<<

PRSRT STD ECR U.S. POSTAGE PAID The MADERA, CA. Ranchos PERMIT NO. 61

VolumeIndependent 7 Issue 10 2011 The Official Publication of Southeastern Madera County 50¢

Editorial • Page 5 / Aunt Jean’s Ranchos Recipes • Page 8 In This Issue Classifieds • Page 22 / Fun Pages • Pages 26 & 27 Page 2 Convicted Felon Caught in Ranchos Former Liberty Grad Preparing A convicted felon wanted from inside the home. in the state of Nevada is behind Records show Hopkins For Senior Year at West Point bars in Madera County after was convicted of domestic vio- What an adventure it has been for well-rounded individual, which earned the Madera County Regional lence and cruelty to animals in Liberty High School 2008 graduate me a congressional nomination and ap- SWAT Team and narcotic Fresno County in 2005. Kayla Hodges. pointment to West Point.” agents served a search warrant At approximately 10 a.m. Hodges graduated from Liberty as She spent two weeks of summer at the home of Cory Hopkins on Oct. 5 Hopkins was booked one of the most decorated students to leave visiting friends in different states at Avenue 13 ½, just west of for being a felon in possession ever wear the green and gold and repre- and even returned to the Madera Ranchos Road 36 on Wednesday morn- of a firearm, possession of an sented Golden Valley Unified School for a few days. ing, Oct. 5 at around 7 a.m. assault weapon, being a felon District with dignity wherever she went. When Hodges returned to West The 25-year-old Madera Ran- in possession of a firearm, traf- Her education Point, she went chos man, wanted in Nevada Felon Cory Hop- fic violations, as well as the and endeavors back to Cadet for domestic violence, was ap- kins, arrested 1 1/2 miles warrant for domestic violence have taken Hodges Basic Training. prehended without incident. from Liberty High. issued out of Nevada. to West Point with However, instead During his arrest authorities Cory Hopkins remains be- the United States of a new cadet, a seized firearms and two vials of steroids hind bars at this hour on a no-bail hold. Army. She is cur- high school gradu- rently in her last ate when she last year at West Point did basic training, Madera Ranchos Couple Linked to and will be gradu- Hodges was a pla- ating in 2012. toon leader. Numerous Mountain Burglaries She is cur- “What a fun, Mountain Deputies have tied a Madera video tape. rently a cadet lieu- challenging, re- Ranchos couple to a number of mountain On Friday, Oct. 14, an off-duty CHP Of- tenant. She was a warding and tiring break-ins and thefts – specifically in the ficer called the Sheriff’s Department stating member of the learning experi- areas of Ahwahnee, Oakhurst and Bass that he saw the suspect’s vehicle at Dorstan Army Nordic cross ence it was,” Lake. Drive and Road 222 near Bass Lake. Deputy country ski team Hodges said “I had The investigation started in September Michael Gordon caught up with South- and the West Point 40 new cadets in after a stolen credit card had been used to wood’s truck and pulled it over near Roads Cannon Crew, my command and purchase 220 and which gave had a fantastic gas and 222. In- Hodges the oppor- time.” fast food. side the tunity to shoot the The culminat- B e h i n d v e h i c l e cannon at all of the Liberty High Class of 2008 grad Kayla ing event of basic bars are w a s home football Hodges is in her final year at West Point and is training is a 12- 40-year- found nu- games. eagerly looking forward to life in the U.S. Army. mile march, known old Mar- m e r o u s Over the sum- as the march-back. c u s pieces of mer, Hodges continued her Army training “We all had our ruck sacks and full William burglary with a special operations unit at Fort uniform, helmets and gear on,” Hodges S o u t h - t o o l s , Bragg North Carolina. said. w o o d t h r e e “They were a very neat group of peo- In her senior year, Hodges is now ( a l s o wireless ple,” Hodges said in an e-mail. “They called a “firstie.” That allows her the known as remotes, were so interesting to learn from and chance to get into her major, which is in- J o h n a digital work with. I stayed and trained with them ternational relations as opposed to solely D e n n i s In custody are Madera Ranchos residents Jennifer Lerma and Mar- camera, for three weeks.” taking the required courses at the acad- Troy), and cus Southwood who are accused of a string of burglaries throughout area 150 keys, While at Liberty, Hodges was able to emy. She recently finished her last year 2 3 - y e a r mountain communities. Their storage unit in the Ranchos and their home and a li- accumulate skills needed for her to suc- of her language class, Farsi, and is still old Jen- on Road 35 were both searched for stolen goods. c e n s e ceed. taking classes in environmental engi- n i f e r plate that “The wide variety of opportunities neering. She hopes to write a senior the- Michelle Talbot Lerma (also known as Jen- belonged to a stolen trailer. allowed me to work toward becoming a sis in the next few months. nifer Southwood). In addition to the stolen items deputies Among the many items reported stolen: also seized a meth pipe, a hypodermic needle vehicles, license plates, credit cards, iPods, a and a plastic container that contained nar- digital camera, flat screen TV’s, computers, cotics. Barnes & Noble Sales Promotion air cards, U.S. currency, a calculator, 150 A tip led Deputies to a storage facility keys, a GPS unit and a handful of wireless located off Avenue 12 in the Ranchos. The To Help Madera Ranchos Library remotes. The Madera Ranchos couple is ac- next morning Sergeant Tyson Pogue secured The Barnes & Noble bookstore located at tend to online sales at www.BN.com from cused of breaking into homes, vehicles and a search warrant and was given access to a 7849 N. Blackstone in Fresno is support- Nov. 5 – 11. have even been implicated in the theft of a storage unit rented to Southwood and Lerma. ing the Madera Ranchos Friends of the Li- You can also buy a “presale” cheesecake stolen trailer. Inside the unit contained numerous pieces of brary on Nov. 5 – 6. A percentage of all from the Friends by Oct. 30 and then pick Deputies say their break in the case stolen property. Sergeant Pogue then secured sales, anywhere in the store, will benefit it up at the Fresno Barnes & Noble Nov. 5 came by way of a stolen credit card – used a warrant to search Southwood’s home lo- the Ranchos Library when you mention and 6 between 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Ask your to make several purchases, including gas cated on Road 35 in the Ranchos, where ad- the Ranchos Library at every checkout sta- Ranchos Library librarian for all of the de- and fast food. During one of those buys, the tion. This percentage of sales will even ex- tails. truck and its occupants were captured on Please see CRIME on P. 18 Click on “Local News” at Page 3 Area Road to be Dedicated to Ranchos Serviceman On Nov. 17 at 11 a.m., a very spe- As a lifelong Ranchos resident, Community funds were raised for the cial unveiling will take place in the Moncada played sports in the Ranchos cost of the signs through the Ranchos MaderaRanchos at Avenue 12 and Road and attended Madera schools. He was a Kiwanis, Vulcan Materials and mem- 37. This segment of Road 37 will be highly decorated and dedicated soldier bers of the Golden Valley Chamber of dedicated to the memory of Sgt. Raul serving in the Marines and then the Commerce. The public is invited to at- Moncada who lived on Road 37 with Army. He served two campaigns in Iraq tend the dedication ceremony which his family but sadly was killed in ac- and it was on his second tour that he will be led by Madera County District 1 tion on April 13, 2009, by a roadside was killed in the line of duty. Supervisor Frank Bigelow. bomb in Iraq. One sign will be placed at Road 37 All Ranchos-area veterans are also His family continues to live on and Avenue 12 and a second sign will invited to attend. For more information, Road 37. be placed at Road 37 and Avenue 13. call John Herrera at 559-217-8947.

OPEN LATE MON-SAT FOR WORKING PEOPLE LIKE YOU!

POULTRY selected LAY PELLETS PET TOYS & CLOTHES $2PER OFF BAG 25% OFF RAINYSEASONISHERE! PREMIUM QUALITY WOOD STOVE PELLETS ALL TARPS RANCHOS *any purchase of $4.99/BAG* 15% OFF CUSTOMERS $50 or MORE with *WHEN YOU BUY 1 TON OR MORE WE CARRY ALL SIZES ONLY! $5 OFF*this coupon ONLY! DOG KENNELS We sell QUALITY hay • We sell PROPANE • We DELIVER ALLHORSE HEAVY DUTY 10’X6’X6’ Oat Hay ...... $10.85 per bale FLY MASKS Sudan Grass (Horse Quality) ...... $11.95 per bale Alfalfa Hay (Horse Quality) ...... $15.75 per bale Oregon Orchard Grass (Best in Town) ...... $16.99 per bale 20% OFF 20% OFF EQUINE FEED (All hay prices subject to change) ALFALFA or ALFALFA & OATS “Quality & Customer Service is Our Motto” CUBES all FLYSPRAYS PER 50 LB. BAG WHEN YOU BUY A 20% OFF $10.99/ TON OR MORE ALL all EQUINE SENIOR FRUIT&SHADE STABLE MIX BARRELS from King Feed all TREES $3 OFF HORSEBLANKETS buy 2 @ regular price WE SELL ALL VARIETIES! 3rd BAG $5 OFF! 15% OFF 25% OFFall prices exp. 11/30/11 except where noted and 10/11 are subject to change www.The Ranchos.com Page 4 The Bookshelf LibraryDonationsareGreat BUT...

