AMERICA CAUGHT OFF GUARD 48 YEARS AGO — War! Oahu bombed by Japanese planes. So said the glaring headlines 48 years ago. Beginning at 7:55 Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941, the United States suffered one of the greatest military defeats at the hands of the Imperial Japanese Navy by its sneak attack on Pearl Harbor. The clandestine attack welded the American population into an angry, revenge-seeking nation that would not be satisfied with anything less than total victory and the unconditional surrender of Japan. What would have happened if President Roosevelt had not possessed the power to declare war on Japan without the consent of Congress? [Taken from a Madera Tribune editorial.]

ALLEGED DRUNK DRIVER FACES ADDITIONAL CHARGES — A Madera man who allegedly caused a head-on accident on Highway 99 Sunday was discovered to have given false information to the California Highway Patrol at the time of his arrest and now has additional charges pending against him. The driver of the southbound car that crossed the freeway near Avenue 9 identified himself as Rene Pineda, 22, according to Ronn Dominici, CHP public affairs officer. The man’s name was discovered to be Daniel Hernandez, 23, Dominici said. Now in addition to felony drunk driving, he faces charges of giving false information to a police officer.

NEED FOR MADERA COLLEGE CAMPUS GROWING —Approximately 3,900 students attend adult education and Kings River Community College classes in Madera, and KRCC President Richard Giese says this underscores the need for a Madera college campus within the KRCC system. College classes came to Madera four years ago and expanded as time went on. The college offices are on the James Madison Elementary School campus. Most of the classes are held at Madera High School. The college administration hopes to stimulate Madera residents to both get interested in school and stay in town. Madera is really an educationally starved community, Giese said.

INJURY DOESN’T STOP BARSOTTI — Pain was not enough to stop Mark Barsotti from leading Fresno State to its second straight California Raisin Bowl Saturday at Bulldog Stadium. Barsotti, who suffered an injury to his left shoulder late in the first half of Saturday’s game, came back one play later to throw the longest touchdown pass of his Bulldog career, a 91 yard scoring bomb to Stephen Shelley as the Bulldogs rolled past Ball State 27-6. “It happened when I got slammed (by Ball State’s Ralph Wize). “The shoulder is really painful right now,” Barsotti said after the game...

COURT REPORTERS GET BIG PAY INCREASE — Christmas came two weeks early for court reporters who will receive a 30 percent raise in pay thanks to approval by the board of supervisors Tuesday. According to a request made by both the court reporters, Superior Court Judges Edward Moffat and Paul Martin, the reporters receive $105 per day but asked that be increased to $137 per day. Moffat told the supervisors that Madera County couldn’t get help from surrounding counties, which are now paying $137 per day as an entry level. “If we do not have court reporters, the court can’t operate,” Moffat said.

POLICE IDENTIFY 10-YEAR-OLD AS BUS SHOOTER — A 10-year-old Madera County boy has been identified as wielding the BB gun that shot at a Madera Unified School District bus Wednesday that was carrying children. Though a bus window was damaged in the incident at Fourth and Lake streets, no students were injured. A boy was seen running from the scene and later identified as a Millview School student, said Police Chief Gordon Skeels. The boy had allegedly been shooting at cars and buildings. He told police he was shooting at a bird when he inadvertently hit the bus window. Two BB guns were confiscated from under the boy’s bed, and the matter has been referred to the probation department.

WOMAN SURVIVES FREEZING NIGHT IN WRECKED CAR — A lightly dressed Madera woman spent most of a freezing night wrapped in a wrecked, overturned car on a canal bank north of Avenue 9 until a passing motorist discovered her. Tina Lynette Holbrook, 20, was found abut 7 a.m. Thursday with a broken left arm and leg injuries. Allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, she apparently ran off the road, up the canal, went airborne and hit the far side of the canal upside down. The woman wasn’t even wearing a jacket in the 29-degree temperatures, according to the CHP. A complaint will be filed, charging Holbrook with drunk driving.

