates for Detailing, Shampoos,Waxes, Etc.

Merry ChristmasShop the Ranchos. All of our personnel live in the Ranchos

and support local businesses.

Bronze

ExpressWash

$5.25

from Chet and all the Velvet Touch employees

• We are in a water crisis.Velvet Touch Car Washdoes, and will continue to, help save water • By usingVelvet Touch you save anywhere from 70 to more than100 gallons of water over washing your car at home • Homecar washes use anywhere from 80-140 gallons of water whereas a VelvetTouch Express Wash uses between 15-32 gallons with 50% of that waterrecycled • Velvet Touch Self Serve Bay Washes use only 8-12 gallons.

Self ServeBayWash$1.50 Moving TruckRentals Startingat$19.95

12/0

9

ccoolllleeccttaabblleetthhee BRAND NEWVERY

YYoouurr HHoolliiddaayy GGiifftt CCeenntteerr

AAllffrreessccoo CCooffffeeee

37164 Avenue 12 #102 • 645-1225

*with purchase

12/09

1 OFF!$ *00We’re1 YEAROLD!

• T-Shirts • CD’s • Gift Certificates •• 1/2 to 1 lb. Coffee Beans •

travel mug/coffee mug

The girls at Alfresco Coffeewant to say“Thanks a Latte”for a wonderfulfirst year ofserving ourloyalcustomers.

Contact your local distributor for more info!call KRISTA ROGERS at 559-284-8316

December 28, 2009

Texas A&M vs Georgia

12/0

9

Please see D.O.G. on P. 19

www.The Ranchos.com

37167 Ave. 12, Suite 5C • Madera, CA 93636 • [email protected]

The Ranchos Independent is published by Five and Two Publishing.All contents of this publication are copyright 2009, all rights reserved.Reprintingwithout the permission of the

copyright holder is forbidden by law.All articles are submitted as the opinion of the author, who remains solely responsible for the content. The in-

formation gathered for this publication is from sources that are considered to be reliable, but are not guaranteed.Opinions expressed in advertisements or articles remain the opinion of the writer.Randy Bailey............Publisher/EditorChristi McKinney.................ReporterJean Briner..............Advertising SalesLana Tracy..............Advertising Sales

RanchosIndependentThe

559-645-0634

By Randy Bailey

And they said it wouldn’t last.More correctly, after a few of those

first papers came out five years ago andcertain readers from the left side of theaisle saw the direction of the editorials,they hoped it wouldn’t last. But here weare.

It was a little over five years agothat I walked into the Ranchos Inde-pendent office for the first time becauseI had a complaint with Mr. Bill Bell.You see, I had written a letter to the ed-itor (yeah, people actually do that) andBill had made the mistake of includingmy name, address and phone numberwith the letter.

You can imagine my chagrin.After we talked for a little bit we

were both pretty much laughing at themistake and I was given assurances thatit wouldn’t happen again and I was con-fident that it wouldn’t.

It was at about this time that mybusiness partner and I were building upa little couponing book that we hadstarted exclusively for the Madera mar-ket called the Super Clipper. We werecalling upon Cobb Ranch to try and getsome advertising for the christmas treelot when Jim Cobb mentioned to me thatthe Ranchos Independent was for saleand that I should look into buying it.

Even though I had a degree in Jour-nalism from Fresno State, I had never

considered owning a newspaper. Thatnight, visions of William RandolphHearst danced in my head. I saw myselfrunning through Hearst Castle andwielding power untold if I just wouldmake this humble commitment andbegin with this one simple little news-paper. Of course I forgot to recall thatWilliam Randolph Hearst was the guywho, when he was in college at the turnof the century, had an annual allowancefrom daddy of a million dollars ... andthat was when a million dollars was,well, a real million dollars.

I met with Bill, negotiated a fewthings and next thing you know I owneda newspaper. My business partner hungaround for a little over a year and thenwe decided to part ways with me takingthe Ranchos Independent and partnertaking the Super Clipper. Here we arefive years later and you’re holding theRanchos Independent in your hands ...where’s your Super Clipper?

The biggest thanks go out to you,the people of the Ranchos who havesupported this little paper over the lastfive years. I really cannot thank youenough nor could I have done it withoutyou.

The biggest change in my life overthe last five years has been the associa-tions I’ve made and involvement withthe community that I try to faithfullyserve month in and month out. I wastalking with someone in my office just

Five Years ... and Counting

The size of thefederal

budget is notan

appropriatebarometer

of socialconscience

orcharitable

concern.

Editorial

the other day about those days when Ididn’t know what was going on in mycommunity and how I used to feel“dumb and happy” sitting in my Bon-nadelle Ranchos home, oblivious to allthis Madera County stuff going on (ormore often not going on) around me.

I can’t imagine that now.Socrates said that the unexamined

life isn’t worth living. Prior to owningthe Ranchos Independent, I didn’t ex-amine the very community I called myhome; the community my wife and Ichose specifically to raise our three girls.I was just a cork bobbing along on thewaters of life, ending up wherever Ifloated to that day without using muchof a thought process to get there.

What I’m getting at is get involvedin your community. For me the flashpoint was ownership of the Ranchos In-dependent. Whatever your “hot button”is, press it and help make a differencehere in our home. You won’t be sorry.


12/09Ranchos Dental Care

& Orthodontics37144 Avenue 12 #104Madera Ranchos

www.ranchosdental.com559-645-5320

Now Is The Time To Shed Those Unwanted Pounds

• NutritionalCounseling &Menu Included

• AM PMMedications

• Diet Injection

Look Good and Feel GreatLOSE WEIGHT

224-6744“WeAre VeryAffordable”

4844 N. First, #101 • Fresno, CA 93726 • Between Shaw & SantaAna

OPEN: Monday - Friday9:00 AM until 5:30 PM

DIETWORLD MEDICALGROUP

WE KNOW LOW CARBS!

1st visit only

$20OFFAND INCHES TOOQuick, FastResults

CALL NOW!

12/09

Dear Editor:

Native American tribes face many ob-stacles in overcoming centuries of poverty,political disenfranchisement, and loss oftraditional lands. But perhaps the most un-fair barrier we face comes from wealthygaming tribes using their political and fi-nancial powers to crush the economic as-pirations of tribes such as ours in order toprotect their own narrow economic inter-ests.

Why are some wealthy tribes doingthis? They don’t want competition. In apattern repeated across the nation, wealthytribes are lining up against newcomertribes to stall or derail legitimate gamingprojects. Their tactics include media attackads, strong-arming community groups tooppose new projects, and, of course, backroom lobbying and political payoffs.

Recent attacks by the ChukchansiEconomic Development Authority againstthe proposed North Fork Rancheria desti-nation hotel and casino resort continue thistrend. These inaccurate attacks jeopardizedesperately needed local jobs, business op-portunity, and community investment andperpetuate misinformation about tribesand tribal projects.

Chukchansi ads and direct mailershave twisted the history of the North Forkproject beyond recognition. For instance,Chukchansi claims that our developerbought land in Madera and then “re-cruited” our tribe. In fact, our Tribe se-lected our developer—not the other wayaround—and then authorized them to se-cure an option for our proposed site.

Chukchansi would have you thinkwe’re ignoring an opportunity to build acasino on our own land or elsewhere inNorth Fork. This ignores the fact that ourreservation is small, remote and owned byindividuals and not by our Tribe. TheGovernor, the County, and the local com-munity all agree that the tiny town ofNorth Fork is not suited for commercialdevelopment of a casino and we thereforecannot acquire new land for gaming there.

Chukchansi also claims that our Tribeis somehow skirting the law. We aren’t. In-stead, we are following the precise processthat Congress established in 1988 to pro-vide tribes without a land base, such asNorth Fork, the same opportunity to en-gage in tribal governmental gaming thatChukchansi was afforded. This process isthe only way left to us to develop eco-nomically so that we, like Chukchansi, cantake care of our citizens and community atlarge.

Chukchansi’s claim that allowing ourproject to proceed will open the floodgates

to off-reservation gaming does not squarewith the facts. Over the past two decades,only four of the roughly 325 tribes whooperate casinos nationwide have qualifiedunder the same process that we are fol-lowing. Ours is only one of two such proj-ects pending nationwide where theGovernor has allowed the project to moveforward by entering into a compact withthe Tribe.

As we near final approval, you willhear other attacks by special interests des-perate to maintain their economic advan-tage at any cost. These attacks may comedirectly from tribes or through hired localproxies or “independent” advocates re-ceiving financial or political benefits fromgaming tribes.

Such tactics undermine the economicprospects for our Tribe, Madera County,and consumers who fare better with morecompetition. They also tend to drown outmore legitimate issues that may exist andstain the image of tribal gaming that hasbrought many benefits to tribes and localcommunities. We’re confident that thepeople of Madera County will understandthe source and motive behind such self-serving and counter-productive attacks.

The North Fork tribe has been andwill remain good neighbors and citizens ofMadera County. Our project is a result ofcareful planning with the local community,the County, and the State and will result ina project that will benefit us all without se-rious harm to Chukchansi or any othertribe’s economic interest. Our mitigationsteps will address any significant potentialimpacts of the project or legitimate con-cerns of our neighbors. If you look at thefacts and beyond the distortions, we thinkyou will agree with us and continue theunprecedented support of our project.

Elaine Bethel-FinkTribal ChairpersonNorth Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians

Dear Editor:

Afewdays ago Iwent to themarket to geta loaf of bread. I noticed the avocadoswere twofor $1 so decided Iwould get four. Iwent to thecheckout and found I had only one dollar anda little change in my purse so I left the avoca-dos as I needed the bread.