By Garin Gonzales

Well, the fall breeze just seems to get cooler by the day and so do you when you visit the Ranchos library.There are a couple of great events coming our way and I’ll get to those in a mo- ment but first I have to do a little bit of fall cleaning … Donations are great… But please don’t put your donations in our drop-off box. The fact of the matter is we love donations; however we have to make sure that the donations can be used in this library. James Patterson books check out like crazy, but we already have a plethora of Patterson. Patrons are keen on Stephen King. People are nutty for Nora Roberts, but when those authors are donated to us, more often than not (unless of course it’s their newest work) we can’t use them. We just don’t have the space. So those old books by Nora Roberts or James Patterson will just be taking up prime real estate. We appreciate donations – and we put as many as we can in circulation – and if we can’t circulate them we can always try to sell them in our “For Sale” room, but a lot of books just tend to take up valuable space. So please, before you shove books into the already bursting drop-off box, ask yourself if your donation might be better dropped off at Goodwill. If you still want to donate them to the library, please bring them in. Just let me have a look at them first. Thanks. Upcoming Events Story times are underway,so bring the kids everyThursday at 11a.m. So far,there have been great turnouts and I’m sure they’re only going to get better. Story time leader Diane Maxfield usually reads a story or two, sings a song and even brings in snacks. It’s a perfect way to enter- tain the kiddies. It also gets them worn out enough that naptime is a breeze. So come be a part of it. Book Chat I’ve been so busy acclimating myself to the new library that I haven’t actually finished a book in months, which is a shame because I love to read. But I wanted to recommend a few ti- tles so you can check them out when you get free time. Please remem- ber some of these titles are in our library and some aren’t.Wecan always request titles for you, so come on in and we’ll set you up. 10/11 Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane is a welcome return to the mys- tery genre and characters that made Lehane’s name back in the ’90s. His first four books,ADrink Beforethe War,Darkness Take My Hand, Sacred and Gone Baby Gone (which was turned into a really terrific movie, directed by Ben Affleck. Who would’ve thought?) featured WIN FREE PROPANE! hard-nosed Boston detectives Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. Moonlight picks up 12 years after the action of Gone Baby Gone, and it features a lot of the same skuzzy side characters featured in WIN 250 GALLONS OF PROPANE that potboiler, so it might be in your best interest to read that one first. But any Lehane is good Lehane, NAME ______as you may well know from another book of his adapted into film by Martin ADDRESS ______Scorsese, called Shutter Island. Speaking of good books adapted into movies, Drive, the won- CITY ______STATE ____ ZIP ______derfully atmospheric short novel written by James Sallis, was re- cently adapted into a film featuring that hunkasaurus of the day, PHONE ______Ryan Gosling. I haven’t seen the movie, but I hear it’s great. The book is cool and calculated, quite a bit like the main character, Drawing to be held the first week of July, 2012. Delivery must be by August 31, 2012. Must be a Valley Propane customer. only known as “Driver,” a stunt driver by day and a wheelman for heists by night. The book could’ve been clichéd, what with the MAIL TO: Valley Propane • 37221 Ave. 12 #1D “one-last-heist-and-then-I’m-done” plot, but Sallis’ voice and Madera, CA 93636 lean-constructed plot will hold your attention from the first page to the last. I stayed up all night finishing this one. And I can’t wait to see the movie. And Finally ... We’ve settled on a date for our book signing/reading/presentation with children’s book au- thor Jean Chaffee. Ms. Chaffee, who is the widow of Dr. Paul Chaffee (for whom the zoo is named), will entertain us all with her True Zoo toYou presentation and stories related to the zoo on Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. This is going to be a fun, educational and entertaining time for kids and adults alike, and it’s free! Be sure to mark it on your calendar.And don’t forget your li- brary card. In fact, don’t leave home without it! Click on “Local News” at Page 5 Guest Editorial The Ubiquitous Scourge By Rich Lowry tragedy -- the JFK assassination, Sept. 11 -- it draws us together in a web of There are few things more in- immediate shared images. As a general escapable in American life than the TV matter, though, TV is the Love Canal screen. of our culture. It's a conduit for all that Sitting at the lounge at the airport, is low and toxic. there is CNN Headline News overhead, If there were ever a concerted pub- invariably blaring. In the back of New lic campaign against TV, its architects York City cabs, there is a little screen could legitimately claim to wage it -- playing stale TV news clips. In waiting in that inevitable rationale for all do- rooms, in elevators, in the back of peo- goodism -- "for the children." The Uni- ple's cars and in practically every room versity of Michigan Health System in the American home, there it is -- in- reports that kids ages 2-5 spend on av- sistent, noisy, the background track to erage 32 hours a week in front of a TV. our lives. Among 8- to 18-year-olds, 71 percent Television is the most ubiquitous have a TV in their bedroom (and they and insidious force in everyday Amer- spend on average 1.5 hours a day more ican life. If it were a drug, it'd be ille- watching TV than kids without a TV in gal, and federal agents would be the bedroom). raiding the studios of the networks. Watching TV is worse than a Ben Berger of Swarthmore Col- mindless activity, since mere mind- lege notes that in 1950 less than 10 lessness needn't be harmful. "Exces- percent of U.S. households owned a sive TV viewing can contribute to poor television. Today, in the average Amer- grades, sleep problems, behavior prob- ican household, TVs outnumber peo- lems, obesity, and risky behavior," ac- ple. It's now considered a deprivation cording to the University of Michigan. to be limited to watching "The Real Berger cites a 2010 study from Housewives of Beverly Hills" only in Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent the family den. As of 2009, we were Medicine that found that among tod- watching more TV than ever -- on av- dlers "every additional hour of televi- erage, more than five hours a day. sion exposure" eventually means (Which makes you wonder: How does decreases in "classroom engagement ... that leave any time to play video math achievement ... time spent doing games?) weekend physical activity ... and ac- TV can be entertaining and even tivities involving physical effort," and informative. At times of national increases in "victimization by class- mates ... consumption scores for soft drinks and snacks ... and body mass index." The American Academy of Pe- diatricians recommends that kids 2 and younger avoid TV -- and everything The else on a screen -- altogether. For the rest of us, that is all but im- Ranchos possible. It speaks to the power of TV "How do you tell a Communist? that even when what's on doesn't truly Well, it's interest you, it's hard to take your eyes Independent someone who off it. It literally demands our attention. reads Marx The only defense is fewer TVs and The Ranchos Independent is published by Five and Two Publishing. and Lenin. And more of them turned off. That's surely All contents of this publication are copyright 2011, all rights reserved. Reprinting without the permission of the how do you too much to hope for in a culture long copyright holder is forbidden by law. tell an anti- ago utterly conquered by the TV screen. All articles are submitted as the opinion of the author, who remains solely responsible for the content. The in- Communist? It's formation gathered for this publication is from sources that are considered to be reliable, but are not guaranteed. someone who Rich Lowry is editor of the Na- Opinions expressed in advertisements or articles remain the opinion of the writer. understands tional Review. Marx and Randy Bailey...... Publisher/Editor Lenin." (c) 2011 by King Features Synd., Inc. Christi McKinney -- Reporter • Jean Briner -- Columnist, Advertising Sales Rachael Bailey -- Advertising Sales • Tina Shannon -- Advertising Sales 37167 Ave. 12, Suite 5C • Madera, CA 93636 [email protected] www.The559-645-0634 Ranchos.com asesfrBrhControl Birth for Banshees ae6 Page a on ogte nam of army an gather I born. to As was had. going idea of an just was I I months letter, subject one my and to the penned like about months be- nights not to bor- kids was to myself I was resort neighborhood to cause She the have to rowing to going grandchildren. refusing just her for letter sincere advance a my give in writing professing apologies mother began my I to night, walk- that kept she I but so degree quiet, sweat, ing. 100 and pouring the calm was was in circles I yard thing in to heat. back only walking my the was in everything and worked down tried that her I calm Rose. with s ’ Axle b child u b e love z l e holding e B I the floors walking home, instead was at and been had left to visit coming me was assured baby the they little to that sweet just prove of howls daughter’s audio their an recording mak- ing con- templated I a mariachi, with owl combined that screech a to of be only hour likened re- can a second that or They the screaming the After receipts of children. policy. with to fund own come supposed was don’t your morn- I really next not knew the return and of I back You’re her end ing. that sight give the to at was of able light her tunnel the out my the but once – that into were earshot banshee turned parents the cousin even baby my – give to dren to off hour break. her a other ears hand my every can mar- I my being husband me so of without given ried children especially has having own, child about experience teenager, such pause a one babysitting not with recent I’m a hysterical old. a the but with in month night 12 problem one country: pregnancy teenage hnIfnlygthrt bed to her got finally I When chil- love I clarify: me let First, the to answer the have I think I eri ohn fntagood a not and if be nothing children, deterrent. is might have I fear to think when me ready ears about make my to inces- twice in two-day enough I rang her was a but screams where sant I that cousin, as headache deny baby just to can’t my happy, children did pour- my them for will make circles, I sweat in ing and walk someday gladly children nteed tl want still I end, the In o h odte att odown, go to is want parenting they enough se- road that be the in them not might is results persuade loss child to that a hearing night mis- vere raising one that easy; assume teenagers a will the be takenly be to demographic your course ready of of target not The sake are the parent. you com- for screaming then time, baby, sanity a your the and with walk sacrifice fort and indeter- time, child nightly an of for come aren’t floors amount sleep you will If lose minate point to clear: and the ready Neverthe- loud think naught. across experi- I for be entire less, the will ence suffer, teenagers sea- next poten- the of for lack members the downside be cast get the tial would would this course, and brain of a Of endure half to pregnant. with howler had a twit the I for no of high antics home night monkey them One have junior and take sleepover. schools, nation students the some high the across the all maybe schools, them of take and tour and a infants on ill-tempered laesee Please E WHY GEN igthe let- of baby ting the instead floors with the and in walk step If for. they angle going I’m an rience” expe- this unpleasant entire “make the they interfere with might though, because the of night, for house , out g the n g i t n o t i - parents h c l t u b r c a the a n keep e find to way to have Pregnant. 16 and MTV’s of son ewould We nP 9 P. on 10/11 h aco Independent Ranchos the eofgr orpoet ie ihaltln adjustment line lot a with lines survey property boundary your a Reconfigure with locations • line certificate property elevation your an Verify with insurance • flood on money Save • mrv orpoet ihagaigaddang plan drainage and grading a with property your Improve • iieyu rprywt aclmap parcel a with property your Divide • eiae osrigteln uvyn n ii niern ed fMdr aco n h eta Valley Central the and Ranchos Madera of needs engineering civil and surveying land the serving to Dedicated a o a tin it saw you Say NETI OREITN PROPERTY! EXISTING YOUR IN INVEST adSreig•CvlEgneig•Consulting • Engineering Civil • Surveying Land oi onainfryu etproject next your for foundation solid A o recnutto,visit consultation, free a For u aeaRnhsoffice! Ranchos Madera our lc n“oa es at News” “Local on Click www.bedrockeng.com 66 vne12 Avenue 36961 559.645.4849