STOLEN CAR HITS AMBULANCE; 6 INJURED — A stolen car driven by John Westley Jackson, 36, of Lilly Street, plowed into an ambulance injuring three medical people, a patient, and two people in the stolen vehicle. A Pistoresi Ambulance medical crew was hit by the speeding vehicle, and a medical trainee was thrown from the rear of the ambulance, sustaining massive head injuries. The ambulance was hit about 10 a.m. at Ninth and C streets just minutes after Jackson had allegedly stolen a 1971 Oldsmobile from a Hull Street home. The ambulance was transporting a patient from an A Street convalescent hospital to Madera Community Hospital...

SHORTAGE OF HUSKS HALTS TAMALE TRADITION — A shortage of dry cornhusks has put a very unmerry twist on the holiday season for many Hispanic families in Madera and across the nation. This year that happy tradition was intercepted at the border when the FDA found insect parts and insect damage in 13 of its 26 shipments from Mexico. Meanwhile, the price for corn husks has shot up dramatically. A six-ounce bag of husks typically costs about 89 cents, but since the border holdup, the price has ballooned to as much as $3 per bag. Some eastern markets have gone to paper that looks like a husk, but the elderly are still looking for the real thing.

GROUNDWATER REPORT PAINTS POOR PICTURE — MID’s fall groundwater report has produced some pretty dismal results. Based on samplings of more than 230 test wells, MID general manager Robert Stanfield said Tuesday that area levels have plunged another six feet since last year. The average depth to water within the district has dropped more than 21 feet over the past three years and now sits at 108.69 feet. The semi-annual groundwater level calculation “illustrates the magnitude of the stress to which the basin has been subjected as the result of three consecutive drought years,” Stanfield reported.

HEART ATTACK SENDS MURDER SUSPECT TO HOSPITAL — A 66-year-old man suspected of killing a Madera teenager Christmas Day is in the coronary care unit of Madera Community Hospital after apparently having a heart attack after the shooting. Edward J. Woods allegedly fired a .38-caliber revolver at an 18-year-old man about 7:20 p.m. The suspect then went into distress following the shooting. Richard Brian White died outside Woods’ Fourth Street home after being shot once in the neck, according to police. Detectives believe White was standing near Woods’ car when he was shot. The two had been arguing prior to the shooting.

MADERA COUNTY TO GET THIRD SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE — Madera voters will pick a third Superior Court Judge in the June 1990 election, according to County Clerk Juanita Price. The new post is part of an agreement between the Board of Supervisors and the county’s two Superior Court Judges. Superior Court Judge Edward Moffat said, “There are only two of us, and we were rated in 1986 as needing 3.4 judges in Superior Court.” The other Superior Court Judge is Paul Martin. Earlier this month, supervisors approved $2,900 for a public address system and remodeling to the County Government Center’s auditorium, which will be used as a temporary third superior court...

STUDENTS FINISH CIVIL WAR BOOK — Students from eight Madera Unified classes finished their book on the California 100, a contingent of soldiers who went back East to fight in the Civil War. The young historians based most of their research on a diary that was given to them by Lena Adams, whose grandfather, Frederick J. Quant, wrote the journal. After the war, Quant moved with his family to Madera where he farmed wheat just two miles from Refuge, the ranch of Confederate veteran George Washington Mordecai. Quant is buried in Arbor Vitae Cemetery.

INDIANS WIN FIRST ROUND — A federal court declared the county was guilty of trespassing when it paved Road 423 through the property of the nine Hammond heirs. The court battle broke out into the open during the summer when the county closed Road 423, which serves some 99 residents. Instead, those residents were forced to use a partially paved road to get to their property. The Hammonds want $250,000 each for mental distress and want the road permanently closed. The case is still tied up in the court system.

PUBLIC OPPOSES RAISE FOR SUPERVISORS — In March, the Board of Supervisors narrowly voted itself a 30 percent raise. Supervisors Lopez, McIntyre, and Jensen voted for the raise saying the board had not had a cost of living raise for many years. Supervisors Baker and Ginsburg cast the no vote noting they did not run for the salary but for public service. The board decided to rescind the raise and give the issue to the Madera County Grand Jury for review. In December the Grand Jury released its report saying the 30 percent raise was justified and should be given over a three-year period.

UNWELCOME PEST INVADES MADERA WATERWAYS — A dangerous weed was discovered in Madera County this past year, which if left to grow on its own would choke out the entire Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta waterway. Last summer ag officials found the hydrilla weed growing in Eastman Lake and the Chowchilla River. Hydrilla, an exotic plant, has clogged inland passages in some parts of the east and south since it was first discovered in Florida in the early 1960s. The state will spend an estimated $1 million to get rid of the plant and another $1 million to prevent its reoccurrence...