As I went to get in my car, someone be-hind me said, “Here are your avocados,Ma’am.” I was startled as this was a veryyoung child. I told this little one that I did not

Letters

The Milgard Makeover

Clearly a beautiful offer

SAVE ENERGY!BEAUTIFYYOUR HOME! REDUCE STREET NOISE!

Nothing increases energy efficiency while reducing out-side noise like award-winning Milgard replacement windows.Locally made and serviced, Milgard offers an industry leadinglifetime guarantee. If your home is ready for a makeover, callMadera Glass & Mirror, your certified Milgard dealer today.

CONTACT US TODAY FORAFREE ESTIMATE

559-673-3583Madera Glass & Mirror Co. • 1825 Howard Rd., Madera

FINANCINGAVAILABLE

O.A.C.

12/09

MERRY CHRISTMASFrom Our Family To Yours!

Thank Youfor your supportthroughoutthe year

645-891812/09

Please see LETTERS on P. 21

www.The Ranchos.com

12/0

9


12

/09

www.bedrockeng.com559.645.4849

our Madera Ranchos office!For a free consultation, call

A solid foundation for your next projectLand Surveying • Civil Engineering • Consulting

INVEST IN YOUR EXISTING PROPERTY!• Save money on flood insurance with an elevation certificate• Verify your property line locations with a boundary survey• Reconfigure your property lines with a lot line adjustment• Improve your property with a grading and drainage plan• Divide your property with a parcel mapDedicated to serving the land surveying and civil engineering needs of Madera Ranchos and the Central Valley

SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE RANCHOS INDEPENDENT

Have you ever heard “It’s sand-wich weather” or “It’s dessertweather”? I haven’t either, but youprobably have heard, “It’s soupweather.” It got below freezing acouple of nights and it has been rain-ing off and on now for the past week,so it is definitely “soup weather.”

Soup can be made with or with-out meat and just about any kind ofvegetables. It can be made with water,stock or milk. Putting all that to-gether, the possibilities are limitless.

After Thanksgiving there is al-ways turkey soup, but you don’t haveto wait until the turkey is devouredand only the ugly bones are left. I’mnot fond of cooking the carcass forsoup anyway – it is just too muchwork. I’m always afraid of those lit-tle bones getting into the broth so wetake as much meat off the bones aspossible, toss the carcass and freezethe meat until time to make soup. If Iwere to use the bones, I would defi-nitely strain the broth before using it.

This is my favorite way to maketurkey soup without using the stockfrom the turkey carcass.

Turkey Soup2 cans chicken stock1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes1 16 oz. pkg. frozen mixed veg-etablesHalf medium onion – chopped1 cup diced carrotsCouple of potatoes peeled anddiced½ cup alphabet or star macaroni1 can cream style cornHalf small head of cabbagesliced & choppedLeftover turkey pulled into smallpiecesSalt and pepper to tastePour the stock into a large soup

pot. Add the tomatoes and mixedvegetables and the chopped onion.Add enough water to cover vegeta-bles well. Add salt and pepper totaste. Bring to a boil and turn burnerdown to simmer for about 25 min-utes. Add the carrots and simmer an-other 10 minutes before adding thepotatoes. Taste to see if more salt &

pepper is needed. Add more water (oranother can of stock) as you go tocover the vegetables well. Let thissimmer until the tomatoes have bro-ken down and the frozen vegetableshave softened – this should takeabout 45 minutes to an hour. Turn theheat up to a low boil and add themacaroni. You should stir this be-cause the macaroni tends to stick tothe bottom of the pot. As soon as themacaroni is done, turn the fire backdown to a simmer and add the creamcorn, and the cabbage. When all thisis cooked, add the turkey and simmeruntil the meat is hot.

I know you could throw every-thing into the pot all at once, but Ifeel it just tastes better cooked in lay-ers. And remember, this is my recipeso I want you to personalize it as youlike. I love cooked carrots, that’s whyI add additional carrots. If you oryour family doesn’t like something Ihave listed, don’t use it. If you likesomething else – put it in. Anotherthing, if you don’t have any leftoverturkey use a couple of boiled chickenbreasts. If you boil chicken for thesoup, be sure to use that liquid inyour soup instead of water.

We also had a ham for Thanks-giving. When most of the meat wastrimmed off, I got the bone to makesplit pea soup. One of the simplestsoups to make except you have towatch it closer than most as the peashave a tendency to stick.

Split Pea SoupHam Bone1 lb. bag split peasChopped OnionChopped carrotsChopped, peeled potatoSalt & PepperIn a large pot boil the ham bone

in plenty of water to cover. As itcooks, foam will form on the surfaceof the liquid; just spoon it off anddiscard. In another pot I put the peasthat have been rinsed and pickedthrough to take out any small rocks. Icover the peas with enough water tocover well and cook on a mediumflame. Do not season at this point butbe careful as they will stick if cookedtoo fast. When the ham bone hascooked for about 30 minutes take itout of the water and trim what meatmay be left on the bone. Discard thebone and set aside the meat. In the

Please see RECIPES on P. 15 674-8591

GOLD GLASSPrecision Collision Repair

Fine Quality Craftmanship

Insurance Claims Welcomed FREE ESTIMATES

12/0

9

MMEERRRRYY CCHHRRIISSTTMMAASS && HHAAPPPPYY NNEEWW YYEEAARR FFRROOMM TTHHEE SSTTAAFFFFSpecializing In:

• Foreign & DomesticCar Repairs• Custom Paint• Color Matching• Insurance Work

• Frame Straightening• Unibody Frame Repairs• Chroma VisionColor Matching

by Jean Briner

www.The Ranchos.com

The more efficient a system, the less fuelit uses, and the better it is for theenvironment. ENERGYSTAR®-qualified York AffinityFurnaces have an off-the-charts efficiency rating ofup to 98%.* As a matter offact, the York Affinity Mod-ulating Furnace is themost efficient gas-firedresidential furnace on themarket today. Rather than simply switching on or off, it workslike a dimmer switch—evenly replacing the amount of heatleaving the home and automatically adjusting itself to maintainthe desired temperature setting. Quiet, eco-friendly Affinity sys-tems save energy, money, and the planet. Now that feels nice.* Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings up to 98% on select models, nolower than 97.5% on all models with variable speed motor.

Available on select systems. Call your York Dealer for details.UP TO $1,500 TAX CREDIT

The eco-friendlyYork Affinity™Series Furnaces.

12/09

12/09

Spoonful of Ranchos Water RealityWater Without Borders

By Igal Treibatch

A thousand mile march beginswith one step!

It is as true a statement as anyonecan make. But, if you are not preparedfor it, your last step will not be at theend of a thousand miles, it may beinto an ambulance on the way there.

The march I’m talking about isthe march we “must” embark on, amarch toward a spring with crystalclear water, a spring that will not stopflowing and will keep on giving, and amarch to self preservation. As oftoday, we in the Ranchos are usingmore ground water than we haveavailable. The ground water cannot bereplaced fast enough and the groundwater table is dropping. The groundwater aquifer is just not sustainable atthe current rate we are using it.

We, all of us, in an area I will de-scribe as “The Ranchos,” that is: theMadera Ranchos, Bonadelle Ranchos,Rolling Hills and people occupyingthe general proximity of SoutheastMadera west of highway 41.

We are allowing the march tobegin without us. “We are not ready!”We are not prepared.

Yes, we have enough headacheswith today’s economy and you don’tneed my preaching a sermon aboutthings going from bad to worse. I’mnot here to spread doom and gloom,today I’m dishing just “a spoonful ofreality.”

Well, friends and neighbors, I dohave some very good news. It is nottoo late.

With just a little bit of energy, to-gether we can do something about itand improve the Ranchos. But weneed to do it together and we need todo it now.

The SituationLet me explain what I’m talking

about and the situation as it is. Nopolitics, just a spoonful of reality. Allof Madera’s supervisors are hard atwork. Personally do not envy any ofthem at all. I respect each and everyone of them for the commitment theyhave taken upon themselves, enduringhours poring over details, discussions,arguments and listening to our com-plains, all the while knowing thatsometimes it can be a thankless jobbecause one can never do it all for

every person.I’m talking about the IRWMP (In-

tegrated Regional Water ManagementPlan). If you read my articles in thepast, I promised you that you will hearthat phrase over and over again be-cause that is one of the doors to thepreservation of the Ranchos – ourpreservation.

The program is run by the State asa carrot and a stick to try and help in-directly to create better water re-sources management. The carrot:Money, for improvement projects ifyou work toward regional water man-agement integration and; The stick:No Money, if you don’t! Leaving youin a worse state. The thought is tobring water management under morestate control in my opinion, since youhave to meet their criteria, but throughthe IRWMP we may be able to startcorrecting the folly of our water prob-lems.

When I found out about theprocess that could provide the Ran-chos with some state grant money andcould help us with some of our prob-lems I got excited and joined theIRWMP formation subcommittee. Noone asked me, I just realized the need.That was the time when a spoonful ofreality hit me between the eyes.

I was the only one in the roomspeaking on behalf of the Ranchos.The “Integrated Regional Water Man-agement Plan” did not include, or In-tegrate, the “Ranchos Region.” Whyyou might ask? Because we are not apart of a representing body that canqualify as a signatory to the agree-ment which would allow us to stand inline and submit a plan for the preser-vation of the Ranchos correcting someof our lingering problems. An indi-vidual is not able to represent a com-munity; only through a community’srepresenting body can that beachieved.