10/11 Page 7 The Stock Report From Flu Shots to Arizona Burros By Audrey Stock segment of Road will be dedicated to Sgt. Moncada who lived on Road 37 Hi neighbors, with his family. The Madera County Did you get your flu shot yet? On Road Department will be installing Oct. 13 200 people from the Ranchos the signs soon. Individual members area took advantage of the free flu of the Ranchos’ Golden Valley shots in the drive-through at Liberty Chamber of Commerce, the Ranchos 10/11 High School. It was much quicker Kiwanis organization and Vulcan than going to a doctor and having to Building Materials put up the money wait for an hour to get seen. By get- to have the signs made. Guess what’s BACK in the Ranchos? ting the flu vaccine you can protect I had an Email from Kayla not only yourself from getting the flu Hodges the other day. She is a Lib- FRESH ROASTED COFFEE you may also avoid spreading the flu erty High graduate that went to West to others. Remember that it takes up Point Army Academy. She has com- New Owners • New Management • New Times to two weeks for protection to de- pleted her first four years of study velop after the shot. Protection lasts and has graduated as a Second Lieu- about a year. All people six months tenant. I am so proud of her. She is of age and older should get the flu now working on her Special Opera- vaccine. The flu can occur at any tions qualifications. She is an active 645-1225 time, but most flu occurs from Octo- Army member. See if you can find ber through May. Flu can cause high her Email with pictures that I sent to 10/11 The Coffee Spot • 37164 Ave. 12 #102 by Subway fever, pneumonia Randy to put into and make exist- the Ranchos Inde- Say you saw it in the Ranchos Independent ing medical con- pendent. I know ditions worse. ... Jolene, our fearless that there are Each year thou- leader, has arranged an excur- other active mili- sands of people sion to the Hoover Dam/Col- tary members die from the flu orado River Bypass Bridge from the Ranchos and even more re- and a trip to Oatman, Arizona that are serving. quire hospitaliza- Please send their tion. The viruses on old Route 66 to see the wild names to the Ran- in the flu vaccine burros. chos Golden Val- have been killed, ley Chamber of so you cannot get Commerce at 645- the flu from the shot. Some people 4001 so that they can be recognized. have gotten the flu after they had Now moving on to the Ran- gotten the shot but they already had chos/Hills Senior news. I had to get been exposed to the viruses before a 2012 calendar because I already they had the shot or during the two have some next year dates entered in week period after they had the shot it. As always the Ranchos Hills Sen- before virus protection could de- iors are busy planning fun actives. velop. On Nov. 5 there will be the Senior’s On Nov. 11 the nation will be monthly sale. This sale will be a spe- celebrating Veterans Day. With all of cial pre-Christmas Sale so come buy the past wars that we have had in my your Christmas decorations at a re- life time there are many veterans ally good price and to get a good who are alive that Veterans Day re- start on your Christmas shopping. members with parades, speeches and The next day, Sunday, Nov. 6, the bus songs. For the many fallen heroes of will be at the Senior Center to pick the many wars, cemeteries around the up those of us that will be going to nation will be decked out with flags Laughlin, Nevada for a five day ad- and flowers. Here in the Madera Ran- venture. We will be staying at the chos we have three fallen heroes Edgewater Hotel and Casino. I hope from the Iraq war. Brandon Paul to take a ride on the river if it isn’t Ramey was killed in Iraq in 2004. too windy. Also Jolene, our fearless Elizabeth Jacobson was killed in Iraq leader, has arranged an excursion to in 2005. Raul Moncada was killed in the Hoover Dam/Colorado River By- Iraq in 2009. A friend of the Mon- pass Bridge and a trip to Oatman, cada’s has gone through the process Arizona on old Route 66 to see the of having a memorial sign placed on wild burros. There is one room at the Road 37 and Avenue 12 and a second 10/11 sign on Road 37 and Avenue 13. The Please see STOCK on P. 19 www.The Ranchos.com Page 8 What’s in a Name? Golden Valley Baptist Church Have you ever wondered if there was someone out there in this big Sunday School 9 a.m. world with a name the same as yours? Sunday Worship Service 10:15 a.m. In doing our family’s genealogy for by Jean Briner Tuesday 7 p.m. YOUTH 13-18 the last 20 years (I’ve been able to 10/11 trace three of my grandparents’ fami- come meet new friends! lies back to the 1700’s. I’m having a stuff?). So I thought I’d Google “Aunt www.GoldenValleyChurch.com Golden Valley Baptist little trouble with my dad’s mother’s Jean’s Recipes.” Wow, what a surprise. 12414 Road 37 · Madera Ranchos · 559-645-1700 Pastor David Jones family. She always told us we were re- So here are a few of the Aunt Jean’s lated to John and John Quincy Adams Recipes that aren’t even mine. but haven’t been able to prove it yet). When I told Randy what I had Growing up, I always thought Briner found and was thinking of writing my was not a common name – but in article about, he Googled the site and doing the genealogy, I found out dif- was reading some of the recipes. He ferently. One of the problems is when copied this one and said it sounded in- JOIN TODAY AND PAY our families came from the old coun- teresting. tries, their names were not written cor- rectly, or ineligibly and got recorded Aunt Jean’s Easter Rice Pie *with a 12 month agreement incorrectly. An example of that is my 8 Eggs NOCALL INITIATION FOR MORE INFO FEE!* Great Great Great Grandfather came 1 ½ C rice, cooked and cooled 10/11 559-479-8282 over from Germany as Petrus Breiner, 3 lbs. ricotta Sr. but his son is recorded as Peter 1 ¾ C sugar Briner, Jr. I also found out that the 1 tsp. vanilla name has been spelled Breiner, Bryner 2 (9inch) unbaked pie shells and Briner – and they are all related. Cinnamon If you would like to find out if Preheat oven to 350. In a large there are other people out there with bowl, beat the eggs, add the rice, ri- Fine Quality Craftmanship the same name as yours, look it up. cotta, sugar and vanilla, stir thor- The website I use a lot to look people oughly. Turn the mixture into the pie up is zabasearch.com and click what shells and sprinkle with cinnamon. state you want to search. If your name Bake for 1 hour. This recipe makes is Tom Brown, or Nancy White, it two pies, but if you want to make only might tell you there are too many to one pie, just divide all the ingredients list, but if your in half. Half of 1 name is not that ¾ C sugar is 1 C common, you less 2 Table- Specializing In: might be sur- ... so I thought I’d Google spoons. Randy’s prised what you “Aunt Jean’s Recipes.” Wow, daughter Rachael • Foreign & Domestic • Frame Straightening find. Another way what a surprise. So here are a made this recipe Car Repairs • Unibody Frame to look your that night and few of the Aunt Jean’s Recipes • Custom Paint Repairs name up is that aren’t even mine. they all really Google it. You liked but said • Color Matching • Chroma Vision might also find next time they that names may would add more • Insurance Work Color Matching not be spelled the usual way. I have sugar. Seems it just wasn’t quite sweet four nieces with names we hear quite enough. frequently, but the girls names are The following recipe sounds real spelled different: Our girls are Eryn good and I love both pork chops and (Erin), Sara (Sarah), Rachael (Rachel) rice so I am going to buy a can of and Savanna (Savannah). Even onion soup when I go shopping and try GOLD GLASS Randy’s name – his full name is Ran- it – I’ll let you know. And another Precision Collision Repair dahl (it is said his dad had a ‘thing’for thing to like about it: it’s done all in the movie star Arlene Dahl), so take one pan! that into consideration when research- ing names. Aunt Jean’s Pork Chops A week or so ago, I was sitting Pork Chops

here wondering what to write about 1 can Campbell’s French Onion 10/11 and didn’t have anything else to do soup (Now that isn’t quite the truth – but 1 can water Insurance Claims Welcomed FREE ESTIMATES who wants to clean out a closet or mop 1 cup uncooked long grain rice the kitchen floor when you can sit at the computer looking up interesting Please see RECIPE on P. 19 674-8591 Click on “Local News” at Page 9 GEN WHY cont. from P. 6 state buy you diapers and cheese, mom and dad watch the baby while you work or finish school or go out with at least not yet, and certainly not without a spouse for That ought to make them friends, and you just have to give them a bottle every now help. more careful not to get preg- and then. The grandparents are raising their children. The next morning, however, when my little terror was nant; at the very least it will In the end, I still want children someday and I will replaced with an angelic little bundle of cuddliness, I gladly walk in circles, pouring sweat for my children to nearly forgot the anguish of the night before. As I rocked provide revenge for all the make them happy, just as I did my baby cousin, but I can’t her and hugged her, it all seemed worth it. We will have parents of the teenagers who deny that a two-day headache where her incessant screams to be careful not to allow the teens to experience this side remember walking the floors rang in my ears was enough to make me think twice about of things. The operation “banshees for birth control” with them when they were ba- when I might be ready to have children, and fear is noth- team will be waiting outside at five in the morning to re- bies. Either way, torturing ing if not a good deterrent. Maybe we could somehow bot- trieve the babies before the cuddling can commence. tle that fear, results being headaches, fatigue and a ringing Then, the teenagers awaken left with only the memory of teenagers or preventing preg- in your ears mysteriously similar to that of a baby crying. the red-faced little one screaming and crying which, if it nancy, seems like win-win to We could dump the chemical into the water supplies of the is anything like my experience, will haunt their dreams me. nation’s high schools. That ought to make them more care- for months. ful not to get pregnant; at the very least it will provide re- I truly believe this is the largest contributing factor venge for all the parents of the teenagers who remember to the teenaged and unwed pregnancy epidemic that we face. Many, if not walking the floors with them when they were babies. Either way, torturing most, of the girls getting pregnant think it’s easy to raise a child. You let the teenagers or preventing pregnancy, seems like win-win to me.

Judy’s Legal Document Letters Service Dear Editor: Treibatch has been nothing but supportive • Self-Help Legal Document Assistant to the Madera Ranchos community. I I just wanted you to know that I to- could have just died of embarrassment Estate Planning • Family Law tally agree with what you said in the last when Mr. Triebatch referred to Israel's ... and more Independent you published. I went to the water management technology and some in Judith L. Locatelli meeting over at LHS and was mortified by the audience shouted out for him to take it Legal Document Assistant • Notary Public the behavior of many of my neighbors. I back to Israel! Obviously, they are un- Madera County LDA Reg. 2010001 • Exp. 8/10/12 have lived in the Madera Ranchos for 29 aware that Israel is a world leader in inno- years and have seen many changes. vative water technology. It is apparent to Call for an Appointment Change is inevitable. I have been mostly me that the community needs to focus ef- • pleased with the many changes over the forts and enthusiasm on figuring out how 559-395-4640 office • 559-908-4600 cell www. JudysLegalDocumentService.Com past 29 years. I went to the meeting on we are going to manage our water supply. 11874 Road 36 ½ • Madera, CA • 93636 Liberty Groves because a number of peo- If the Madera Ranchos turns into a dried up ple had told me that there was a plan to ghost town at some point in the future, we “I am not an attorney. I can only provide build low-income apartments. I found out will have no one to blame but ourselves. self-help services at your specific direction.” 10/11 at the meeting that this is not true. When I heard the plan for Liberty Groves, I was Debbie Sandhurst envious of the fact that this development Madera Ranchos SAND & GRAVEL • actually has a PLAN. The Madera Ran- 10/11 CRUSHED ROCK • chos is a hodge-podge of all types of hous- P.S. I am amazed that there is some- LANDSCAPE MATERIAL • ing, landscape design and levels of thing we agree on! And, I am disgusted FILL DIRT • maintenance. It isn't for everyone, but we with myself that I didn't get this letter to have grown to love it here. Ever since that you prior to the printing of the most recent TOP SOIL • meeting, I am painfully aware of the water Independent. DS HUMUS • I use going down the drain, never to be BARK • seen again. The attitude of the community The Ranchos Independent welcomes CHIPS • saddens and infuriates me, but does NOT surprise me. I have found the members of your letters. Whether you’re a fan or RIVER ROCK • this community to be a stubborn lot! It was someone looking for something to line the birdcage, we want BASE ROCK • clearly stated that the current use of the to hear from you. The only rules? ROCK DUST • land on which Liberty Groves will be built Sign it, be civil or forget about it. COBBLE STONES • uses 25 percent more water than will the actual finished community. Yet, people LANDSCAPE DIRT DRIVEWAY BASE • Send your letters to: & DRIVEWAY continue to use water usage as a reason to CONSTRUCTION stop this development. This makes no email: CLEANUP • sense!! I also learned that developers are CA #142100 [email protected] 559-645-5363 very limited in their design options be- cause of existing county and state regula- mail: tions that govern all aspects of The Ranchos Independent development. And, as you pointed out, 37167 Ave. 12 #5C Say you saw it in aside from meeting that criteria, the prop- Madera, CA 93636 erty owner doesn't need our permission to fax: use his land as he sees fit. 559-645-4002 the Ranchos Independent Finally, I would like to say that Igal www.The Ranchos.com Page 10 Senior Report Seniors Prep for Coming Holidays By Verlaine Elinburg December, Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 8 a.m. to noon. Special orders are accepted during the The month of October is almost behind week from Monday through Friday from us. The Senior Center began its fall season 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Place your orders by with its annual Craft Boutique Sale. It was a phone at 645-4864, drop us a note at 37330 busy week preparing for the Craft Boutique Berkshire, Madera, CA 93636, or email us Sale, which is spearheaded by Carol Reeves at [email protected]. If you own a business and her helpers. and want to have a gift basket created to During the year the Senior Center re- promote your products or simply as a gift ceives donations of craft items which are for a special someone, bring in your items used to create craft objects, such as baskets, and the Ranchos/Hills Senior Center will hats, blankets, aprons and similar items. At create a presentation for you for a modest the October monthly sale the Senior Center donation. has a clearance sale of excess craft items, The Laughlin, Nevada trip is nearing which include rib- from Nov. 6 bons, flowers, but- through 10 and tons, lace, pieces will include four of yardage and nights at the Edge- 10/11 other craft-related water Hotel and things. Casino, round trip Honoring and motor coach, two celebrating differ- extra side trips – ent holiday occa- Hoover Dam/Col- sions during the orado River Pass year, our ex- Bridge and Oat- for a tremely talented man, Ariz. on the Carol Reeves be- old Route 66. The LIMITEDonly! TIME $999.31 gins the year with Cost is $180 per the romantic person, double oc- Valentine’s Day, cupancy, and $210 creating beautiful Ranchos/Hills Seniors help a customer at the for single. A few Center’s last sale of craft and boutique items, one of baskets full of many regularly held sales at the Center. vacancies are still Smith Manor Grace Chapel is offering a goodies represent- available so if you $999.31. ing the theme of are interested call Direct Cremation Package for Our Direct that holiday. the Ranchos/Hills Senior Center at 559-645- Cremation Service Package is designed specially for In addition to the holiday theme bas- 4864. families who have chosen to have a simple cremation. This kets, she creates smaller baskets which are Senior Center Activities package includes a durable plastic urn, a cardboard cremation purchased by our members and the public. The Department of Health comes peri- container, removal from place of death to mortuary within 50 miles, Our most profitable baskets are our Easter odically to the Center for free checkups. The basic services of director and staff, refrigeration, 1-hour private Baskets and if you are in need of a special screenings include: Personal health history family viewing, one death certificate, disposition permit and sales tax. basket for a gift, Carol will create a special review, blood pressure and blood sugar test, We also have many funeral plans basket just for you. Bring the items for your nutrition and health education and a low- to choose from. To discuss payment options special gift and she and her helpers will cre- cost blood test is available. The health on this plan or any of our other funeral ate your gift basket for a donation. This is screenings are for 50 and above. For refer- plans please call one of the departments that creates revenue rals to medical providers and community in the form of donations that pay for the op- services, the contact number is 675-7893 to erating costs of the Ranchos/Hills Senior make an appointment. Center. A nutritionally balanced lunch program 662-8825 801 E. Yosemite Avenue, Madera