SUPERVISORS APPROVE PAY RAISE — Christmas came a week later for county supervisors who delivered themselves a present in the form of a 19 percent pay raise Tuesday. With the exception of Supervisor Al Ginsburg, who cast the only no vote, the board agreed to most of the recommendations of a recent Grand Jury report. They include the following: a 15 percent pay increase this year — a 4 percent cost-of-living raise — and an additional $200 per month for the chairperson. Board members currently receive $19,994 annually. The 19 percent raise will increase their pay to $27,733.

CITY LEADERS VOTE FOR PAY INCREASE — In a divided decision expected to raise the ire of some taxpayers, the Madera City Council voted itself a 15 percent pay increase to become effective in 1991. “We’re employees as well as everyone else, and they’re all getting increases,” said Councilman Alan Brown. It will be the council’s first pay raise since 1986 and will take each council member’s stipend from $300 per month to $345 per month. “I don’t think it is such that it will hurt the budget,” said council member Margaret Medellin. It would certainly help defray the cost of the gas that I spend in coming to meetings.” The measure passed on a 3-2 vote, with Councilman Robert Garibay and Mayor Patrick O’Rourke voting no.

HAHN JUMPS INTO RACE FOR SHERIFF — The chief of the Madera County jail has declared his candidacy for sheriff. Al Hahn, who has been head of the Madera County Department of Corrections since December 1986, said he will make the narcotics trade in Madera County a major campaign issue. Hahn, 47, worked for the Madera County Sheriff’s Department for 17 years before taking over as head of the county jail. While he was with the sheriff’s department, he advanced to the rank of captain and was organizer and commander of the local Narcotics Enforcement Team. A native of Madera and graduate of Sierra High School, Hahn began his career in law enforcement with the Madera Police Department.

SECURITY BEEFED UP AT MURDER TRIAL — Courtroom security was tightened Wednesday during the murder trial of Richard S. Winson amid concern that two state prison inmates, called to testify on the defendant’s behalf, might somehow aid Winson in an escape attempt. Winson is accused of the April 1989 slaying of Maderan Noe Delgado and the attempted murder of Delgado’s common law wife, Christina Guzman, following a drug deal that went wrong. Deputy District Attorney Ernest LiCalsi is prosecuting the case. During the course of what is expected to be a two-week trial, Winson is being held in a segregation cell isolated even from guards...

THIRD TIME NO CHARM FOR JAIL ESCAPE ARTIST — Charges are expected to be filed against a two-time escapee from the Madera County Jail. Officers found a homemade rope fashioned from bed sheets and metal objects suitable for a homemade bomb inside the cell of David Garcia, who twice escaped from the old jail. Inside Garcia’s extra clothing was a set of leg irons that could have been used as a weapon. “This guy is a dangerous guy,” said Al Hahn, chief of the jail. Garcia was convicted of attempting to murder a local highway patrolman and holding up the Madera Save Mart Store.

DISNEYLAND RAISES PRICES ON 35TH BIRTHDAY — Michael Eisner, chairman and chief executive for Disney, announced another increase for admission tickets to the Anaheim theme park. Eisner was asked whether there had been complaints about the increase in admission prices, which are now $25.50 for adults. Ticket prices have risen 10 times since 1982. “Certainly we don’t want to price ourselves out of the market, but our research shows that the value the people are getting today is greater than last year, and the value last year was greater than the year before,” Eisner said. The Disney chief said the increases were necessary to add new attractions.

KING’S DREAM OF EQUALITY REMEMBERED — Fredrick Williams, keynote speaker at a celebration commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., urged Maderans to “Let Freedom Ring by remembering the civil rights leader’s goals of equality and freedom. Other speakers included Tenisha Armstrong, student body president at Howard Elementary School, who told the audience that King had asked that after his death, the day-to-day details of his life not be dwelled upon and that he only be remembered as a “drum major for peace and justice.” “They killed the dreamer,” she said, “but they haven’t killed the dream.”