Yes, we are a part of MaderaCounty and Madera County will be asignatory to the agreement, but thereare other Madera communities whichalso need help and who do you helpfirst? And where do you get themoney to go through the neededprocess in a budget cutting environ-ment?

Please see WATER on P. 12

Senior Report

NewlyElectedOfficersatSeniorCenterBy Eleanore Burchell

The Ranchos/Hills Seniors, Inc., lo-cated at 37330 Berkshire Drive, is cele-brating the accomplishments we havemade during 2009 and looking forward tomore trips, dinners, etc. in 2010. You aregraciously invited to join our fun. Justcome by and visited us.

Our facility is open Monday throughFriday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.We have trips,dinners, games, exercise classes, etc. Justdrop by and find out how friendly we are.Hopefully, some have visited us during thisChristmas Season to see and enjoy ourbeautifully decorated center. Our boutiquehas had many, many colorful handmadegifts for sale. The boutique has frequentnew items and al-ways tastefully dis-played.

On Monday,Dec. 14 we held ourChristmas Dinneralong with the in-stallation of the2010 officers. Theyare Ethel Pronin,President; RuthBaker, Vice Presi-dent; Shirley Tickel,Treasurer; CarolynReeves, AssistantTreasurer; NancyKoontz, RecordingSecretary; andEleanore Burchell,Correspondence Secretary. New Directorsare Kathryn Fike and Doyle Thompson.We are all very excited to start another yearwith our new officers.

Many of you may remember Jim Shaw.Sadly, we must tell you he passed away sev-eral weeks ago. Hewill bemissed in the Ran-chos community and by all of our members.

Our next sale will be held on Satur-day, Jan. 2, 2010, at 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.Many of our members will be there togreet you. Now is the season to plant bare-root trees so plan to attend the sale andcheck out the trees available. The bakesale and treasure house will have manynew items. The boutique has jewelry andnovelty items and much more. Please re-member the plant, produce and boutiquesections are available Monday throughFriday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdayevenings between 6 and 9 p.m. We cur-rently have jellies, persimmons, lemonsand other citrus for sale. We also haveplain and sugared walnuts in the producesection.

Our center is affiliated with FMAAA(Fresno/Madera Area Agency on Aging).We invite you to come in and check withJoann about programs which will helpyou.

Did you know two nurses from theMadera County Health Department Peri-odically come to the center to give FREEcheckups? The screenings include per-sonal health history reviews, blood pres-sure checks and blood sugar checks.Low-cost blood tests are available, nutri-tion and health education is available andreferrals to medical providers and com-munity services, if needed, can be made.Their health screenings of adults, age 50and OVER, at the center result ONLYwhen they receive your calls. If you are in-

terested in taking ad-vantage of theirservices, callMelody at 675-7893to make an appoint-ment.

Our membersand friends go outfor breakfast, lunchor dinner at a differ-ent place eachmonth to celebratebirthdays and an-niversaries. Our Jan-uary plans have notbeen made untilafter the 2010 staffhas been installed. Ifyou want to join us

for any of our events call Joann at 645-4864. We enjoy eating and having fun andwe urge you to come and join us.

If you are new to the area, lonely orhave just lost a spouse, we welcome youto come in to see us. We are here for you at37330 Berkshire Drive. Many of our mem-bers have surely experienced your samesituation so please call us at 645-4864.

SENIOR THOUGHT OF THE DAY“The hardest tumble a man can make is

to fall over his own bluff.”Ambrose Bierce

In the senior years, many need some-one to laugh with, so come join our Thurs-day evening potlucks with games playedafterward. There is a lot of fun here and re-member, laughter is good for your bodyand soul and being happy does not meaneverything is perfect – it means you havedecided to see beyond the imperfections.

Please see SENIORS on P. 18

“... two nurses from theMadera County Health Depart-ment Periodically come to thecenter to give FREE checkups... screenings include personalhealth history reviews, bloodpressure checks and bloodsugar checks ... health screen-ings of adults, age 50 andOVER, at the center resultONLY when they receive yourcalls.”

Michael Sutherland& Associates, Inc.

12/09 Lic. #PLS 5815 36691 Avenue 12 • Madera Ranchos

TTIIRREEDD OOFF PPAAYYIINNGGFFOORR FFLLOOOODD IINNSSUURRAANNCCEE??

645-4730 • Fresno 447-5815

Lenders' requirements vary, but an ElevationCertificate could reduce the cost of flood in-

surance (or eliminate it completely). You can't afford to wait any longer,

so contact the professionalstoday at

CA #142100

SAND & GRAVEL •CRUSHED ROCK •

LANDSCAPE MATERIAL •FILL DIRT •TOP SOIL •HUMUS •BARK •CHIPS •

RIVER ROCK •BASE ROCK •ROCK DUST •

COBBLE STONES •DRIVEWAY BASE •

CONSTRUCTION CLEANUP •559-645-5363LANDSCAPE DIRT& DRIVEWAY

12/0

9

12/0

9

Say you saw it in the Ranchos Independent


12/0

9

16911 Hill Drive, Madera • Financing Available O.A.C.16911 Hill Drive, Madera • Financing Available O.A.C.

When honesty and quality work matter ... CallWhen honesty and quality work matter ... Call

Contractor’s Lic. #862395Contractor’s Lic. #862395Brian PadillaBrian Padilla

one coupon per customermust be presentedat time of service

10OFFSERVICECALL

$ FREE

ESTIMATESon

completechangeouts

NEWEQUIPMENTnow doingDUCT CLEANINGcall for info

We do SER

VICE&

WARRANT

Y repairs

on allmake

s

andmodels

!

MERRY CHRISTMASMERRY CHRISTMAS

675-1681675-1681www.The Ranchos.com

DIAMOND BILLIARDS6460 N. Blackstone • next to the bowling alley

Ashlan & Hwy 99 • behind Foster’s Freeze559-435-1130

559-276-9000

Buy 1 hour get 1 hour FREE!

FAMILIES

& GROUPS

WELCOME

Bring inthis ad for1/2 OFFNACHOS!

Fri-Sat Noon - 2 a.m. • Sun-Thu 6:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.

12/0

9

Tis the season to be thankful for all ourblessings, and to lookwith hope for the com-ing year. On behalf of all of us at the Ran-chos Library we want to wish everyone aMerry Christmas and to thank each of youfor your patronage and participation in all thewonderful library activities this past year.

The Library will be closed December21-26 for the holidays and in compliancewith the Madera County furlough program.No fines will be charged for materials dueduring that period. We apologize for theshort notice and any inconvenience we maycause.

We hope you will think of the library ifyou receive new books or books on CD forChristmas. When you have finished withthem, please consider donating them to thelibrary because our book budget is and willbe for some time, on the slim side. We alsomay be adjusting our hours again in this newyear because of budget constraints so pleasebe understanding that it is no one’s desire tolimit library services. It is simply collateraldamage from the poor economy. In spite ofthe economicwoes, wewill continue to offerthe free services of the library with our besteffort and good will.

The Bookshelf

Christmas at the Ranchos Library

Holiday Scenesfrom the Library

Decorating th

e Christmas tr

ee.

Reading to Katie, the dog.

Craft time at the library.

The Grinch checks up onan overdue book.

Story time wi

th Mrs. Anderson.

Mondaynight k

nittinggroup.


“This shall be a sign unto you; you will find the babe wrappedin swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12

Jesus is the Gift!

We invite you to join us in Worship tocelebrate the gifts of Christmas:

Hope! Peace! Joy! Love!Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Christian Mission Center36875 Avenue 12 (at Loren Way) • (559) 324-1144

12/09

CM&NNURSERY

645-7677CERTIFIED DVBE

MERRY CHRISTMAS& BLESSINGS FORTHE NEW YEAR!

from John, Nancy & the Staff

35597 Ave. 12 1/2 • Madera Ranchos

12/09

One SolutionAt school, when parents are in-

volved, the students perform much bet-ter. We must adapt this intelligentphilosophy and get more involved withour community, join our forces and ourresolve to help ourselves our commu-nity, our child. One way of controllingour destiny is by beginning the processand creating an organization, repre-senting the different parts of the Ran-chos to carry on the torch of selfpreservation. It would not be a politi-cal body, yet it could carry the commu-nity’s voice and act on behalf of thecommunity common interest. Thisbody would be able to become a signa-tory to the IRWMP agreement nowready to be signed by several watermanagement districts, community rep-resenting bodies, City of Madera, Cityof Chowchilla and Madera County.Signing the agreement will mean that ifwe have a potential solution for a waterrelated problem in our area, we couldsubmit it for a review and apply for agrant to implement it. We would stillhave to get in line along the other proj-ects submitted, but we will have an op-portunity we do not have now.

The Non-Profit OrganizationOne of the ways to represent the

Ranchos is through a non-profit or-ganization. It is simple and can beput together fast. As a matter of fact,we already have the beginnings of itthrough a framework of such a struc-ture. We are in the process of identi-fying individuals who live in theRanchos that would be willing to be-come a part of the effort and help im-prove the future of our community.This is going to be an open processand everyone is welcome to join andhelp. We need to begin by finding in-terested individuals from within ourcommunity that would help set it allup. It is a process which must comeout of and through our community.We have to elect a board of directorsof people from our community.Everyone can be a member, helpelect the board and shape the direc-tion of this organization and ourcommunity.

A spoonful of reality: “There is nolife without water” and without peoplethere will not be a march. Get involvedin your community’s future.

Call 559-363-9095 or email [email protected].