As we move into the holiday season, is available Monday through Friday at 11:30 10/11 Carol Reeves and her crew are now busy a.m. A suggested price for 60 years and creating gift baskets, knitting, and sewing. older is $1.75. Reservations are needed 24 Bobby Farina, who manages the bakery, is hours in advance prior to 11 a.m. so re- planning her baked items, including cakes, member to call Joann at 645-4864. To Advertise cookies, candy, jellies and jams, and differ- We have a growing exercise program in the ent edible items. Beginning Saturday, Dec. being held on Mondays, Wednesdays and 3, the Senior Center will begin its Annual Fridays at 10 a.m. The participants are get- Ranchos Christmas Boutique and Bake Sale. The ting more than just exercise by attending. Senior Center will also accept special orders They have fun, share laughs, meet new Independent for the Gift Baskets and Bake items at that friends and get updates on old friends, their time, or any time. The Senior Center holi- day public sale dates are on Saturdays in Please see SENIOR on P. 12 call645-0 634 Click on “Local News” at Page 11 The Pastor’s Desk Recovery + Relapse = Insanity Again this month we have a guest came and went and I had not heard a writer for the Pastor’s Desk. He is not a word. So, Saturday morning I got up Balance is the Key to Performance pastor but he has a message. With ap- early and I was there the minute they Specializing in ALL phases of farrier science proximately 17.6 million Americans opened. I said hello and we went for a AFEC Certi ed adults who abuse alcohol or are alcohol walk. While we were on our tour of the 209-628-0991 dependent, his message is timely and rel- facility, we stopped and he looked at me 10/11 call evant. and said, “I understand that relapse is Editor part of recovery; when it happens let me know, I’ll understand.” I appreci- By Mike B. ated his candor and his compassion. But relapse is not part of recovery.

10/11 It cannot be. A few weeks ago I was in the mid- Relapse is a rationalization made dle of an interview for a new job. Not by many. Rationalization is a big part of that big of deal – a job interview; been insanity. In Step 2 it says, “Come to be- there, done that. This time was a little lieve that a power greater than our- different, though. Not just honesty but selves could restore us to Sanity.” If I GETYOURFREEONION! rigorous honesty had to be a part of it rationalize anything I am still not sane. (see my August 2011 article). I’m sit- So, to rationalize is to give in to myself. Jus3 fE1 KiHiI@n- S)!e3 FlE)>1 FGJi3 St;n+ ),’+ B7", “The only way to get ting there and my interviewer says, That is something I cannot do. This is t/ ?@(, yE4 * FR E EDiE. t/ s;6 “:h;8k2” ;n+ t/ fresher produce would be “You left your last job because of ill- what I think about relapsing: I would ?@(, yE4 ;. >x;C9#, N Aus3 hE5 g&o+ EJ1 Fro=u , to pick it yourself.” ™ i2. O%, '>1 1 '>1 d;6. EL0. M1-30-M1 ness. What was have to start at the your illness?” I backside of the shifted in my seat, ... we stopped and he looked cross, on my hands TECATE LT. 18-PAK ...... $8.99 looked left, looked at me and said, “I understand and knees. Climb SHOCK TOP 12-PAK ...... $10.99 right, cleared my that relapse is part of recovery; up the cross with HEINEKEN, DOS EQUIS 12-PAK ...... $11.99 throat and pon- when it happens let me know, I’ll the wood scratch- dered what the next ing and gouging 10/11 CORONA, CORONA LT. 12-PAK ...... $12.99 understand.” I appreciated his KEYSTONE, NATURAL LT. 30-PAK ...... $13.99 words out of my candor and his compassion. my hands, arms, mouth would be. I chest, legs and REX GOLIATH, JACOB’S CREEK But relapse is not part of re- COLUMBIA CREST ALL VARIETIES 750 ML ..... $4.99 looked at my hope- covery. It cannot be. feet. Climb over BLACKSTONE ALL VARIETIES 750 ML ...... $8.99 fully-soon-to-be- Relapse is a rationalization the top and slowly employer and said, lower myself down PAUL MASSON BRANDY 750 ML ...... $7.99 made by many. Rationalization “I had been sober is a big part of insanity. the front, using SVEDKA, BACARDI LT., for three and a half Jesus’ shoulders as SAUZA GOLD or SILVER 750 ML ...... $10.99 years. I hurt my a ladder. Clinging BARTON or TAKKA VODKA 1.75 L ...... $10.99 back at work, was to the cross while KESSLER 1.75 L ...... $15.99 prescribed Vicodan for the pain and re- the crown of thorns scraped my entire CROWN ROYAL, JACK DANIELS, ally enjoyed them. Then I found out body and the blood of Jesus would JÄGERMEISTER 750 ML ...... $19.99 that they seemed to work better when drench me from head to toe, while I PATRON SILVER 375 ML ...... $19.99 Mon-Sat 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sun 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. you washed them down with Vodka. A slowly climbed down. Then, when I PRICES +TAX, CRV • PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE • EXP.11-30-11 year later I was fired and went to reached the bottom of the cross I would rehab.” He looked at me and smiled and pull out all the splinters and thorns, went on to tell me that they were look- wipe the blood of Jesus off my entire ing for someone who was honest and body, turn my back and walk away. WE’RE ON THE WEB! that they could trust. He followed that This I cannot do! Visit the Ranchos’ own Website. with this statement: “I guess if you can Jesus has done too much for me for be truthful about that, you will pretty me to walk away from him ever again. Get fully downloadable back issues of much be truthful about anything.” There is no relapse in true recovery. the Ranchos Independent I said I really don’t have a choice, When the obsession is gone, you real- (beginning with April 2006). but I really did. I could have said or ize who took it. Learn how you can add your spoken an untruth. Somehow I knew For that, I am thankful.

10/11 Ranchos-area business to this site! that truth was the only answer. I didn’t get the job that day but he said he Until next time, www.theRanchos.com would let me know by Friday. Friday Mike B. www.theRanchos.com www.theRanchos.com Say you saw it in www.theRanchos.com the Ranchos Independent www.The Ranchos.com Page 12 SENIOR cont. from P. 10 The Farmers Market at the Center has a variety of vegeta- fellow members and get current bles and fruits, jams and jellies news on what is happening at are available and the Boutique the Center. There is room for has many “on the spot needed” you and you may attend all gift items. three days or just one or two of Dates For Your Calendar them. Board Meeting: Tuesday, New to the agenda on Nov. 1 6 p.m. Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. are a va- Christmas Tree Lighting: riety of cards games to be en- Friday, Dec. 2, 6 p.m. at the Maywood Center. Ranchos/Hills Treasure House, Boutique, Bake and Plant and Tree Sale: Saturday, Nov. 5. Laughlin, Nev. Trip: Nov. 6 from Senior Center, 37330 Berk- shireAve at 8 a.m. Veterans Day: Nov. 11 Ranchos/Hills Senior Center Just a sampling of some of will be closed. the items available at the Ran- General Meeting: For all chos/Hills Senior Center’songoing members, Monday, Nov. 14. monthly sales here in the Ranchos Ranchos/Hills Thanksgiving at 37330 Berkshire. Celebration: Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m. joyed. Come and learn new Birthday andAnniversaries: games. Saturday, Nov. 19 at Imperial Check your calendar for Gardens, 6640 N. Blackstone, daily events for each day of the Fresno at 11:30 a.m. Call 435- week. If you do not have a 4406 for information. copy, stop by the Senior Cen- Planning Meeting: Mon- ter for a copy. Additional day, Nov. 21 at 12:30 p.m. copies are available at the Ran- Ranchos/Hills Senior Cen- chos Market and Hurst Hard- ter will be closed Nov. 24 and ware. 25.