COGDELL RUNNING FOR SHERIFF — John Cogdell Jr. wants to fulfill his lifelong dream of being sheriff of Madera County. Cogdell, who turns 45 today, says he has wanted to be sheriff since he was 5. He thinks his tough law and order campaign will get him elected to the position. “With me just being here, a lot of criminals are going to be scared off because I will enforce the law,” Cogdell said, “If I am elected sheriff, I’ll retire here because nobody will waste their money running against me from there on.” “I believe a sheriff should go to the local coffee shops and listen to what the people have to say, find out what the problems are and do something about them,” he said...

TEEN BROTHERS’ MURDER TRIAL BEGINS — The murder trial of two local brothers accused of killing an alleged drug dealer and dumping his body in southern Madera commenced today in Madera County Superior Court. A six woman, six man jury was selected to sit in judgement of Thomas and Bobby Douglas who were 17 and 18 respectively at the time of the homicide. The two are accused of the January 1989 murder of 51-year-old Lloyd Amey of Madera. Amey’s body was discovered at the corner of Avenue 13 and Raymond Thomas Road by school children who were waiting for a bus. The victim had been stabbed and his body wrapped in a blanket.

GRAPE GROWERS CONCERNED OVER ALCOHOL TAX PLAN — With increasing agitation, local grape growers are claiming that though the economy of the county is changing, the passage of a proposed alcohol tax would be devastating. Madera County has more acres of wine grapes than any other county in the state. Because the “nickel a drink” excise tax is proposed for collection at the winery wholesale level, wine producers take on an additional cost of doing business. Growers are predicting that the wineries will pay less to the growers. “There is no reason to believe the wineries will pass the tax on to the consumers,” said grower Dave Loquaci.

49ERS BURY BRONCOS 55-10 IN SUPER BOWL WIN — First repeat then “three-peat.” The San Francisco 49ers took care of their second straight Super Bowl in overwhelming style Sunday with a 55-10 humiliation of the Denver Broncos. Now they can go after their third in a row, something nobody else has done. “They can be stopped, but it takes a perfect game by whoever is doing it,” Broncos linebacker Simon Fletcher said. Instead, it was the 49ers who were nearly perfect Sunday, as they were all season, particularly in the playoffs. “It would be hard for any team to be better than this team, the way it has played this year,” said quarterback Joe Montana.

LOCAL FIRE HERO IN LINE FOR STATE AWARD — When Doloras Wright awoke inside her fiery Autumn Road home, it was to find her 19-year-old neighbor standing over her as he lifted her from her bed and dashed through the blazing residence. As a result, Kevin Gimbl, a native Maderan, has been nominated by City Fire Chief Larry Sunia for the California State Fireman’s Association’s Medal of Valor. Gimbl said he didn’t even think about the danger when he broke into the burning home and rescued Wright. After carrying her to safety, Gimbl ran back into the house in search of Wright’s son who was not at home at the time...

FREE THROWS COST COYOTES IN LOSS TO SANGER — A bucket by Sanger’s Andy Alvarado at the free throw line with five seconds left to play gave the Apaches a 54-53 victory over Madera’s Coyotes on Wednesday in the Madera gym, and there was no doubt in Coach Jason Brandes’ mind as to what went wrong.” Mentally we just don’t understand the game. Free throws are a mental thing,” Brandes said. “We have some kids who just don’t understand what it takes, “ said the coach. “Sandon Schwartz, Marcus Jones, and Chris Morgan helped us get a three point lead, then we brought the seniors back in the fourth quarter, and they let us down,” Brandes said. “Our seniors should be ashamed; they take some contests way too lightly.”

CITY COUNCIL MAY HOLD NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS — The Madera City Council is considering Mayor Patrick O’Rourke’s idea of holding informational, outreach meetings in the community. “We want to find out what their concerns are,” said the Mayor. O’Rourke says he thinks people are intimidated by the formal arrangement of the council meetings. “It seems the sidewalk around City Hall is 40 feet tall; no one wants to come here,” he said. “I think people are intimidated by the setting.” Councilman Robert Garibay said he had often thought of setting up meetings to talk about issues concerning the public and called the idea a “real plus” for the city.