WATER cont. from P. 9

www.The Ranchos.com

By Bob Crabb

This is how the birth of JesusChrist cameabout: His mother Mary was pledged to bemarried to Joseph, but before they came to-gether, shewas found to bewith child throughthe Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husbandwas a righteous man and did not want to ex-pose her to public disgrace, he had in mind todivorce her quietly. But after he had consid-ered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to himin a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, donot be afraid to takeMary home as your wife,because what is conceived in her is from theHoly Spirit. She will give birth to a son, andyou are to give him the name Jesus, because hewill save his people from their sins." All thistook place to fulfill what the Lord had saidthrough the prophet: "The virgin will be with

child andwill give birth to a son, and theywillcall him Immanuel" --which means, "Godwith us." When Joseph woke up, he did whatthe angel of theLord had commanded him andtookMary home as hiswife. --Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV)

Taking advantage of the opportunitiesthat God gives us to change the world cansometimes be challenging. In our Christmasstory the bible reports that Joseph’s fiancé, theVirginMary, was with child. It is not reportedhowMary broke the news to Joseph. Can youimagine the difficulty Josephwas facing? Per-haps there are some who can understand theresistance that Joseph must have been experi-encing. Joseph had a predicament on his handsand his first inclination is to send Mary awayquietly. But Joseph’sGod had a different idea.In themiddle of a difficult situationGod gives

Joseph a chance to serve the Gospel of JesusChrist.

The angel tells Joseph in effect, "Goahead and take this God-given opportunity totakeMary as your wife.” I wonder howmanypeople in ancient Israel or even in our timeswould be able to say “yes” to God over anissue as personal and difficult as this issue con-fronting Joseph.

My family and I have a very dear friendwho is an ex-bank robber. Many years ago,our friend was arrested for robbing a bank.He robbed it the old fashioned way with agun – not like today where banks seemed tobe robbed by risky investments. Anyway, hewas quickly arrested and then convicted andsentenced to a long incarceration. In his firstdays in prison he was struggling with self-centered fear and anger. Through a series ofprison experiences he felt called to becomepart of a prison ministry at his institution. Hereported that everything in him resisted thatcall and he fought the feeling to turn his lifeover to the care of God. He had lived a “self-willed run riot” way of life that did not in-clude serving Jesus as Lord and Savior. Godhad given him an unwelcome opportunitythrough his prison sentence to say “yes” toGod. His “yes” to God’s opportunity changedhis life and many other people’s lives. Sincehis release from prison long ago, he hasserved God in powerful ways with his Chris-tian ministry to at-risk youth and to adultssuffering from alcoholism and drug addic-tion. His “yes” to God didn’t feel good atfirst, but it was a divine opportunity thatchanged many lives.

The gospel says that Jesus was born in amanger because therewas no place for his par-ents to stay. How many inns and how manyplaces did Mary and Joseph go to before theyended up in the manger? Can you imaginemissing an opportunity of giving the Son ofGod a place to be born? Every time we walkaway from an opportunity that God gives us,we are holding not only ourselves back, butalsowe are resisting theKingdomofGod. Per-haps you can think back to the timewhen yousaid “no” to an opportunity God gave you.Was itwith aministry in the church?Were youafraid thatGod didn't give you enough skills todo the job?Was itwith a relationship?Did youthink that positive relationships in life weren'tpossible? Joseph was given a divine opportu-nity and he took advantage of it. MaybeJoseph was afraid, or angry or maybe he wastired, but he put that aside, and took advantageof the opportunity God gave him.

One of the lessons of this Gospel of JesusChrist is that divine opportunities don't alwaysfeel good. But every timewe say “yes” to op-portunities that God gives us, theKingdomofGod advances. We live in a land of opportu-nities. But we also live in a universe of divineopportunities andwe have aGod of unlimitedopportunities. Unlimited opportunities toserve theGospel of Jesus, just like Joseph. Forthose who follow Christ or for those who arelooking into the idea of Jesus Christ, there areat least three divine opportunities to take ad-vantage of right now: 1.)Make a commitmentto the community gathered around Jesus. Getinvolved with your faith community. Yourfaith community is one of the places whereJesus Christ is alive and has form. 2.) Takepersonal responsibility in the stewardship oflife in the kingdomof death by honoring yourbaptism. If you are not baptized, seek baptismin the Name of the Father, Son and HolySpirit.As followers of Christ, we have an op-portunity to carry a message of Hope. Shareyour blessings! 3.) Take advantage of everyopportunity to love the Lord your God withall your heart and with all your soul and withall your mind and to love your neighbor asyourself.

This Christmas season, I propose that allof us take advantage of the opportunities Godgives us. We should learn from Joseph. Itseemed counterintuitive to him at first, but tak-ing advantage of the opportunity God gavehim was his best move. Make your move thisChristmas: say “yes” toGod’s opportunities inyour life!

Pastor Bob Crabb is the Pastor of theChristian Mission Center meeting at 36875Avenue 12 (Loren Way and Ave. 12). Theyworship Sundays at 10:30AM.

GGeett AAwwaayy ttoo AAllaasskkaaGGeett AAwwaayy ttoo AAllaasskkaa

FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoo ccaa ll ll 555599--447744--00550055 oorreemmaaii ll SShhaarr rryy RRiivvaass aatt ssrr iivvaass@@pprrooddiiggyy..nneett ..

12/09

TThhee GGoollddeenn VVaalllleeyy CChhaammbbeerr ooffCCoommmmeerrccee iiss ccoooorrddiinnaattiinngg TTRRAAVVEELLTTRRIIPPSS ffoorr RRaanncchhooss rreessiiddeennttss tthhaatt rraannggeeffrroomm aa ttrriipp ttoo RReennoo ttoo aa ccrruuiissee ttoo AAllaasskkaanneexxtt JJuunnee//JJuullyy..

12/09

Divine Opportunities Grow Out of a Divine Birth and a Divine LifeThe Pastor’s Desk

12/09


www.The Ranchos.com

www.theRanchos.com

WE’RE ON THE WEB!Visit the Ranchos’ own Website.

Get fully downloadable back issues ofthe Ranchos Independent

(beginning with April 2006).Learn how you can add your

Ranchos-area business to this site! 12/0

9

12/09

broth from the ham, put the onion,carrots and potato and a li t t le sal tand pepper. Cook only until the veg-etables are done. As soon as thepeas are soft , drain any excesswater and pour the peas into the potwith the vegetables and add theham. Simmer unti l peas are com-pletely softened and soup is thick.Check for seasoning. I’ve read thatyou shouldn’t sal t the peas whenthey are first cooking as i t wil lmake them tough. Don’t know howtrue that is, but I’ve always waitedunti l they are cooked to add salt –just in case it is true.

Don’t Forget DessertWhat would a soup dinner be

without dessert? I’m leaving you withone of our family’s favorite. Whenmy niece Eryn, who lives in southernCalifornia, is planning to come for avisit she will call my sister and in theconversation will say, “Grandma, willthere be Republican Dessert?” Wellof course there will be. We asked onetime why they call it RepublicanDessert – the answer was “It’s sorich, the Democrats can’t afford it.”

Republican Dessert1 C flour1 stick margarine – softened½ C Chopped nutsMix together like pie dough and

press into bottom of 9x13 pan. Bakefor 10 minutes in preheated 350oven.

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese1 C. Powdered sugar1 large container Cool WhipCream together the cream cheese

and powdered sugar. Fold in the con-tainer of cool whip. Put on top ofcooled crust and freeze.

2 small pkgs. Instant chocolatepudding mix.2½ C milkMix pudding mix and milk as di-

rected on package but do not add anymore milk. Spread over second layerand freeze.

1 small container Cool WhipSpread this over the pudding

layer and freeze. If desired, toastedcoconut can be sprinkled over thetop.

I hope you have a Blessed MerryChristmas and a very Happy and pros-perous New Year.

Talk to you next year!

RECIPES cont. from P. 8

37167 AVE. 12 • 645-1306

The LOWESTPossible Pricesin the Ranchos

Your Beer & WineHeadquarters!

BEST SELECTION

BEST SERVICE

BEST PRICES!

12/0

9

NOW SELLING LIQUOR!MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

silver or gold

all prices good through 1-31-10

at the very BEST prices in the Ranchos

to all of our GREAT CUSTOMERSin the Madera Ranchos

all prices + tax

Crown Royal 750ml. $18.99Vodka 1.75ml. $9.99

Sauza Tequila 1.75ml. $9.99

Taakaor Barton


As 2009 Comes to a Close, Golden Valley Hits Highs

By Superintendent, Sarah Koligian

It is hard to believe that we are al-ready at the half way point in our schoolyear. It seems as though we just began thenew school year, opened the new RanchosMiddle School and celebrated Golden Val-ley Unified’s 10 Year Anniversary. In thefirst half of the 2009-2010 school year, wecontinue to focus on “growing a district ofexcellence.” Since the school year began,our schools, students and staff continue tobe recognized for special accolades,awards and special events.

Some of the highlights for 2009 wereas follows:

• August, 2009 – new state-of-the-art Ranchos Middle School completed andopened its doors to Golden Valley’s 7th

and 8th graders• August, 2009 – Educational Op-

tions moves their program to the interimsite, formerly the Ranchos Middle Schoolcampus

• August, 2009 – Celebration ofGolden Valley Unified’s Ten Year An-niversary as a school district

• September, 2009 – CornerstoneDedication ceremony at new RanchosMiddle School and dedication of a 9-foot-tall bronze mustang statue

• September, 2009 – Liberty HighSchool 9/11 tribute and ceremony

• October, 2009 Scott Tefft, SierraView Elementary School principal namedas the 2009 Madera County Administratorof the Year at the “Excellence in Educa-tion” awards

• October, 2009 – Educational Op-tions teacher, Kim Cowger, is recognizedas Madera County Teacher of the Yearnominee and Webster Library Technician,Lisa Huddleston is recognized as MaderaCounty Employee of the Year nominee

• October, 2009 –API Scores Soar!Webster Elementary, Sierra View Elemen-tary, Ranchos Middle and Liberty HighSchools register in the 800 range on thestate API. Golden Valley Unified’s APIreaches 820 – the highest in MaderaCounty for K-12 school districts.