Ranchos Church Sends “Flip Flops” to War Zone Flipside Christian Church in Madera, Calif. has been on the frontlines in Afghanistan for the past several months. How, do you ask? Jon Ginn attends Flipside with his family. He is also a gunnery sergeant serving with 3rd Battalion 4th Marines in their weapons company stationed in Afghanistan. Be- fore his departure, he and his wife Renee believed that God had a specific purpose for his deployment in addition to what was mission specific. Upon his platoon's arrival, he met many children who were While serving in Afghanistan, without footwear of any kind Gunnery Sergeant Jon Ginn in the 100+ degree heat. As (right) gets a “thumbs up” from a Jon saw need, he knew this very happy little boy who has new was the purpose of his de- sandals courtesy of the Ranchos. ployment. Back at home, Flipside and the community have donated over 4,000 pairs of flip flops to date. Because of shipping charges, a large parcel of the sandals will be sent to Jon later this month. In the mean- time, Jon will continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in Afghanistan. Click on “Local News” at Page 13

The Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce Kiwanis Korner Ranchos Kiwanis 25 Years Old By Carla Hart Through Kiwanis K-Kids clubs, elementary aged children learn responsibility by running their Annual Community Happy Silver Anniversary Ranchos Kiwa- own club, develop leadership skills through nis! It was 25 years ago, in October 1986, that the fundraising for their school, and build character Ranchos Kiwanis was formed and there’s no bet- through service-based activities. There are more ter way to celebrate our milestone than to wel- than 36,000 children in K-Kids clubs worldwide come new people to our team. A member who are changing both themselves and the world Christmas Tree appreciation BBQ in August brought in several around them. Thank you Principal, Chris Imper- new members. Congratulations Andy Alvarado, atrice, for your support in bringing K-Kids to Bryan Lee, Cathy Lee, Randy Schrantz, Mona your school. Silva and also Nelson Venegas who joined us At the high school level, LHS Key Club Lighting Ceremony prior to the event. An induction ceremony was President, Andy Hart, reports that their member held in September. We look forward to the re- base is the highest it’s ever been and is looking newed enthusiasm and ideas you will all bring to forward to an exciting year. the club and it’s our honor to welcome you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Maywood Shopping Kudos to Membership Committee Chairpersons, friend and supporter of the Ranchos Kiwanis, Joe Marie Cameron and Bev Delk, for their hard Alberta, and his family. Joe remains hospitalized Center • Friday, work; to Paul Cameron who manned the barbe- due to injuries he suffered in an automobile acci- Dec. 2 • 6 p.m. cue; to the Camerons dent on Aug. 28. for generously open- We would like ing up their home to to thank Audra and the community; and Dan Damore, own- to all the members ers of The Coffee Santa will arrive early who donated their Spot, for opening time and efforts into their business to us at the ceremony making our inaugu- for our monthly and photos will be available! ral Member BBQ a morning meetings. success. Kiwanis exists October is also solely for the pur- Cookies - Coffee - Hot Cider the month when our Ranchos Kiwanis member induction cere- pose of making a dif- changing of the mony. L to R: Randy Schrantz, Marie Cameron, ference in the lives of guard takes place as Nelson Venegas, Debbie Farr, Bryan Lee, Cathy others, particularly we say goodbye to Lee, Lt. Governor Richard Wayne, Bev Delk and children. We are Christmas carols by our outgoing presi- President Mona Diaz. looking for people at Flipside Church dent, Mona Diaz. least 18 years old Our club is fortunate to have had very dynamic who are interested in serving the community, and area Girl Scouts leadership in our past presidents and Mona will making new friends, and having fun with a pur- certainly be one of the greats. Through her lead- pose. If you are interested, contact President John ership, we gained new members and became a Glueck at 559-706-5215. We meet the first Distinguished Club. She challenged us to bring in Thursday of every month at 6:45 a.m. at The at least eight new members and she would do Coffee Spot and every Thursday thereafter at something outlandish at the end of the year. The 6:30 p.m. at the Ranchos Pizza Factory. Come Pick a star for a Veteran at VA Hospital.* membership committee rose to the challenge and join us at a meeting for fun and fellowship and *Items needed for Veterans: Instant coffee, white hand during her last evening meeting as president, see what being a Kiwanian is all about. towels, white socks, lap blankets, toothpaste, tooth- Mona danced and sang to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” and flipped pizza dough while dressed www.ranchoskiwanis.com brushes, L and XL white t-shirts, new books. like a pirate. What a good sport she was! It was a Board Members: fun night and one send off neither she nor any of President: John Glueck Items may be brought to the tree lighting! us will forget, I’m sure. Thank you, Madam Pres- Past President: Mona Diaz ident, for being an exemplary leader to Kiwanis President Elect: Carla Hart and to the Madera Ranchos as a whole. Your Vice President: Marie Cameron legacy of hard work and dedication will continue Secretary: Pam Glueck to benefit our community in countless ways and Treasurer: Perry Watkins Val Co-Treasurer: Carla Hart 10/11 n le will be felt for many years to come. Mona passes e y ld her gavel to incoming president, John Glueck, at o for more information, contact the Ranchos Kiwanis Installation Dinner at the Board of Directors: G the Golden Valley Chamber at 645-4001 Ramada Inn on October 22. We welcome John Debbie Farr and look forward to another successful, fun-filled Virginia Vick Ollia Ridge Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce year serving the kids in our community. o f C o John Herrera h a m b e r m m e r c e 37167 Ave. 12 #5C • Madera Ranchos In other Kiwanis news, Sierra View ush- C Jolene Mason [email protected] ered in their newest organization called K-Kids. www.The Ranchos.com Page 14 Sick of Healthcare? Time for Real Discussion About Real Solutions By Chuck Newcomb of the world socialist movement, also had tend to care about life at all stages.According to many of those have no coverage by choice – derogatory things to say about the statistics. the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- betting they won’t get sick? So why not focus I recently had the opportunity to watch a Population study data and statistics can be tion's National Center for Health Statistics, on the relatively few at higher risk between 36 brief promotional clip of a video that had aired manipulated in ways that may support a partic- pretermbirthisakeyriskfactorforinfantdeath. and 64 years of age? on PBS in 2008 which depicted the sorry state ular agenda or another. Other information is The impact of preterm-related infant mortality The poor in America have numerous op- of healthcare in the United States. “Unnatural available that helps explain some of the find- was high for all racial and ethnic groups. Fertil- tions for health care. One is the Medicaid Causes–isinequalitymakingussick”?inferred ings. A study done by the University of Penn- ity treatments and other forms of assisted re- (Medi-Cal in California) system, but there are that racism, income inequity and social status sylvania concluded that the low longevity production probably play a role because they numerous organizations and options that pro- was responsible for theU.S. ranking 30th inlife rankingoftheUnited Statesis notlikely aresult often lead to twins, triplets or other multiple vide free or low-cost health care. Many com- expectancy,behindCuba.Wealsohaveahigher ofapoorlyfunctioninghealthcaresystem.They births. Maternal obesity and smoking (again) munities have free walk-in clinics in places like percentage of babies dying in their first year of noted a high mortality rate above age 50. The have been linked to premature births and may community centers. Other organizations in- life than in Cuba, Slovenia and Estonia. I was U.S. survival rates for cancers of the lung, also be a factor. clude: The California Healthcare Foundation; startingto wonder if this was publictelevision’s breast, prostate, colon, and rectum, were the Some of the excess cost of healthcare in Health Resources and ServicesAdministration way of saying we need a healthcare system highest of any of the 18 countries they investi- America can be attributed to money spent on (part of the Department of Health and Human more like Cuba. gated.TheU.S.alsodoesrelativelywellintreat- malpractice insurance and legal costs that Services); Federally Qualified Health Centers; The questions presented were, “Is it be- ing cardiovascular disease. largely determinepremiums. Doctors practiced Rural Health Clinics and others. cause 47 million of us don’t have health insur- Eileen Crimmins, co-chairwoman of the defensivemedicinebyorderingunneededtests, Oneproblemisgettingpatientstoshowup ance? Or is it because of ourAmerican diet and National Research Council reports that the life therapies and medications to prevent lawsuits. for appointments. One Miami specialty clinic personal health behaviors”?When I went to the expectancy in the U.S. has grown (but) more Also, the premium price of medications in reports a no-show rate of greater than 30%. Newsreel.org website to find the video I was slowly over the last two decades than in other America is used to offset price controls in for- Even in California Central Valley there is a 35 not too surprised to note an association with a high-income countries such as Japan and eigncountriesresultinginAmericanconsumers to 50% or more chance patients will not show George Soros’ Open Society Youth Initiative France. She believes this is largely due to obe- pay about half of all drug costs worldwide. up for their appointments for diabetes manage- andwww.soros.org.Soroshasbeenbigonmar- sityandthelastingeffectsofsmoking.Consider So are the evil rich people keeping the lit- ment and education. Clinics double book pa- rying media production and contemporary so- also the tendency for many Americans to be tle guy from getting the health care they de- tients knowing that they may not show up. Can cial movements. The buzz phrase is “social sedentary. serve?Ofthereported47millionwithouthealth you say, “personal responsibility?” justice”. Another associated group, The World Thehighincidenceofinfantmortalitymay insurance only 17 million are ages 19 to 35. SocialistWeb Site claiming to be the leadership in part be due to the fact that, asAmericans, we That is less than 5% of the population. How Please see HEALTH on P. 19

Click on “Local News” at Page 15 10/11 www.The Ranchos.com Page 16

The First One Hundred Days of SuperintendentAlvarado of students and to be as part of a school mediate impact on teaching and learn- GV APIs Soar community on the rise. ing. Golden Valley Unified School dis- The strengths of our school district We have initiated our English Lan- trict improved on its already high Aca- resonate throughout Madera County — guageArts adoption with the hope of im- demic Performance Index (API) score by innovative, focuses on student achieve- plementing an overdue English 13 points in a report released by the Ac- ment, rigor, relevance and relationships, Language Arts program for the 2012- countability Progress Reporting on Aug. making learning meaningful and practi- 2013 school year. The staff has been 31. As a whole, the district improved its cal to everyday living, private school ed- working diligently analyzing various score from 822 points to 835 points. ucation in a public setting, diversity and programs. Our hope is to select a pro- “I would like to congratulate all of passion in the community. gram for approval in spring. our schools for achieving the state’s target of 800 in the API,” Golden Valley Super- The First 100 Days A Simple Philosophy intendent Andy Alvarado said in a state- My first 100 days have been spent My philosophy in education is sim- ment. “Major kudos go out to Ranchos listening to various stakeholders of this ple. Our role as a school district is to ed- Middle School and Webster Elementary community: parents, students, teachers, ucate our children by providing a for their tremendous gains.” administrators, staff and community rigorous, relevant course of study and Ranchos Middle School jumped the Golden Valley Unified School District Su- members. It is through these discussions develop positive relationships. Our most, going from 811 points in 2010 to perintendent, Andy Alvarado. that we have been able to make changes leadership needs to be transparent and 850 in 2011, a growth of 39 points while for betterment of this learning environ- we need to be able to own our work and meeting all target growths. Webster Ele- ment. Although at times, I feel a since take responsibility for it. We, as educa- mentary improved 22 points, from 830 to By Andy Alvarado of urgency to get to all the necessary tors, have the most important job in our 852, in the year. The district’s highest changes implemented district wide, I society, educating the future leaders of scoring school, Sierra View Elementary, I have had the privilege for the past also recognize that it’s important for me this country. As a staff, we must em- also improved on its score, going from nine years of working with the commu- to take time to listen and to learn. brace this challenge. 860-862. nity, families, School Board, teachers, We have added support to various I want to thank President Toole and Although Liberty High School’s principals, administrators and staff areas in our organization: General Edu- the members of the School Board for number fell from 828 to 821, the school members of Golden Valley Unified cation, Special Education, Library, and giving me the opportunity to lead this still met the state’s 800 goal and met School District. Few get the opportuni- Health Clerk and Mechanic. The major- fine organization. And I thank our par- growth target figures. ties that I have had to serve, learn and ity of the changes has had a direct affect ents for entrusting our staff with your “Although there were slight drops, grow in a District on the move on behalf to the classrooms and will have an im- precious children. having all of our schools in the elite ‘800 Club’ is a tremendous accomplishment and one that deserves commendations,” Alvarado said. “The district will continue Scenes from a Carnival: Webster’sAnnual Fall Fun Fest to emphasize the importance of providing a rigorous and relevant curriculum at all grade levels and the importance of meet- ing the needs of all students.”