FOUR CANDIDATES TO BATTLE FOR NEW SUPERIOR COURT POST — The filing period has closed, and four candidates are set to run in the June 5 election for judge of the newly created Department 3 of the Madera County Superior Court. Deputy District Attorney Paul Avent, Chowchilla Justice Court Judge John DeGroot, and attorneys Steven R. Mortimer and Bruce Frances Kennedy met Wednesday’s declaration of intent filing deadline. The candidates must now file a declaration of candidacy between Feb. 13 and March 9. Candidates for state positions such as superior court judge must file declaration of intent notices, whereas candidates for local offices do not, according to Chief Assistant County Clerk-Recorder, Rebecca Martinez.

GROUND WILL BE BROKEN FOR CLEVELAND AVENUE SHOPPING CENTER — The owners of the first of three major shopping centers slated for north Madera have announced their anchor tenants and a May date to break ground. Two major discount retailers choosing this center will kick off a string of well-know names expected to open in the area, including Wal-Mart, Mervyns, and Kmart. When fully occupied, the businesses will provide nearly 400 jobs, both full- and part-time, for area residents. The first tenant to be formally announced is Food 4 Less, a discount super market. The second anchor will be a 31,000 square foot major drug store chain, according to Dennis Chezick of Chezick Realty...

MORTIMER HIGHLIGHTS EXPERIENCE IN RACE FOR JUDGE — Steven Mortimer has done about everything as an attorney and now wants to take his experience to the bench of the newly formed Department 3 Superior Court as judge. Mortimer, 44, has practiced law in Madera since he first hung out his shingle in 1972. Mortimer attended Ripperdan Elementary School and graduated from Madera High in 1963. After two years in the U.S. Army as a military policeman, Mortimer completed his law degree, passed the bar exam, and began his law practice in 1972 with his uncle, Paul Martin, who is currently a superior court judge.

COUNTY RECORDS SIX CASES OF MEASLES — Six suspected cases of measles reported in Madera County since Feb. 1 constitute an official outbreak of the serious childhood disease said Dale Freewald, spokesperson for the public health department. The number of cases has prompted the department to issue an alert to all health care providers in the county. “The six new cases bring the total to 13 in Madera in a short time,” Freewald said. Fresno County has had two deaths from the disease and over 200 cases. “Large numbers of commuters between Fresno and Madera are likely to be exposed in the neighboring county and then bring it back with them,” according to Carol Barney, public health nurse.

HISTORICAL FIGURES COME TO LIFE FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH — The beat of African drums will fill the Second Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday when revered anthropologist and cultural dancer Katherine Dunham appears for a special performance. In honor of Black History Month, young actors will enliven for the public 13 figures whose lives and contributions cover from 1761 to the present. Myisha Harris, president of the church’s youth department, said Dunham wanted to be a teacher, and the only way she felt she could give something back to her people was to teach them about their culture. “The music and dance is important because it still affects us today,” Myisha said.

COYOTES CLAIM SHARE OF NYL WRESTLING TITLE — The disappointment of finishing second in the North Yosemite League tournament Saturday was more than offset by the jubilation of its first league championship in two decades for Madera High. The Coyotes ended up second behind Clovis in the team standings at the tourney, but since Madera had won the dual meet season with a 9-0 record, that left both schools tied for first in the league. “We weren’t too happy about coming in second, but a league championship has been a dream of ours for a long time, and we finally attained that dream,” Madera Coach Corky Napier said...

CITY, SCHOOL LEADERS PONDER GROWTH PROBLEMS — The City of Madera’s aggressive growth policy, which will bolster school enrollment and create the need for more classrooms, drew city and school officials together Wednesday. It is expected that Madera’s population will reach 37,500 by 1995, which will impact its schools. Most of the development is taking place in Northwest Madera, an area where many students will never have a school within walking distance due to its proximity to the Madera Municipal Airport. One of the three future school sites will be at Sunset Avenue and Granada Drive, just outside the two-mile airport barrier.

HEALTH OFFICIALS TRACKING TB IN LABOR CAMPS — The local incidence of tuberculosis is rising right along with a statewide increase, according to C. Dean McClure, the county’s health officer. “Homeless situations and labor camps are the kinds of places that need to be addressed,” he said. County health officials say their job is complicated by the fact that many natives of Mexico have been given a vaccine that muddies skin test results. The BCG vaccine causes a positive skin test. As the weather gets warmer and workers are needed in Madera’s fields, the health department’s efforts will be directed toward migrant labor camps. “I believe the rate among migrant workers is many times the rate of the stable population,” said Barry Dorfman, California’s tuberculosis-control officer.