• November, 2009 – Liberty HighSchool Girl’s Tennis player, Jamie Math-ews, competes for Valley Championshiptitle in Girl’s Tennis

• November, 2009 – Webster Ele-mentary receives $25,000 ChukchansiGrant for new computer lab

• November, 2009 – District cre-

ates new “activity room” for Liberty HighSchool – currently in use by the LHSWrestling team

• November, 2009 – Webster Ele-mentary and Liberty High School are rec-ognized as California Business forEducation Excellence Honor Roll schoolsfor consistently high student academicachievement and closing achievementgaps among their students

• December, 2009 – Liberty HighSchool student, Samantha Nielsen, is se-lected by California School Library Asso-ciation for her winning poster artworkpromoting the importance of reading

• December, 2009 – Liberty HighSchool Varsity Football Team played fortheir first Valley Championship titleagainst Corcoran High School.

• December, 2009 – Golden ValleyUnified breaks ground on their next Meas-ure S bond projects at Liberty High School– new science wing and completion of theathletic stadium, press box and concessionbuilding

It has been a very active and busy fivemonths and I am sure this list does notcapture all the accomplishments across thedistrict. We know that these events do notoccur in a vacuum or in isolation. They arethe result of many hours of continued ded-ication and commitment demonstrated byour Governing Board of Trustees, staff,students, parents and our community. Wethank each and every one of you for yourpartnership and continued support of ourstudents and school district and look for-ward to welcoming the 2010 year with acontinued focus on “growing our districtof excellence.”

Golden Valley Unified School District Su-perintendent, Sarah Koligian.

Ranchos Middle School Advisory classes competed in December in a tree decoratingcontest. Each tree was decorated according to their college advisory class. Our neighborand supporting business, CM & N Nursery, provided the trees and support for this proj-ect. We appreciate all that CM & N Nursery contributes to our school community. Weare happy to be their neighbor. CM & N Nursery representatives helped select the win-ning tree and provided a prize to the winning advisory classes. Ranchos Middle Schoolis always on the move and seeks ways to connect to the community and that is why wesay, “GO MUSTANGS!”

Tree Decoration Contest at RMS

By Dave Baughman

Due to theStateofCaliforniabudget cri-sis, public schools are sustaining drastic cutsin funding that should be allocated by thestate. Golden Valley Unified School Districthas been assessing the impacts of reducedfundingdistrictwide and ismaking every ef-fort tominimize the affects to the classroom.One of the areas directly affected is “Home-To-School” transportation.Historically, trans-portation costs have encroached on the“General Fund,”meaning the allotment pro-vided by the state does not cover the costs of

operation. In addition, transportation fundingrecently receivedanadditional 20percent re-duction in state funding.

In an effort to provide the best servicepossible for our students, Golden ValleyUnified is implementing the revised boardpolicy regarding “Home-To-School”transportation effective Jan. 11, 2010. Thenew route design allows for more efficientroutes and less ride-time for students. Busstops will now be geographically locatedto accommodate new walking distances;

Grades K-6 ¾ of one mileGrades 7-8 1½ miles

For additional information and newbus stop locations, please refer to our web-site at www.gvusd.k12.ca.us or call theGoldenValley Unified Transportation De-partment at (559) 645-7521

Dave Baughman is the Manager forMaintenance, Operations and Trans-portation at Golden Valley USD.

GVUSD BusRoute Changes

www.The Ranchos.com

Call

Tony681-545512/09CA Lic. #3616 • Bonded • Insured

[email protected]

coming

Jan. 10, 201010 a.m.

You are cordiallyinvited to join us!

12/09

OIL CHANGESPECIAL!

FREEVEHICLE INSPECTION

WITH OIL CHANGEwith this coupon

WE ALSO OFFER FREEOIL RECYCLING!

FREETOWING

WITH OVERHAUL

Brakes • Tune-ups • DiagnosticOil changes • Service work

WE ALSO DO:

AND NOW: A/C SERVICE AND REPAIRS

FULL SERVICEAUTOMOTIVE

SHOP

Servingthe

Valley for Over

42 Years

12/09

+

By Audrey Stock

Hi neighbors,I am sending you warm wishes

for a wonderful Christmas Season!The leaves are falling and the snow ispredicted, maybe only in the moun-tains which are so beautiful when youcan see them. I am baking cookies,addressing Christmas cards, and mak-ing lists. The kitchen sure smellsgood already as I start my Christmasbaking. It seems that Christmascomes quicker each year.

At this time each year I look backover the events that stand out to meand that is what I will write aboutnow. I started2009 with a littlemore time to workat the RanchosHills Senior Cen-ter, since my termended with theGolden ValleyUnified SchoolBoard last Decem-ber, 2008. Beingon the board for asecond term was agreat experience.We accomplishedmuch during that four-year period. Iam most proud of building a newcomprehensive middle school built intime for 320 students to start schoolin August, 2009 at the new RanchosMiddle School. My dream for GoldenValley Unified 10 years ago was thatthe district would have a high school,middle school, opportunity schooland elementary schools and we are fi-nally there. No wonder I am tired!

I was one of the speech judges atthe Madera Academic Decathlon forthe Madera County high school stu-dents in February. When we built Lib-erty High I promised Madera CountySuperintendent Sally Frazier thatGolden Valley high school studentswould participate. I am alwaysamazed at how smart high school stu-dents are. The week after the De-cathlon I had cataract surgery. I amglad that is behind me.

May was the time for the AnnualRanchos Flatlander ’s Parade. Ourlocal Chamber of Commerce choseme to be the Grand Marshall of the2009 parade. I had a Grand Marshallbanner across my chest and I rode ina gold convertible at the front of the

parade. What an honor! I really feltlike a queen for the day.

June was time for Golden ValleyUnified graduations and my grandsonNick Morin was one of LibertyHigh’s 2009 graduating class. Nick isnow attending Fresno City College. Ialso have a great grandson, JonathanStock who graduated from Visaliahigh school and Jacob Morrison an-other great grandson who graduatedfrom the eighth grade in Hanford. Soyou can see I was busy with gradua-tions.

August is my family’s birthdaymonth of which I am one. I can’t be-lieve that I am 79 years old. I told

grandson Nick Iwon’t be old untilnext year when Iam 80. I haveslowed downsome and my legsdon’t always wantto work but basi-cally I am in goodhealth. It was ajoy to be includedin the Golden Val-ley Unified 10thyear celebrationand ribbon cutting

ceremony for our new Ranchos Mid-dle School. I spent about eightmonths researching and putting to-gether a scrap book of Golden ValleyUnified District pictures. The DigitalPhotography class at Liberty is put-ting the scrap book on a disk for thedistrict.

It seems like since I started lead-ing the exercise class over at the sen-ior center three days a week I havetime for little else. I still stay in-volved at Golden Valley Unified bygoing to the school board meetingsand I am on the Bond Oversight Com-mittee and the Foundation for GoldenValley Schools. This has been a busyyear. As 2009 comes to a close, thinkof all of the good things that havehappened this year and forget the badones.

School board meetings will startup again in January on the 12th andthe 26th at Liberty library at 6 p.m.Come out and support your schoolboard.

A Merry Christmas and a HappyNew Year to each and every one ofyou. WOW – can you believe that weare going into 2010?

My dream for Golden Val-ley Unified 10 years ago wasthat the district would have ahigh school, middle school,opportunity school and ele-mentary schools and we are fi-nally there. No wonder I amtired!

Looking Back: the Ranchos in 2009The Stock Report

12/09


Sunday School 9 a.m.Sunday Worship Service 10:15 a.m.Wednesday Prayer and

Bible Study 6 p.m.

12/0

9

12414 Road 37Madera, CA 93636

559-645-1700www.GoldenValleyChurch.comAvenue 12

Cloverleaf

Roa

d37

t

NGolden Valley Baptist Church

More Facts and FunA nutritionally balanced lunch pro-

gramMonday through Friday at 11:30 a.m.Suggested price for 60 years and older is$1.75. Reservations are needed a day in ad-vance so remember to call Joann at 645-4864.We have a growing exercise programbeing held on Mondays, Wednesdays andFridays from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. The par-ticipants are getting more than just exerciseby attending. They have fun, share laughsand meet new friends. There is room foryou and you may attend all three days orjust one or two of them.

After lunch on Tuesdays there is anopening for a pinochle player. If you enjoyplaying pinochle yourself or know ofsomeone else who would like to fill this va-cancy, please call Joann at 645-4864.

We have started a new craft session onThursdays at 12:30 p.m. Next project willbe sweatshirts. If you would like to learnto knit or crochet, here is your opportunityto learn while having fun!

Card BINGO meets on Fridays, noonto 1 p.m.We have a large group but there isalways room for one more: you! Fill yourcar with your friends or neighbors as theywill enjoy finding new friends here, too.Come in and check these classes out.