GVUSD Calendar District wide Nov. 11- No School - Veterans Day Nov. 21- 25 - No School - Fall Break Sierra View Elementary Nov. 17 - Primary Awards Assembly Nov. 18 - Intermediate Awards Assembly Webster Elementary Nov. 18 - Awards Assembly Ranchos Middle School Nov. 14 - Minimum Day Liberty High School Oct. 31 - Harvest Fest It just wouldn’t be a carnival if you didn’t Food was an important part of the Webster You’ve got to have games at a carnival and Nov. 3-5 - Liberty Drama Production get to dunk the Superintendent, Andy Alvarado, Carnival and the Slushie Booth had a steady this one had kids lining up outside of classrooms Dec. 3 - Winter Formal in a huge tank of water. stream of eager customers. ... hey, wait a minute. Isn’t that called “school”? Click on “Local News” at Page 17

Scenes from Liberty High’s

Queen Katie Hill and King David Imirian were crowned The Sophomore float "Michael Jackson's Thriller," complete Homecoming royalty during halftime at the Oct. 21 football game with gouls running throughout the audience and zombies doing 2011 against Sierra High. the “Thriller” dance, won the class float competition. HOMECOMING

The Key Club’s "Swingin' 60s" won the club float competi- The Senior class float "Hip-hop" had students dancing The Liberty High Varsity Hawks sing the alma mater for the tion with its go-go dancers, peace signs and sound system blar- under confetti shot out of hand-held cannons and striking various Homecoming crowd after winning a nail biting 27-14 victory over ing songs by the Who. 50-cent-style poses for maximum effect. Sierra High School.

and HOMECOMING

Students got into the spirit of Homecoming Week by starting Disney Tuesday meant favorite Disney characters. Mark Ta- off the week with “Messy Monday,” followed by other interesting lanoa and Ms. Katuin favored Little Mermaid while Bethany WEEK on theme days for the rest of the week. Buchnoff and Chloe Doyle chose Alice and Pocahontas. Campus Mission Statement The mission of Golden Valley Unified School District is to provide our students the means to achieve to their highest potential within a caring, secure environment. www.The Ranchos.com Page 18 CRIME cont. from P. 2 pictures of the stolen items. Whether you’ve been a victim or not, Sheriff John Anderson Ranchos Artist ditional stolen property was recovered, how- said it’srecommended that citizens try to main- ever, not all property reported stolen has tain a thorough record of their valuables.Again, Releases been found and Deputies do not believe the itemized list should include serial numbers, Southwood and Lerma acted alone. detailed descriptions and pictures of each item. New Music Anyone who may have information And make sure that catalog of critical infor- A local artist who has taken about the numerous break-ins in the moun- mation is always stored in a safe place. thesinglenameConradhasmade tains is urged to call either the Madera Both Southwood and Lerma remain County Sheriff’s Department at 559-675- jailed at this time. Southwood, who was out a move to Los Angeles and has 7770 or CRIME STOPPERS at 489-STOP. on bail for battery after being arrested in just released a new CD entitled Atip to crime Stoppers that will lead to an ar- September, faces a number of charges in- rest could be worth up to $1,000. cluding burglary, narcotics and committing Takeoff on Oct. 11. Here is the doing To help expedite the return of property a felony while out on bail. Bail has been set Conrad story. his absolute best and set- that has been recovered so far, Deputies will at $25,000 and Lerma faces burglary and After putting down roots in a town situ- tling for nothing less. need serial numbers of missing valuables as narcotics charges as well with her bail set at ated in the heart of California named the Launching his own named well as detailed descriptions, and if possible, $10,000. Madera Ranchos, Conrad packed a bag of Volumeline Entertainment, Conrad immedi- clothesand caughtthe a train to LosAngelesto atelystartedproductiononhisfirstalbum.Dur- FULL SERVICE follow his passion for music. ing that time he worked with world-renowned AUTOMOTIVE Growing up he attended Webster Ele- producers such as Drew Ryan Scott (Varisty SHOP mentary and graduaed from Liberty High Fanclub, Willow Smith, Hannah Montana, School. Conrad has repeatedly credited his ed- Jonas Brother), Sean Alexander (Avenue 52, ucation at these schools as the catalyst for his Donny Klang, Hannah Montana), and Mario love of music and the dedication that has Marchetti (JoJo, Girlicious, The Black Eyed evolved into his work ethic. Peas). “I’mblessedtohaveattendedschoolsthat “I wanted to be a part of everything. I have teachers who honestly care about stu- wantedtositandwriteoneachsongandIknew dents, and want everyone to succeed,” Conrad thatthatwastheonlywayIcouldtrulysaythese said. were my songs about my life,” he said. With $40 in his wallet, Conrad made his Now managed by RPK Talent Manage- ment, Conrad now has under his belt a suc- Serving the way to LosAngeles, even though he was con- FREE stantly questioned by others as to whether or cessful first single, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Valley for Over 42 Years TOWING not it was all worth it. released in late 2010, and a new , Take- WITH OVERHAUL “Everyone’s always scared of taking off. The album will be available on iTunes, WE ALSO DO: GET A chances, and of course I was scared and I did- Amazon mp3, rhapsody and at Conrad- Brakes • Tune-ups • Diagnostic n’t know where I was going to stay but I didn’t Now.com. His first music video for his second Oil changes • Service work “HERECOMES care,” Conrad said. “I knew what I wanted to single, Namedropper, will be released in late AND NOW: A/C SERVICE AND REPAIRS do, and I was going to make it happen. You October. WINTER” never know what’s going to happen, but you Conrad will be performing at the world have to take the chance or you will never famous Whisky A Go Go on Sunset Blvd. in know.” West Hollywood on Nov. 20 before heading 19-POINT After a year of struggling with a small out on the road to other areas of the country FREEINSPECTION indie record label and management company throughout the rest of the year. You can fol- w/ every OIL CHANGE that ultimately didn’t have his best interests at low Conrad’s every move at face- call for appt. • exp.11/30/11 heart,Conraddecidedtopartwaysandstriveto book.com/OfficialConrad and twitter at follow us on complete his dreams the only way he knew:by twitter.com/thatkidconrad. 10/11 Facebook A N S W E R S Click on “Local News” at Page 19 Now Is The Time To Shed Those Unwanted Pounds Republican 2012 Chances Discussed

10/11 Republican Party of Madera County (RPMC) will hold its next regular monthly Look• Nutritional Good and Feel Great lunch/meeting on Monday, Nov. 7 at 11:30 a.m. at the Madera Muni Golf Course Counseling & WE KNOW LOW CARBS! Menu Included LOSE WEIGHT Restaurant located on Avenue 17 at Road 24 in Madera. The cost for lunch is a very rea- Quick, Fast • AM PM $ Results Medications AND INCHES TOO OFF sonable $11. CALL NOW! 20 • Diet Injection 1st visit only The guest speaker for the Nov. 7 meeting will be Jon Huey, Campaign Chairman DIET WORLD MEDICAL GROUP for U.S. Congressman Tom McClintock, CA District 4. Jon will be speaking on what is going on in Washington, D.C., and the Republican chances in the 2012 election. “We Are Very OPEN: Monday - Friday Affordable” 224-6744 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM You’ll need to R.S.V.P. for lunch by the Wednesday prior to the meeting by call- 4844 N. First, #101 • Fresno, CA 93726 • Between Shaw & Santa Ana ing Bobbie Atkisson, RPMC Secretary, at 683-0719. You can also visit the RPMC web- site for more information at www.MaderaGOP.org. Newcomers are always welcome and citizens from all areas of Madera County are encouraged to attend and become involved. RPMC is an official part of the California Republican Party. This Committee meets the first Monday of each month unless that Ranchos Dental Care 10/11 falls on a holiday. Most regular monthly meetings are held at the Madera Muni Golf Course Clubhouse Restaurant unless otherwise announced. Each year, two of the reg- & Orthodontics ular monthly meetings are held in Oakhurst. 37144 Avenue 12 #104 Madera Ranchos HEALTH cont. from P. 14 where it suits them best.

Until we have a real discussion about real Chuck Newcomb, MS, RD, CDE is a con- solutionstothecrazyhealthcaresystemandout- sulting Registered Dietitian and Certified Dia- 559-645-5320www.ranchosdental.com of-control costs we are left to rely on shadowy betes Educator.He has a Masters of Science in organizations, crooked politicians and biased ClinicalNutritionfromNewYorkUniversity.His commentaries to turn the tide of healthcare website is MySmartRD.com.

STOCK cont. from P. 7 Nov. 24-26 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Friday, Dec. 2 will be the hotel left if you want to come along. annual Christmas Tree Lighting at First 5 Madera County is recruiting for Call the Ranchos Hills Seniors at Maywood Center at 6 p.m. This event members to represent the following: 645-4864. We get back on Nov. 10 is put on by the Golden Valley Cham- Commissioner and the Senior Center will be closed ber of Commerce and you can come for the Nov. 11 Veterans Day Holi- pick a star for a Veteran at the Fresno Unincorporated Valley Area day. The Center will also be closed Veteran’s Hospital. (Madera Ranchos - Board of Supervisors District 1) RECIPE cont. from P. 8 Sprinkle rhubarb mixture over crumbs. In a saucepan, combine white Commissioner Season pork chops with salt and sugar, cornstarch, water and vanilla. City of Madera Area (Board of pepper and brown in large frying pan. Heat to boiling. Cook and stir until Once browned, pour in soup and water. thickened. Pour over rhubarb. Sprinkle Supervisors District 3 and 4) Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Pour in remaining crumbs on top. Bake in pre- rice around chops. Cover and cook for heated oven for 45-60 minutes. Serve Madera County’s children of today will be our 20 minutes or until rice is fully warm. Maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice leaders of tomorrow … help First 5 Madera cooked. cream. County invest in the future of our children. I love rhubarb so this recipe really Before I close this article I want to caught my attention. I’m anxious to try remind you that Daylight Saving Time First 5 is recruiting for a Commissioner – Madera Ranchos Area and it. will end at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of City of Madera Area, to participate in the distribution of $2 million annu- Aunt Jean’s Rhubarb Crumble November. This year that is Sunday, ally to fund programs that focus on getting Madera’s youngest children Preheat oven to 350 Nov. 6. But who wants to sit up till 2 ready for school. 1 C flour a.m. to change the clock back? Before If you live in the Madera Ranchos Area or City of Madera Area and ½ C brown sugar you go to bed Saturday, Nov. 5, move are interested in shaping the community, contact Mang at 661-5155 or pick ½ C melted butter your clocks back an hour. If you don’t up an application at 525 E. Yosemite. ¾ C dry oatmeal change your clock, you could be an hour 4 C chopped rhubarb early for church. Remember, Spring for- Recruitment is open until filled ½ C white sugar ward and Fall back. 2 T cornstarch Next month’s article will be on 1 C water cookies – in time to make a batch for 1 tsp. vanilla family and friends for Christmas giving. 10/11 Mix the flour, brown sugar, oatmeal I have a couple from the Aunt Jean’s and butter together until crumbly. Press Recipes and I already have a recipe that half into bottom and part way up sides was brought to me by a reader. I would of greased 9x13 pan. Set remaining sure like to include one from you – Say you saw it in the Ranchos Independent crumbs aside. CALL ME at 645-0634! www.The Ranchos.com Page 20 Putting Brakes to High Speed Rail treated families, businesses and community leaders who are going to be substantially im- pacted by this project. Take the experience from local Hanford dairy farmer Steve Gaspar, for example. When he was 12 years old, his father was in- jured and Steve took on the responsibilities By David G. Valadao of managing the family business. While