WINTER STORM BUFFETS MADERA — Strong winds tore part of the roof from the Madera High School South Gym on Friday and caused the school to be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. The winds, on the leading edge of a powerful storm, swept across Madera whipping up dust and knocking out electrical power around the city. In the mountains of Madera County, Gene Hall of CalTrans and Dennis Smallen of the California Highway Patrol set up a roadblock in Coarsegold to have drivers put snow chains on their tires before heading up Highway 41. The snow level dropped to 1,500 feet Friday.

AVENT STRESSES GOOD JUDGEMENT IN RACE FOR D.A. — Deputy District Attorney Paul Avent is one of four candidates running for the newly created Department 3 Superior Court judgeship in the June election. The 53-year-old Avent is stressing good judgement as a tantamount qualification for the position. Avent, an Oakhurst resident, has been a deputy district attorney for Madera County since 1977. He was formerly with the Fresno County D.A.’s office. Avent stresses his track record, public service, and his ability to be fair. “I think I have the capacity to give the public its best shot at good judgement,” he said. Avent said he is funding his campaign out of his own pocket...

VALLEY TITLE SHOULD SILENCE NAPIER’S CRITICS — Madera wrestling coach Corky Napier has decided to just sit and enjoy the fruits of winning the Valley Wrestling Championship instead of lashing out at some who wanted to see him ousted from his job. Last year, Napier was the target of several, including a former Madera school board member. Now, a year later, Napier has even more reason to enjoy his team’s success. “I never questioned my own ability to coach young people,” Napier said. “If others had questions about that, I guess they were answered this past weekend.

MADERA HIGH STUDENT ARRESTED WITH LOADED GUN — A 14-year-old Madera High School student was arrested Monday after he allegedly brought a loaded handgun to school to scare a student who had threatened him. The juvenile was called from class by Officer Fabian Benabente who found the weapon in the student’s waistband. The gun carried three live rounds. The juvenile said he had taken the weapon from a relative’s home and brought it to school because he was being threatened by other students. The boy, who had no known ties to gang activity, was booked in Madera County Juvenile Hall.

AUTOPSY CONFIRMS MAN WAS VICTIM OF HOMICIDE — An autopsy performed Wednesday confirmed that a man found Monday in an above ground metal pipe was the victim of a homicide. The body was found by four children playing near Highway 145, east of the Santa Fe Railroad Tracks. The victim was a white male, estimated to have been between 20 and 30 years of age, around 5-foot-8 inches tall, and thinly built. Sheriff’s Lt. Tom Turk said the man was killed by a blow to the head, which fractured his skull. He had been dead three to six months. Turk said although the body is badly decomposed, partial fingerprints still remain.

NINE MEN CITED AT COCKFIGHT — Madera County Sheriff’s deputies issued nine citations for cockfighting Sunday. The illegal matches were held at a residence on Avenue 11. Seven freshly killed roosters, three severely injured roosters, and 30 live roosters were seized at the scene. Also confiscated were numerous sets of spurs used for fighting, scales to weigh the birds, and other illegal paraphernalia. Turk said miniature boxing gloves (slipped over the rooster’ spurs so the birds can spar without being hurt) found at the scene are an indication the birds have been trained. The men were cited for being present at a cockfight and were then released...

JENSEN, ROBINSON, HOWE, PADILLA WIN — Two incumbents and two challengers, Roger Howe and Marshall Padilla, won seats on the Madera Unified School District board Tuesday. Trustee Rick Jensen was the top vote getter, with B.J. Robinson coming in second. They were followed by Howe and Padilla in that order. Jensen had been a regular visitor at the district’s schools as he advocated better relations between teachers and administrators. Robinson pushed for better handwriting instruction and fewer learning centers in the classrooms. Howe campaigned for less dependence on federal funding, and Padilla supported a closed campus for Madera High.