Up and Coming EventsJanuary 2, Saturday monthly sale 8

a.m. to 1 p.m.February 23-25. Snow Train trip to

RenoWeekly EventsMonday through Friday Lunch Pro-

gram, 11:30 a.m. (Reservations needed,call Joann at 645-4864)

Monday, Exercise Class, 10:15 –11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Pinochle, noon until?Wednesday, Exercise Class, 10:15 –

11:30 a.m.Thursday, 12:30 p.m. Crafts and lots

of funThursday, 6 to 9 p.m. Potluck then

Hand & Foot, Pinochle or other games(Please bring your own plate and silver-ware)

Friday, Exercise Class, 10:15 – 11:30a.m.

Friday, Card BINGO, noon – 1 p.m.Please feel free to come in and visit

our Senior Center and get acquainted withour members. We welcome you to comeand be one of us as our organization of-fers and promotes social, educational andcivic activities in order to provide a bet-ter quality of life for all senior citizens.You have received an invitation. Hope tosee you soon?

SENIORS cont. from P. 10

www.The Ranchos.com

Service ScheduleSunday 10 a.m.Sunday 6 p.m.

AWANAChildren's MinistryNursery Provided Ages 0-3 yrs.

Senior Pastors Bernard & Linda Morris/ Resident Pastors Stoney & Amy Berna

On the corner of Ave.15 and Monreal

The LighthouseChristian Fellowship

15048 Monreal Rd. Madera, CA 93636 559-645-0722

12/0912/09

37405 Ave. 12, Ste. 801 • 645-157037405 Ave. 12, Ste. 801 • 645-1570

Great Gift Ideas to Help Santa!

8999$148 pieceTool Set 4999$70 piece

Tool Set

12/09

TOOLS • TOOLS • TOOLS • TOOLS

14396 HWY 41 @ Ave. 14 1/2 • 559-917-0849

Fresh Local Fruits & Vegetablesfruits • candy • nuts • jelly • olives

an indoor marketplace with aCamelot touch!

SPECIALTYBASKETSAVAILABLENOW!OPENTue-Sat10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

12/09

Lunch Box Sandwiches$1.99 - WOW!

We Feature Fresno StateIce Cream

an indoor marketplacewith a Camelot touch

VFilla deruita

On a few occasions issues pop up,beat ing back the apathy and bringci t izens to the Board chambers .Each time I am filled with hope andpride in our system to see seats inthe gallery being fi l led. Then a fewget up to speak, ei ther at the t imefor open public comment of duringthe Board’s del ibera t ion on anagenda i tem, but more of ten thannot they decide to jus t l i s ten . Ascitizens leave I try to thank themfor coming down to part ic ipate ,and ask them to come back to fu-ture meet ings , unfortunatelytheir response is often:

“Why?”“It’s a waste of time.”“What we say doesn’t mat-

ter.”“They are not even l is tening

to us.”I wish the camera would show

the Board instead of the speakersduring comments. There is seldoma t ime when at leas t one of theBoard members are not readingsomething or shuff l ing papers asthe cit izens comment. Frequently amajori ty of the Board are reading,shuff l ing papers , text ing, answer-ing emails , or searching the inter-net as a debate is in progress, whiletes t imony or comments are beingpresented. Occasional ly supervi-sors wil l even leave the room inthe middle of comment or test i -mony , then re turn and vote on is-sues based on only the por t ion ofthe tes t imony they were actual lyl is tening to.

Each supervisor has a “button”on their computer screen they pushwhen they want to be cal led on orbe recognized by the chair. I can’tremember a meeting where at leastonce a supervisor wasn’t recog-nized by the chair because he hadpushed the button on his commuter

screen, only to respond with, “I amprepared to make the motion whenyou are ready.” This statement usu-al ly comes in the middle of debateor even before “PUBLIC COM-MENT” has even begun. He mightas well have stood up and thumbedhis nose at the cit izens gathered tospeak.

Imagine if a juror was tostand up in the middle of a trialand announce they were ready tovote before al l test imony washeard or while witnesses werespeaking.

The proceedings would end. Amist r ia l would be declared in-stantly. What message is sent whena supervisor says he is not onlyready to vote but is prepared tomake the mot ion before ci t izenshave had an opportunity to even beheard on the matter?

The most recent issue to compelcitizens to exercise their constitu-tional rights to participate in theirgovernment has been the de-staffingof the Raymond and Ahwahnee FireStations this winter. These people arepleading to have their lives and prop-erty protected. Many of the speakershad driven for over an hour to get tothe meeting, only to be insulted bythe indifference and inattention ofsome of the Board members in re-sponse to their concerns.

This is not simply a matter ofpoor manners or hurt feel ings;the issue has already been heardby the courts and decided. Rul-ings by governing bodies have beenset as ide because they were nottruly l is tening to test imony. I t hasbeen decided by the courts that theintent of open government laws arein fact not only so we have theright to speak but also that we havethe right to actually be lis tened to;we have the right to actual ly havethe attention of the Board as we ex-ercise our right to comment.

D.O.G. cont. from P. 4


ANSWERS

Keep it Simple ...Keep it Simple ......... wwiitthh ssiimmppllyy tthhee bbeesstt hhaanndd--mmaaddee aapprroonnss

aavvaaiillaabbllee iinn tthhee UUnniivveerrssee ......... with simply the best hand-made aprons

available in the Universe ......... ffuullllyy rreevveerrssiibbllee aanndd mmaaddee rriigghhtt hheerree iinntthhee UU..SS..AA.. ffrroomm yyoouurr cchhooiiccee ooff mmaatteerriiaall..... fully reversible and made right here inthe U.S.A. from your choice of material.

U.S.A. made, fullyreversible and classic

- yet functional - stylingwith your choice of

material on each side.Two aprons for the

price of one!

To order todaycall 208-968-0416

orbuild your own at

only

29$ 00+ S&H

(PLUS sizes available)

12/0

9

CCllaassssiiccRReevveerrssiibblleetthhee

©

CCllaassssiiccRReevveerrssiibblleetthhee

©

MMeenn oorr WWoommeenn’’ss AAddjjuussttaabbllee ©Men or Women’s Adjustable ©

TThhee CCllaassssiicc RReevveerrssiibbllee ©The Classic Reversible ©To order todaycall 208-968-0416

orbuild your own at

www.The Ranchos.com

DEFENSIVE FIREARMSTRAINING, INC.

Making people safe every dayFor the novice or expert

call 292-5805 or 217-1124DEFENSIVE FIREARMS TRAINING, INC. • 2598 N. MIAMI AVE. • FRESNO • 93727 12

/09

... Don’t Drink and Drive!Remember to Call a Cab or Designate a Driver!

Remember ... If You’re Going to Do This ...

Wishes You the

Safest and Happy Holiday Possible!

HAPPY HOLIDAYSPISTORESIPISTORESI

AMBULANCEAMBULANCE

12/0

9

674-166314794 Hwy 41Madera

DRILLINGANDPUMP SERVICE

Same Day Service

Family OwnedSince 1976

12/09

buy them, but he said, “I bought them for you.”I was overwhelmed and stammered many“thank yous.”

What a thrill and a blessing it is to hearand know that there is still love and kindness inour young folks in this turbulent world. Thankyou again young friend.

NameWithheld Upon RequestMadera Ranchos

Dear Editor:

To the members of the Ranchos commu-nity: THANK YOU – THANK YOU –THANKYOU!

Please join Liberty Ranchos SoftballLeague BoardMembers, parents, coaches andplayers in thanking our recreational softballsponsors for their generous contribution to ourleague. Because of these sponsors, approxi-mately 180 young ladies were able to playrecreational softball in 2009. Of those 180young ladies, 37 were chosen to play on threeAll-Star travel teams (10U, 12U, 14U) repre-senting our community.The 10U teammade itall theway to theWesternNationals inOregon.Although the 12U team didn’t qualify, twoplayerswere picked up to playwith theCentralGrizzlies inOregon andwerewritten up in theFresno Bee.

Without our sponsors, our league couldnot thrive as it has. So, please keep them inmind and support them as they support ourleague. Visit www.libertyranchossoftball.orgfor more details.

For 2009 we’d like to thank A.L.S. Con-crete, Action Equipment Rentals, Ahart BenefitInsurance Services,Awesome Blossoms,AztlanRestaurant, Bandy & Associates AccountancyCorp., Bass & Sons, Castech Pest Services,Clark’s Performance, Continental CustomHomes, Continental Realty, Genesis ServicesPlumbing Co., Good Year Tire Supply, Inc. –Madera, HayesCo Inc., Lucky Bail Bonds,M&M Screen Printing & Embroidery, Inc.,Madera Ranchos Pizza Factory, Pearson’sBerenda Creek Ranch, Ranchos Café,SERVPROof Fresno SE, Smoking Coal Bar&Grill.

In addition to the above, we would alsolike to thank the sponsors who wish to remain

anonymous. THANK YOU SO VERYMUCH!!!

Staci DukeMadera Ranchos

Dear Editor:

Budget crisis: is it fact or fiction?Well thatdepends on who and where you are. If you arein a stateprison thebudget crisis is fiction; how-ever if youaredoing the right thing likegoing tocollege then the budget crisis is indeed fact.

Letmegiveyouanexample:Iaminthemas-ter’s degree programatFresnoState, onFriday thecollagewasissuedafurloughdaysostudentscouldnotconducteverydaybusinessatFresnoState.Intheprisonalloftheinmatesreceivedthreesquaremeals,healthcareifneededandonsomeoccasionsatriptothedentist.Therewasnofurloughdaysissuedtotheprisonersbecausethis isaviolationoftheir“rights.”