other kids his age were playing sports, he 10/11 Like many in the Central Valley, I was was busy working 12- to 15-hour days milk- intrigued when I first heard about the Cali- ing cows. Steve didn't mind making these fornia high-speed rail project.Although I did sacrifices because he was protecting his fa- not support Proposition 1A, I understand and ther's dream and the livelihood of his family. agree with the need to enhance California's But now rail officials want to take away Sago Rey aging transportation system. everything Steve's family has worked to Palm Plantation! In 2008, voters were told that high- build. During a public meeting Steve at- More than 20,000 speed rail in the Central Valley would follow tended earlier this year, he learned that the Palms & Sagos in stock. existing transportation corridors with limited proposed rail route would go right through We also have a wide selection of interruption into surrounding communities. his father's house and much of his family's Shade & Fruit trees. They were told that the project would cost farm. call Tom and Maria at $33 billion and that a one-way ticket from Steve expressed his concerns to the San Francisco to Los Angeles would cost High Speed Rail Authority and they prom- 559-268-6650 $55. ised to set up a time to talk further about the 10/11 3535 S. Temperance • Fresno • www.sagorey.com But now it is clear that taxpayers have impacts of the proposed route on his farm. become victims of a bait and switch. As of today, the high-speed rail has failed to Instead of being constructed along a fully follow through on their commitment. true existing corridor, the High Speed Rail Like many other Valley residents, Steve is TIRED OF PAYING Authority wants to destroy local farmland unsure about the future of his property and and family homes to construct the rail line. is fearful of the day when someone shows up FOR FLOOD INSURANCE? Instead of costing $33 billion, the Legisla- at his door to take away his father's dream. Lenders' requirements vary, but an Elevation tive Analyst's Office estimates that the proj- What rail officials don't understand is Certificate could reduce the cost of flood in- ect will cost $67 billion. And instead of that we are not just dealing with plots of land. surance (or eliminate it completely). costing $55 per ticket, it's going to cost about Their proposed route cuts through properties You can't afford to wait any longer, $120 to ride from San Francisco to Los An- that represent billions of dollars in invest- so contact the professionals geles. ments, tax revenues and family history. today at These estimates have all ballooned long I refuse to stand idly by while these un- before the first track has even been laid. accountable bureaucrats ignore our concerns Many involved with the high-speed rail cite and refuse to accommodate our requests. We Michael Sutherland the $2.7 billion in federal stimulus funding want answers and we want to know that our & Associates, Inc. that could expire if not spent in the coming way of life here in the Central Valley is not months, as reason to rush the building of being displaced. By standing together, we 645-4730 • Fresno 447-5815 high-speed rail. Protecting 4 percent of the can slow this project to a slower pace and in- 10/11 Lic. #PLS 5815 36691 Avenue 12 • Madera Ranchos $67 billion price tag does not justify the irre- sure responsible development or scrap the sponsible implementation of this costly proj- project if we determine it will not work. ect. The rush to spend federal dollars that David G. Valadao is the California As- make up a small portion of the overall cost of semblyman for the 30th District. the project is no excuse for ramming through a flawed and expensive boondoggle that will Madera Chapter Tea Party Meetings hurt real people and our way of life. While these costs are certainly disturb- Meetings are held on the thirdThursday ing, I am most frustrated with the speed in of each month at 6 p.m. at Di Cicco's, 516 which they are pushing their misguided So. “I” Street in Madera. Next meeting is plans through and the disrespect they have November 17. Confirm meeting dates on the shown to concerned local residents. Central Valley Tea Party website at I understand that there are going to be www.centralvalleyteaparty.com. impacts on the local community, but it is the For more information contact Madera responsibility of the project officials to be ac- Ranchos Tea Party Coordinator John Smed- countable, listen to the concerns of those im- ley by e-mail at [email protected] or pacted and making appropriate revisions to call him at 559-645-7031. Or you can email project plans to minimize disruption. Madera Tea Party Coordinator Rick Farinelli Unfortunately,the High Speed RailAu- at [email protected] or call him thority has pushed aside, ignored, and mis- at 559-706-5386.

Click on “Local News” at Page 21 mately 10 new members and three new proj- will be held at the Madera Fairgrounds on Sat- work. The members document their skill they ects were added to the list of projects in which urday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. have learned and experiences in a written re- members can participate. The club hosted a Achievement Night/Officer Installation port. This record keeping provided various Car Wash Fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 22 at was held on Oct. 5. Officers were installed to members of the Sierra Shadows 4-H club to the Ranchos Market located onAvenue 12.We their club positions and members received spe- receive special recognition awards in the fol- appreciate your support. cial recognition awards. Our club's officer's for lowing categories: Demonstration Proficiency, The Cooking Project had its first meeting this year are as follows: President, Mikaela Communications/Public Speaking, Leader- and participants made pizza poppers and puz- Fringer; Vice President, Olivia Fernandez; ship, Meat Goats, Outstanding 1stYear Mem- zling pretzels to snack on while they planned Secretary, Demetria Marical; Correspondent, ber, Photography, Pygmy goats, Rabbits and their year out.The Rabbit Group would like to Micaela Rivera; Treasurer, Lexis Hines; Re- Sheep. 4-H is On the Move thank the Pizza Factory for allowing them to porter,Anahi Rivera; Historians, Hanna Chase, Youth between the ages of 9 to 18 years have their first meeting there and plan out their Gianna Paolinelli and Graciela Ruiz; Sergeant old may join 4-H. The Sierra Shadows 4-H This year is off to a fast pace for the mem- year. The Horse Group also had their first of Arms, Alexis Fringer; Song and Games, club leader is Terri Fernandez who can be bers of the Sierra Shadows 4-H club. The club meeting and they are studying very hard for Taryn Cornell; and Host and Hostess, Regan reached at 559-645-4836 or at trrfernan- officers have a new and exciting year planned Horse Expo where the members are judged on Fringer and Samantha Waag. All 4-H mem- [email protected] The next club meeting will out for this year.At the first club meeting, the their knowledge, skill, horsemanship and bers keep a record book in which members be held at Sierra View Elementary School Sierra Shadows 4-H club welcomed approxi- showmanship of their animal.The Horse Expo have an opportunity to reflect on their yearly cafeteria on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. SPREAD THE NEWS! Have friends or family who love the Ranchos Independent but live  outside the area? Are you moving but you still want to keep in touch with what’s happen-  ing in the Madera Ranchos?

SUBSCRIBE! Email  to the Ranchos Independent!  local news • local events • local happenings editorial • games • real estate • columns SUBSCRIPTION FORM

37167 Ave. 12, #5C The Ranchos Independent 37167 Ave. 12 #5C • Madera CA 93636 Fax 559-645-4002 Phone Payment: $20 Cash Check Credit Card Bill Me The Ranchos Independent Madera, CA 93636 Name Address 645-0634 • fax 645-4002 • [email protected] www.The Ranchos.com Page 22

2nd, 3rdClassified and 4th weekends Only in the Ranchos. Sat., Novem- Alteration Services Window Cleaning Services from Noon to 8 p.m. 3 7 3 4 1 ber 19 from 10 a.m. to Noon. Dog Madlin's Alterations - 4 0 Ave. 16.Call 999-6832. Gone Cute Store 645-7387 for both Most windows $5 inside/out. years experience - Tailor- dogs and cats. Screen, track and sills included. Re- ing, repairs and leathers. H a n d y m a n move hard water stain on home win- Fast service. NEWAD- Recyclables Pick Up dows, shower doors and car DRESS&PHONENUM- Handyman and Landscap- windows. Cobweb removal avail- BER: 36733 Ave. 12. Call i n g - Call for estimate or Free Recyclables Pickup -- KIDS able. Fully insured. Call Nick at 559-645-4583. appointment. No job too big 4 RECYCLING offers pickup of 285-1723. Free estimates. SENIOR or too small. Call 559-664- household paper, plastics, tin, glass, DISCOUNT! Construction 7 4 2 2 . aluminum and cardboard. Funds support Rancho's Seniors, library, New construction, r e m o d - H e l p Wa n t e d schools and 4H. Info call Recycle els, room additions, barns Gal 999-6832 or 645-1048. a n d p a t i o s . Call 559-970- Salesperson Wanted - The 4476 or 559-645-4033. Ranchos Independent is looking Tractor/Trenching Services TOADVERTISE for someone who loves the Ranchos and loves the Ranchos Floor/Upholstery Care Bobcat Work - Drilling Post Holes - Independent and wants the Trees - Trenching - Clean Up. Tractor Pinnacle Carpet Care and TODAY world to know about it. If Work - Discing - Rototilling - Mow- Upholstery - F R E E e s t i - you’re organized and love to ing - Scraping - Stump Grinding - Roll mates. FREE stain protec- talk to people you’re half way tion with any purchase. Off Box. Call Neal at 645-1200 or CALL 645-0634 there ... we can help with the Tile, aggregate, showers, 285-8211. The Ranchos o t h e r h a l f . Call Randy at P e b b l e T e c . Golden Valley Chamber Member, BBB, ref- 645-0634 and we’ll set up a time Tractor Work - House pads, lot lev- Independent e r e n c e s . Call Bruce at 676- to talk. Look! You’re talking eling, driveways, trenching, concrete already! classified rates 0 7 6 0 . work and underground utilities installed. a Call 559-970-4476 or 559-645-4033. are r z cheap. F o r R e n t Housecleaning c y Custom Trenching - For Sprinklers, Professional Office Space - 1 4 3 , Housecleaning Service - Have Plumbing, Electric Lines, Water Lines Only $10 for each your house spring cleaned all or Sewer Lines. Reasonable Rates. 182, 325 and 535 sq. ft. Rent CA. LIC. #548871. Call 559-229- 25 words. from $140 to $400 per month. y e a r l o n g . Experience, respon- 5407. Rent includes water, sewer, sible, honest. Fair prices. C a l l 4 1 6 - 2 5 8 5 . trash, alarm service. C o n t a c t agent at 559-436-4016. Housecleaning - 20 years expe- r i e n c e . Honest, reliable, refer- Home for Rent - 2 bdrm, 2 bath e n c e s . Call Rachael at mobile home. Rent $800 per SUDOKU 8 2 2 - 3 3 3 0 . month. Corner of Ave. 11 and Colorado. Pets OK. C a l l a g e n t Painting Services at 706-0301. Painting Services - 40 years of F o r S a l e experience. Licensed and in- sured. Frank Kramer Exteriors. F o r S a l e - Pool Table - You Lic. #273099. Call 645-4113. move $200; 8 ft. Camper shell, like new $1,100; Reg- Painting Services - Gerald Scheff- istered 13-year-old mare ing & Son Painting. 40 years expe- $900; '73 Jet Boat 19 1/2 ft. deep v-hull. Runs Great. rience. Interior & Exterior. $ 1 , 5 0 0 . Call 645-8521. Licensed, insured and bonded. Lic #313070. Call 674-2320. For Sale - Fine Things W a r e h o u s e has lots of gift Pet Vaccinations choices. Christmas is com- ©2011 King Features Syndicates, Inc. ing - are you ready? Open Low Cost Vaccinations. One Day Click on “Local News” at Page 23 Real Estate DAVID PARKER Realtor® TheNancy Ranchos Specialist, Watson Working for “You” www.davidparker.info 645-5000 www.nancywatson.net 490-1989 If you are considering buying or selling a home, call Nancy Watson. She is an DRE#: 01323109 experienced agent who has served the Ranchos with honesty and integrity for 20 A Ranchos resident for over 27 years, I am a full-time professional agent working the years. A Ranchos resident since 1977, Nancy is dedicated to serving her clients Madera, Fresno and Clovis areas. Inventories of homes for sale are at a long term low. with the highest level of care and commitment. Please call Nancy Watson for all Now is a great time to sell as competition is low. And it is a great time to buy with record of your Real Estate needs. 10/11 low interest rates and multiple tax incentives. Call me today! 10/11