CHALLENGERS WIN IN CHOWCILLA SCHOOL BOARD RACE — All three incumbents running for reelection to the Chowchilla High School Board won another term, but incumbents in the Elementary District lost their positions. Incumbents Monte Pistoresi and Jake Braaksma were unseated by Bill Coate and Phillis Gwartney. Don Seals won the third open seat. Coate was the top vote getter with 365 followed by Gwartney with 352. Seals got 276 votes, Pistoresi 265, Braaksma 97, Reginald Upton 95, and Ronald Upton 77. In the high school race, incumbents Henry Massaro, Jack W. Schnoor, and Ed Wanzell prevailed over their challengers.

PAUL JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEN DIES — Paul J. Christoffersen, former mayor of Chowchilla and chairman of the Madera County Board of Supervisors, died Monday at his home of a brief illness. He was the original manager of the Chowchilla Junior Fair and was active in organizing the Spring Festival. Mr. Christoffersen taught agriculture at Chowchilla High School for over 10 years, was in the CB Farm Supply business, and involved in the insurance and real estate business. He was also a member of the Chowchilla School Board. He was a member and bishop of the Church of Latter Day Saints and a member of the Chowchilla Lions Club.

CRLA ATTORNEY FIGHTS STUDENT TRANSFER POLICY — CRLA Bruce Kennedy is fighting a decision by the Madera Unified School District Board of Trustees in its decision to transfer a Madera High School student to the Sugar Pine Continuation School for alleged behavior problems. The student claims she was denied a formal hearing when she was transferred. She has been attending school in Oakland pending an appeal to the school board. Kennedy said the student would continue to pursue the matter in court. “Students are being involuntarily transferred regularly to the continuation school,” Kennedy said...

PASTORS GET TASTE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT — Officers in Madera County had spiritual backup Monday as local pastors entered squad cars and went to jail to become one-day sidekicks. Pastors combed the roads with highway patrol, sheriffs, and police officers and gave a hand at the jail through a ride-along program that kicked off Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. “These are jobs that are sometimes not so glorious,” said the Rev. Roger Leach of Valley West Christian Center. “It’s important to let them know we’re interested in what they are doing.” Leach entered a police car with Officer Steve Frazier at 10 a.m. Monday and responded to calls of shoplifting, vandalism and drunken driving.

CLUTE SAYS RATING GUIDE HAS IT WRONG — The ranking of Madera in the bottom 10 percent of the nation’s small cities has raised the ire of local Arts Council members who maintain the city has undergone a cultural awakening over the last decade. “They obviously don’t have access to all the information and all the things that have happened in Madera in the last six to eight years,” said Nancy Clute, executive director of the Madera County Arts Council. Clute says the rating is at odds with the city’s true cultural picture. “We’ve noticed a tremendous growth in the awareness of the arts,” said Clute.

PITCHER FANS 18 BATTERS IN LITTLE LEAGUE GAME — It was a night to remember for Nick Leach. The 12-year-old pitcher for the Lions in the Madera National Little League was literally unhittable in last night’s game against Madera Glass. In the six-inning game, Leach struck out 18 batters, including 12 straight to open the game before allowing a walk to start the fifth inning. He then returned to form and struck out the next six batters for the no-hitter. Leach’s outstanding night was not limited to pitching. He also led the hitting attack in the 7-0 victory. Leach had a solo home run in the first inning, a double in the second, another double in the fourth and a single in the fifth.

CITY WATER ENFORCEMENT STARTS — The arrival of spring has also meant the arrival of water regulations in the city of Madera. The following are a portion of the rules, which are being enforced by the Public Works Department...

SEYMOUR DENIES BRIBE ATTEMPT — Sheriff Glenn Seymour and District Attorney David Minier on Thursday refuted the accuracy of an article and subsequent editorial that appeared last week in a Fresno newspaper. At issue is a $500 contribution to Seymour’s reelection campaign made by businessman Ted Nash. Nash was arrested April 16 for battery of a police officer and spousal battery. Seymour received the contribution about a week later and said he returned the check uncashed. Minier said the sheriff’s office never made a request that his office drop the pending charges against Nash. Seymour issued a press release denying the Fresno paper’s insinuation that he was attempting to have charges against Nash dropped.