Let me give you yet another example:Fresno City College has been hit so hard by thebudget crisis that it is at risk of closing down orreducing certain programs. The women’s waterpolo team issued a letter requestingdonations sotheprogramcouldcontinue to functionat full ca-pacity.All players needed to raise “x” amount ofdollars tocover thereductionof fundingfor traveland equipment. Howmuchmoney did the pris-oners need to raise in order to pump iron, get li-brarybooksand lawdegrees freeof charge?Didyouknow that you can commit amajor crime inthis state and you automatically are entitled to afree education via the prison system?Now I askyoumyfellowAmericans,where is the justice inthat? I work two jobs, raise two kids and I payformy education.Where did I gowrong?

I thinkasasolutionweshould lookatSher-iff JoeArpaio in Maricopa County inArizona.Heestablishedanewwayof life for inmates.Hiswaysof life consists of pink long johns, bolognasandwiches and yes, even a little labor. Maybethe reduction in foodcostsand fluffy stuff like li-brary books and free law degrees would solvethebudgetcrisisandredirect the funds topositivethings such as educational programs for lawabidingcitizens.With the reductionof amenitiesyoumightevendetourcrimeall together,yet an-other positive on the budget.You tellme folks –what is your solution to the budget crisis?

Lisa BaileyClovis

LETTERS cont. from P. 6

To Advertise Call645-0634


ClassifiedAlt e r a t i o n S e r v i c e s

M a d l i n ' s A l t e r a t i o n s - 3 5y e a r s e x p e r i e n c e - T a i l o r -i n g , r e p a i r s a n d l e a t h e r s .F a s t s e r v i c e . N EW A D -D R E S S & P H O N E N UM -B E R : 3 6 7 3 3 Av e . 1 2 . C a l l5 5 9 - 6 4 5 - 4 5 8 3 .

C h im n e y Sw e e p

CHIMNEY SWEEP - Pau l t h eCh imney Sweep Guy - 1 8 y e a r se x p e r i e n c e . Wood S t o v e i n s e r t s& F i r e p l a c e s . Ca l l 5 5 9 - 9 0 8 -9 3 3 2 . R emembe r - THINKSAFETY - BURN SAFELY!

C o n s t r u c t i o n

New con s t r u c t i o n , r emod e l s ,r o om add i t i o n s , b a r n s a n d p a -t i o s . Ca l l 5 59 - 970 - 4476 or 559 -645 - 4033 .

F i rewood

F i rewood - Dry, s e a s on ed a l -mond f i r ewood f o r s a l e b y t h eb i n . A lmond wood 13 " t o 20 " i nl e n g t h . 1 / 2 b i n - $ 2 5 , 1 b i n -$45 , 2 b i n s - $ 90 , 3 b i n s - $ 130 , 4b i n s - $170 . Wi l l De l i v e r - Ca l l5 59 - 259 - 7122 .

Flooring/Carpeting

We can c a rp e t y ou r who l ehou s e f o r ju s t $1 , 1 88 ( b a s e d on8 0 y d s ) i n c l u d i n g c a r p e t , p a dand i n s t a l l a t i o n . Th r e e s t y l e s t oc h o o s e a t t h a t p r i c e . Ca l l 9 7 4 -1 6 3 0 . Gre a t s a v i n g s on l am i -na t e and hardwood too .

F o r Ren t

Fo r Ren t - 3BR / 2BA - Wi t hp o o l o n 1 / 2 a c r e . $ 1 , 5 7 5 p e rmo . Ca l l 9 0 5 - 7 780 .

F o r Ren t - 3BR / 2BA Home - 2b l o c k s f r om Maywood Ce n t e r .$ 8 50 p e r mon t h . Ca l l 6 4 5 - 5 183f o r d e t a i l s .

F o r S a l e

For Sale - Antiques! 20 china cab-

inets , ant ique beds , d ining roomsets , brass s ta tues , 9 1/2 foot ar-moire , Chinese furni ture , lo ts ofdol ls and much, much more . BYAPPOINTMENT ONLY! Cal l645-1770.

For Sale - Queen PILLOWTOPMat-tress/Box, Never used - In plastic. Cost$700. Sacrifice $250. Call 277-2511.

For Sale - Solid Cherrywood! SleighBed, 2 Nightstands, Dresser/Mirror.Thomasville Quality! Cost $8K Sacrifice$1,675. New in Boxes! Call 230-0486.

For Sale - California King PILLOW-TOP Mattress/Box, New in Plastic.Cost$900. Sacrifice $350. With Warranty.Call 438-0248.

For Sale - Pool Table - Solid WoodW/Carved Legs, 1" Slate, Leather Pock-ets, Brand New W/Accessories. Cost $5kSacrifice $1,475. Can Move! Call 275-8813.

Handyman Services

O . HANDYMAN - Ne e d f a n si n s t a l l e d , s p r i n k l e r s , l i g h te l e c t r i c a l , p l um b i n g , o r a n yh a n d ym a n c h o r e s ? Ca l l Oh a nf o r f r e e e s t im a t e s . 5 5 9 - 6 4 5 -4 5 8 3 .

Home Repa ir

Loca l con t rac t o r ava i l ab l e f o ra l l ph a s e s o f home r epa i r a ndhome imp rovemen t s . Ca l l Kur tWhi te a t 284 -1362 .

Home/Yard/Ranch Services

NEED AFFORDABLE , BUTRELIABLE HOME, YARD ORRANCH HELP? Land s c a p i n g ,h a u l i n g , t r e e a n d b r u s h t r im -m i ng / r emov a l , h ome imp r ov e -men t , g e n e r a l l a b o r , e t c . C a l lL u k e t o d a y ! 5 5 9 - 3 6 7 - 5 8 8 1 .

Hou s e c l e an ing Se rv i c e s

Hous e c l e an ing - 20 y ea r s expe -r i en c e - Hone s t , r e l i a b l e , r e f e r -e n c e s . Ca l l Ra cha e l a t822 - 3330 .

Hou s e c l e an i ng S e r v i c e s - Ran -c h o s Are a . R e l i a b l e , r e f e r-e n c e s , r e a s onab l e r a t e s . J o b

i n c l u d e s : A l l h o u s e d u t i e s e x -c e p t w i n d ow s .C a l l f o r r a t e s o rh av e Que s t i o n s ? 559 - 776 - 6790 .

P a i n t i n g S e r v i c e s

P a i n t i n g S e r v i c e s - 4 0 y e a r so f e x p e r i e n c e . L i c e n s e d a n di n s u r e d . F r a n k K r am e r E x t e -r i o r s . L i c . # 2 7 3 0 9 9 . C a l l 6 4 5 -4 11 3 .

P i z z a I n f o rma t i o n

T h e P i z z a F a c t o r y i n s e r t e n -c l o s e d i n t o d a y ’ s p a p e r i sm i s s i n g t h e f o l l o w i n g p h o n en um b e r s : Mad e r a R a n c h o s6 4 5 - 7 0 11 a n d F r i a n t 8 2 2 -4 2 8 8 .

T r a c t o r S e r v i c e s

Tr a c t o r w o r k , d i s c i n g , r o -t o t i l l i n g , w e e d c u t t i n g . B o b c a tw o r k , d r i l l i n g p o s t h o l e s ,t r e e s , t r e n c h i n g a n d c l e a n u p s .Ca l l N e a l a t 6 4 5 - 1 2 0 0 o r 2 8 5 -8 2 11 .

T r a c t o r w o r k , h o u s e p a d s ,l o t l e v e l i n g , d r i v e w a y s ,

t r e n c h i n g , c o n c r e t e w o r ka n d u n d e r g r o u n d u t i l i t i e s i n -s t a l l e d . C a l l 5 5 9 - 9 7 0 - 4 4 7 6o r 5 5 9 - 6 4 5 - 4 0 3 3 .

Window Cleaning Services

W i n d o w c l e a n i n g s p e c i a l .Mo s t w i n d o w s $ 5 i n s i d e / o u t .S c r e e n , t r a c k a n d s i l l s i n -c l u d e d . H a r d w a t e r s t a i n a n dc o bw e b r e m o v a l a v a i l a b l e .F u l l y i n s u r e d . Ca l l N i c k a t2 8 5 - 1 7 2 3 . F r e e e s t i m a t e s .

SUDOKU

©2009 King Features Syndicates, Inc.

TO ADVERT ISECALL 645-0634

Real Estate Nancy Watson645-5000

The Ranchos Specialist, Working for “You”

www.nancywatson.net

If you are considering buying or selling a home, call Nancy Watson. She is anexperienced agent who has served the Ranchos with honesty and integrity for 20years. A Ranchos resident since 1977, Nancy is dedicated to serving her clientswith the highest level of care and commitment. Please call Nancy Watson for allof your Real Estate needs. 12/09

www.The Ranchos.com

A Ranchos resident for over 27 years, I am a full-time professional agent working theMadera, Fresno and Clovis areas. Inventories of homes for sale are at a long term low.Now is a great time to sell as competition is low. And it is a great time to buy with recordlow interest rates and multiple tax incentives. Call me today!

DAVID PARKER

490-1989www.davidparker.info

DRE#: 01323109

Realtor®

12/09

431-7060 or 645-5450Continental Realty

12/09

Let us celebrate Christ’s birth, give thanks for Hisdeath, rejoice in His resurrection and share in Hiseternal peace. May the Prince of Peace bring joy to

all your Christmas celebrations.

We couldn’t have asked for a finer communitywith which to do business. May your home be blessed with

contentment, prosperity and joy this holiday season.FFrroomm tthhee ssttaaffff aatt::

JJeerrrryy EEddddiinnggss,, RReeaallttoorrss443355--11889900 oorr 664455--11889900

3377114444 AAvvee.. 1122,, SSttee.. 110022 •• MMaaddeerraa RRaanncchhooss

12/09

WWee’’rree SSOOLLDD ......On NeighborsLike You!