10/11 • 100% Financing • No Mortgage Insurance Don't wait until the last minute. You can be pro-active! • Seller Can Assist With If you're facing the possibility of losing your home to foreclosure and are not sure what might be available to you, Closing Cost please call me. As a CDPE (Certified Distressed Property • 30 Year Fixed rate Loan Expert) I will go over the latest information to help you Patty Grissom • (559)256-0533 • cell (559)307-7611 make a good decision. Loan Officer • hablo español • NMLS #350159 • DRE #01883473 Resource Lenders, Inc. CDPE, CRS, GRI, SFR 7330 N. Palm Ave. Suite 106 LIZ KUCHINSKI, 10/11 Fresno, CA 93711 Realtor, Century 21 C. Watson [email protected] Century 21 C.Watson Direct: (559) 364-1000 • Fax: (559) 440-7608 www.HomeLoansByPatty.com 7520 North Palm • Fresno [email protected] • www.LizSellingHomes.com

DRILLING AND PUMP SERVICE Same Day Service 674-1663 14794 Hwy 41 Family Owned Madera Since 1976 10/11 10/11 10/11

Jerry Eddings, Realtors Direct Line: 559-435-3366 Madera: 559-645-1890 Fresno: 559-435-1890 FAX: 559-645-5417

www.maderahomes.com DRE #00329063 10/11

You can do it yourself or have the Gotbrokenscreens?MaderaGlass Glass for picture frames is a spe- pros at Madera Glass & Mirror & Mirror has the expertise to make cialty at Madera Glass & Mirror. Fix take care of your window repairs. quick work of any screen repair. a broken one or complete a project.

Madera Glass & Mirror’s repair services are close to the prices charged in the 1980’s. Give them a call today Say you saw it in for unbelieveable prices on incredible quality work and products for all of your glass and screen needs. the Ranchos Independent www.The Ranchos.com Page 24 Business Directory • Business Directory • Business Directory • Business Directory

PAINTING CONTRACTOR Clark’s Performance TEXTURED COATING • PAINTING • GM, H1 & ASE Master Certified VINYL SIDING • VINYL WINDOWS • General Automotive Repairs ROOFING since VELVET TOUCH • Hot Rod Customizing & Lowering 1970 CAR WASH ComputerB.M.T. Repair Jeff Clark FRANK KRAMER & DETAIL (559) 917-4507 Lic. #899496 • Sales & Service EXTERIORS • In-Home Service Sé Habla Español • DRILLING • TRENCHING • DIRT WORK • 37075 AVE. 12 • MADERA RANCHOS Thomas Valdez Computer Tech. • efficient • reliable • cost-effective call Beau TEXTURED(559) COATING 645-4113 SPECIALIST Retired FPD 26 yr. Certifications: INSURED Ca. Lic.#79328 A+/Network + 559-301-1613 664455--11557788 FRANK KRAMER LIC. #273099 645-6630 Microsoft Cerified Pro Jo-De DRILLING NotaryNotary inin thethe HIGH QUALITY ROGER PRATER Ranchos!Ranchos! GATE SYSTEMS CONCRETE Mobile Notary and Residential & Commercial Loan Document Signing 38 years experience Interlocking Pavers Daytime • Evening • Weekends Lic. # 599235 nothing outlasts pavers! & TRACTOR SERVICE www.rlacyinterlockpavers.com HARDPAN DRILLING DianaServing Madera J. & Fresno Tucker Counties (559) 645-0911 442-1999 (559) 645-0916 Lic. #306511 381-5879 559-454-8060 LIC. #932435 674-7770 • Team Program • Kinder Gym Need WHAT CAN YOU Construction? • Tumble Tots GET FOR $25? • Concrete • Adult Boot Camp Landscape & Gardening • Rough Framing • Birthday Parties How about 12,000 • General Building Service • Steel Buildings • Shop Buildings • Open Gym Ranchos residents each • Room Additions • New Construction • Field Trips month who look at + A/C SERVICE • Cheer Business Directory ads? Producing the finest athletes in the world! The Ranchos Independent FREE ESTIMATES Ranchos& Chuck’s TransmissionAuto Repair AllFREE Stage ESTIMATES! Construction, Inc. 559-447-1609 LIC. #B0008113 559-681-8947 www.verduzcoselitegym.com (559) 645-0634 645-4475

THE COMFORT Marion Pool AND RELAXATION Service & Repair LIC. #837274 YOU DESERVE SINCE Interior & Exterior 1980 Specializing in • Weekly Service Repaints • Equipment Rental, Residential • Supplies 559-662-0336 & Commercial Drywall, Stucco, • Residential Redashing & Ac- 559-438-8260 BONDED & coustical Removal • Drains - Upstarts • Commercial Sales and Service - Free Estimates INSURED LIC. #589140 • Locally Owned Duct Testing & Certification Color Matching Locally owned 251-2514 351-1605 645-4799 and operated! office cell after 5 p.m.

CERTIFIED ARBORIST Dog Gone Cute Store CRONIN MARINE • Artful Pruning B&M repair Auto & Truck Parts • Aluminum • Removals Screen ENGINE AND OUT-DRIVE REPAIR • Disease Store hours: • Fiberglass INBOARDS AND OUTBOARDS Mon - Fri 8:30-5:30 Pet Nutrition Screen TRAILER BOATS ONLY • Pet Management Sat 8:00-4:00 Novelties & Necessities Grilles Sun 10:00-3:00 • Specialty Grooming Screening Madera Ranchos Plaza Since 37193 Avenue 12 #3A • Madera Ranchos, CA 93636 1964 37405 Ave. 12, Ste. 801 645-PETS 645-1977 645-TREE(8733) 645-1570 Open Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Click on “Local News” at Page 25 Business Directory

Professional Pet Care When You Can’t Be There

SpecializingPets, Plants, in Livestock Plus+ • 5-Star Rated Company • Supplies • Tile Clean call • Flat Rate Pricing • Green Cleans • Service Sandra Oliver • Repairs • Portable 559-240-3556 ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Mars, your ruling planet, begins a journey that will open up a or MON-FRI: 9AM-6PM SAT: 9AM-3PM SUN: CLOSE growing number of possibilities. Put that surging Arian energy to good use and explore it to your heart's Located in Madera Ranchos in Maywood Center Jackie Jones content. 559-232-1352 37167 AVE. 12 #5D (559) 645-1969 Accredited • Insured • Bonded WWW.WIGHTWATERPOOLS.COM TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) This is the time to prepare for a career move coming up next month. Update your resume. Get those proposals in shape. And don't forget to buff up that Bovine self- FINE THINGS WAREHOUSE MZC confidence. 4for1 Private Shopper • Industrial Purchase Power ... • General GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your Gemini instincts will guide you to the right people who might BEST KEPT SECRET • Farm be able to help you get over that career impasse that has been holding you back. Expect to make Crazy Savings • Mig 75% OFF Large variety of changes. entire warehouse gift choices ... • Tig (formerly Fine Things) • Stick BRING THIS COUPON • Certified KIDS 4 Shop Til U Drop! CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You're getting closer, but you still have a ways to go before RECYCLING • Portable reaching your goals. Continue to stay focused, no matter how difficult it can be for the easily distracted Beat the no $$$ woes OPEN 2nd, 3rd and 4th SAT-SUN of each month Moon Child. ...more 4 less! Noon - 8 p.m. Welding & Fabrication call JERRY CLARK • 706-3865 37341 Ave. 16 • Madera Ranchos • 559-999-6832 LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your Leonine pride might be keeping you from getting to the source of a disturbing situation. Don't be shy about asking questions. Remember: Information is power. for MORE sales tomorrow, call VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) It's a good time to shake up your tidy little world by General doing something spontaneous, like taking an unplanned trip or going on a mad shopping spree. Machining • Cylinder Boring • Cylinder Honing LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) This is a good week to get advice on your plans. But • Cylinder Re-sleeve JEAN BRINER • Valve Re-facing don't act on them until you feel sure that you've been told everything you need to know to support your Surfacing move. • Motorcycles • Today! ATVs • Jet Skis • Boats • Cars SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Be careful. You might be probing just a little too (559) 645-0634 deeply into a situation that you find singularly suspicious. The facts you seek will begin to emerge at The Ranchos Independent a later time.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) This is a good week to make new friends and to look for new career challenges. But first, get all those unfinished tasks wrapped up and out of the way.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Relationships need a fresh infusion of tender, loving care.Avoid potential problems down the line. Stay close to loved ones as the month draws to a close.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Aspects favor relationships, whether platonic, professional or personal. On another note: Be a mite more thrifty. You might need some extra money very soon.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) This is the absolute right time to let those often-hidden talents shine their brightest. You'll impress some very important people with what you can do.

Born this Week You are impelled by a need to find truth, no matter how elusive. You would make a wonderful research scientist or an intrepid detective.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc. www.The Ranchos.com Page 26

TRIVIABy TEST Fifi Rodriguez

1. MUSIC: What was the name of the 1987 song and the movie starring Madonna? 2. WEATHER: What are the "sirocco," "mistral" and "Chinook"? 3. MEASUREMENTS: A triennial event occurs how often? 4. MOVIES: Who was the Oscar-winning director of the “The Silence of the Lambs”? 5. LANGUAGE: What does the Greek pre- fix “cyto-” mean? 6. COMICS: What famous comics charac- ter had a girlfriend named Dale Arden? 7. HISTORY: When did the USS Maine explode in Havana’s harbor, an event that preceded the Spanish-American War? 8. LITERATURE: Henry David Thoreau’s famous Walden Pond is nearest to which town? 9. MYTHOLOGY: Who is the Norse god- dess of love and fertility? 10. GEOGRAPHY: Cork and Limerick are major cities of which nation?

Answers 0 Ireland 10.

.Freyja 9.

.Cnod Mass. Concord, 8.

.1898 7.

.FahGordon Flash 6.

.Cell 5.

.Jnta Demme Jonathan 4.

.Eeytreyears three Every 3.

ot America) North

aen ita/rne Chinook/western mistral/France; ranean;

in ftewrd (sirocco/Mediter- world: the of gions

.Nmso id htafc ifrn re- different affect that winds of Names 2. .“h’ htGirl” That “Who’s 1.

(c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc. Click on “Local News” at Page 27 by Dave T. Phipps Super Crossword

www.The Ranchos.com 10/11 ihadbgno usa,Nvme .Teewl etwo p.m. be 8 to will p.m. 6 from There run will 1. classes course The each classes. November Liberty with five Thursdays at having and held Tuesday, Tuesdays be on on will courses Classes consecutive will begin free. which for and SEMCU non-profit class join of the High to into fee members you membership get non-members. all lifetime also all $10 to County for a $25 Madera free is and There East be agencies, South public will all and class to organizations it The offering is residents. and class writing EC SuhEs aeaCut ntd ssosrn grant a sponsoring is United) County Madera East (South SEMCU ody oebr2 t63 p.m. 6:30 at 21 November Monday, att eaGatWriter? Grant a be to Want EUA MEETING REGULAR aco iz Factory Pizza Ranchos SEMCU