12/09

12/09

VELVET TOUCHCARWASH& DETAIL

645-663037075 AVE. 12 • MADERA RANCHOS

B.M.T.Computer Repair(559) 917-4507• Sales & Service• In-Home ServiceSé Habla Español

Microsoft Cerified Pro

Retired FPD 26 yr.Ca. Lic.#79328

Certifications:A+/Network +

Thomas Valdez Computer Tech.

B&MAuto & Truck Parts

37405 Ave. 12, Ste. 801645-1570

Store hours:Mon - Fri 8:30-5:30Sat 8:00-4:00Sun 10:00-3:00

Madera Ranchos Plaza

ROGER PRATERCONCRETE

Residential & Commercial38 years experienceLic. # 599235

(559) 645-0911(559) 645-0916

AWNINGS& Lonas Del Valle

559-313-8407

Specializing in AwningsRecovers • Repairs Tarps • Lonas

License #B0006328

Residential SalesReal Estate Investments

License TrainingCell 706-3162559-297-3770559-297-3776

office

fax

Kellner & Sons’ PropertiesTom Kellnerowner/broker

645-1918www.hartsphotographs.com

• Professionalphotography

• Personalizedunique gifts

• Gift certificates

Jo-De DRILLING

& TRACTOR SERVICE

667744--77777700HARDPAN DRILLING

• Industrial• General• Farm• Mig• Tig• Stick• Certified• Portable

Welding & Fabricationcall JERRY CLARK • 706-3865

MZC

HIGH QUALITY

555599--445544--88006600

GATE SYSTEMS

Sales and Service - Free EstimatesDuct Testing & Certification

Locally owned and operated!

559-662-0336559-438-8260

LIC. #837274

THE COMFORTAND RELAXATIONYOU DESERVE

Business Directory • Business Directory • Business Directory • Business Directory

TEXTURED COATING • PAINTINGVINYL SIDING • VINYL WINDOWS

ROOFING

TEXTURED COATING SPECIALIST

FRANK KRAMERINSURED

LIC. #273099

FRANK KRAMEREXTERIORS

(559) 645-4113

since1970

PAINTING CONTRACTOR

Marion PoolService & Repair

251-2514office

351-1605cell

645-4799after 5 p.m.

• Weekly Service• Full Service• Equipment

• Supplies• Residential • Commercial

• Locally Owned

Mobile Notary and Loan Document SigningDaytime • Evening • Weekends

Serving Madera & Fresno CountiesDiana J. Tucker338811--55887799

Notary in theRanchos!

Notary in theRanchos!

CERTIFIED ARBORIST

645-TREE(8733)

• Artful Pruning• Removals• DiseaseManagement

IInntteerrlloocckkiinngg PPaavveerrss

444422--11999999444422--11999999nnootthhiinngg oouuttllaassttss ppaavveerrss!!

wwwwww..rrllaaccyyiinntteerrlloocckkppaavveerrss..ccoomm

LLiicc.. ##330066551111

SINCE1980

BONDED &INSUREDLIC. #589140

Interior & Exterior

Specializing in Re-paints

Rental, Residential& Commercial

Drywall, Stucco,Redashing & Ac-coustical Removal

Color Matching

We’ve Got YOU CoveredBUSINESS • AUTO

HOME • FARMHEALTH

BUSINESS • AUTOHOME • FARM

HEALTH

TonyGarcia call

645-1792341-2002431-3072Lic. #OG11001

[email protected] Ag Insurance

h

c

w

LIC. #313070

RESIDENTIALCOMMERCIALEXTERIORINTERIOR“We cover

yourproblems!”

674-2320Gerald Scheffing

Painting

KNIGHT &DAYCOMPUTERS

645-0122• NEW AND USED LAPTOPS •

• PRINTERS • PARTS •

repairs experience

& Chuck’s Transmission

664455--44447755Ranchos Auto Repair+ A/C SERVICE

HOUSE/SPRING CLEANINGANIMAL SITTING TOO!

559-718-9605AAAAAA CCHHOORREESS && MMOORREE

House Need Cleaning?


Thomas C. [email protected]

uniquely savingyour memories withcare and respect

BOXES

call or email

freeestimates!SHADOW

Business Directory

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Your love of the holidays creates a special bond between you and thepeople in your life. Use this as a way of building stronger relationships that will carry over wellbeyond this time.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new approach could go a long way toward resolving a painfulestrangement, especially at this holiday time. And since your aspects favor friendship this week, whynot go ahead and try it?

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your positives continue to dominate, and any negative factors thatsqueeze in can be dealt with easily. The secret is to tackle them at once and not allow them to benefitby your neglect.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Good news: A colleague's remarks could help you move towardultimately resolving that persistent workplace situation. Meanwhile, enjoy the holidays with loved ones.

LEO (July 23 to August 22)No one reflects the bright holidaymore than all you Leos and Leonaswho lovethe shimmer and glimmer of the season. P.S.: There just might be a very special something from Santa.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Celebrate the holidays by being more receptive to newexperiences. Overriding the Virgo reluctance to try new things could be the best gift you've givenyourself in a long while.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Good news about a loved one makes the holidays evenmore festive. Expect some unexpected gifts, so be prepared with a few nicely wrapped packages ofgoodies to offer in return.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) The holiday season provides an opportunity to meetnew people, some of whom you might even consider "worthy" enough to join the Scorpio's selectgroup of friends.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) You always bring your own wonderful sparkleand light to the holidays, and don't be surprised if this year someone special reaches out to respond toyour warmth in kind.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Togetherness is the dominant theme for the Goat'sholiday celebrations this year. That means reaching out to bring everyone you care for into your veryown special circle of light.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A reminder of a very special moment from the pastmakes the holidays more memorable for the romantic Aquarian. New friendships hold the promise ofa romantic future as well.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Getting into the swim of things for all you party-loving Pisceansis easy enough this holiday season. And, of course, you can expect to impress people wherever you go.

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

Since 1984

559-645-110236754Ave.12#101•Madera,CA93636

Eileen Tiso - OwnerResale • Foreclosures • RentalsProperty Management Available

Yourdedicationbringsyouthesuccessyoustrivefor,andyourgenerosityimpelsyoutoreachoutandhelpothersontheirwayup.

BBoorrnn tthhiiss WWeeeekk

FREE ESTIMATESLIC. #B0008113

Professional Pet Care When You Can’t Be There

Pets, Plants, Plus+

Accredited • Insured • Bonded

Sandra Oliver

Jackie Jones559-240-3556

559-232-1352or

callSpecializing in Livestock

664455--11557788

Jeff Clark

• GM, H1 & ASE Master Certified• General Automotive Repairs• Hot Rod Customizing & Lowering

Clark’s Performance

664455--11557788

Lic. #393449

Call us for all

CARTER DRYWALL

your drywall needs

645-1914

Service, Inc.

www.The Ranchos.com

All Stage Construction, Inc.

559-681-8947

FREE ESTIMATES!

NeedConstruction?

• Concrete• Rough Framing• General Building• Steel Buildings • Shop Buildings• Room Additions • New Construction

LIC. #932435

[email protected]

or

Professional MusicEducator & Musician

Tim JohnsonBA, MA, DMA-pending

• Private Instruction on: Violin • Fiddle

Guitar • Mandolin• Classical to Country• Intermediate to Advanced

www.sierracowboyriders.com

(559) 645-0634 Today!The Ranchos Independent

JEAN BRINERLANA TRACY

for MORE sales tomorrow, call

OR

ADS

LOGOS

PR

MARKETING

645-0634


1. MOVIES: What horror actor starredin the 1958 version of "The Fly"?2. LANGUAGE: "Draw, O Caesar, erasea coward" is an example of what?3. COMICS: What was the name of Cas-par the Friendly Ghost's ghost horsefriend?4. LAW: What did the 21st Amendmentto the Constitution do -- or rather, undo?5. TELEVISION: What was the name ofthe evil group that battled the good guyson "The Man from U.N.C.L.E."6. CHEMISTRY: What is the symbol forthe element gold?7. INVENTIONS: Who is credited withinventing the bicycle pedal?8. LITERATURE: Who wrote the auto-biographical novel "Empire of theSun"?9. ART: For what subject matter waspainter John Singer Sargent bestknown?10. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Whosaid, "The unexamined life is not worthliving"?

1.VincentPrice2.Apalindrome(readsthesameforwardandbackward)3.Nightmare4.ItrepealedProhibition5.THRUSH6.Au(fromtheLatinword"aurum")7.PierreandErnestMichaux8.J.G.Ballard9.Portraits10.Socrates

Answers

TRIVIATESTBy Fifi Rodriguez

(c) 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.

www.The Ranchos.com

SSuuppeerr Crosswordby Dave T. Phipps

[email protected]

Who wants to help the Ranchos?

That’s what we thought ...A non−profit group is forming in the Madera Ranchos to finally give us some say over what happens here, specifically regarding our water. Countyrepresentatives are doing what they can but they can’t do it all. This organization of local people will answer to one group only: the people ofthe Ranchos. If you have a passion for the Ranchos or if you want to get involved in water issues, this is for you. Please call to see how youcan be a part of this history making group. 559−363−9095 or email [email protected].

If we don’t get together, outside forces will take it into their own hands. Guaranteed.

12/0

9

TheRanchos · 2019. 7. 1. · This is typical of our Board’s reaction to an issue. A vote to...

Documents

Transcript of TheRanchos · 2019. 7. 1. · This is typical of our Board’s reaction to an issue. A vote to...