SUSPECT PLEADS NO CONTEST TO KILLING — The murder trial of a transient accused of killing another homeless man near a local park was cut short this week when new evidence was uncovered and the defendant opted to plead no contest. Esteban Sanchez, 21, is expected to receive a seven-year sentence for the stabbing death of a 26-year-old man with whom he lived in the Madera National Guard Armory. Stabbed near Swim Pool Park, Mario Rivas struggled to a Flume Street home where he beat on the door until his knuckles were bare to the bone. No one was home, and Rivas died in the front yard. Sanchez entered a no-contest plea to voluntary manslaughter.

CANDIDATES CHALLEGE EFFICIENCY OF TAX COLLECTOR — The efficiency of the tax collector’s office was challenged Thursday by two of the three people looking to take over the office. Mary McFarlane Murray and Robert Wilson said tied-up telephone lines and less-than-efficient staff marked the current office, but that view was disputed by the third candidate, Assistant Tax Collector-Treasurer Tracy Kennedy-Desmond. Current tax collector Jan Whipkey is not running for another term. Kennedy-Desmond said the most recent collection of taxes was the fastest yet with all of April’s collections being deposited in a record four days.

NABORS LOOKING FORWARD TO CHALLENGES AS MCAC DIRECTOR — Providing programs for the homeless and at-risk-youth top Mary Jane Nabors’ wish list as she prepares to become the new executive director of the Madera County Action Committee. “I’m excited, but I have no preconceived ideas,” she said. “I think any changes that need to occur should come with input and participation from staff.” Nabors’ appointment was announced by the board of supervisors last week. She replaces Sheldon Mensch who retired from the post in January. Nabors has worked for 13 years in the Madera Department of Parks and Community Services...

GERMAN POLICE OFFICER RENEWS MADERA CONNECTION — Spahn Adalbert, 33, an undercover police officer in Frankfurt, Germany and his wife, Monika, stayed recently at the home of Undersheriff Jim Hickman and his wife, Norma. This is the second time the Adalberts have visited the Hickmans. It began when the Hickmans were in Germany in 1987 and received a ticket for parking near a church. It turned out they could only park there during the time of the service. After returning to Madera, Hickman sent money for the ticket, expecting a receipt. Instead he got the ticket back and a note from Adalbert stating he was extending Hickman a professional courtesy. As a result, the Adalberts visited the Hickmans in 1988. Now they have returned for a second visit. Both officers are members of the International Police Association.

BOARD CHIPS IN $10,000 TO COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL — The Board of Supervisors showed its support for the arts in Madera on Tuesday by granting $10,000 to the Madera County Arts Council. The vote came with a challenge for the city councils of Madera and Chowchilla to also contribute a proportionate share to the arts council. At first, Supervisor Gail Hanhart McIntyre wanted to hold off giving the money until the cities made their contributions, but other supervisors disagreed. “I see no reason not to give the cities’ an incentive,” Supervisor Al Ginsburg said. This year’s grant exceeds last year’s grant by $2,250. Nancy Clute said local monies can be used to lever matching grant funds from the state.

MCT READY FOR ‘TEN LITTLE INDIANS’ DEBUT — Madera Community Theater kicks off a four-performance run tonight of “Ten Little Indians,” a typical Agatha Christie murder-mystery filled with a cast of suspects. Though heavy on words and missing a light touch, director Eileen Riley’s production is filled with charming performances. Thursday night’s dress rehearsal showed an enthusiastic cast ready to perform, learned in their lines, and true to their characters. A few glitches in lighting and movement between acts needed to be ironed out, but things should be cleared up for opening night.

MADERA COUNTY PIONEER HONORED — The soil from a Madera County pioneer’s beloved homeland was sprinkled about his grave by young historians Saturday as hundreds paid tribute to his memory. Children who are penning the life story of Ygnacio Preciado covered his grave with dust carried from Mexico and fresh flowers while paying tribute to the man and his family whose roots are entrenched in Madera County. “This day is very special to us,” said Millview principal Jerry English as he addressed the students, family, and community members who gathered for the ceremony beneath the trees of Calvary Cemetery. Almost 200 students and 12 teachers from Madera to Mexico have been involved in the year-long research/writing project...

BABY DROWNING DISTRESSES JUDGE — Madera Justice Court Judge Victor Dahman was apparently so distressed by testimony presented in the preliminary hearing of a mother accused of felony neglect in the drowning death of her baby that he heatedly questioned the defense attorney himself. Joshua David Turner, 8-month-old son of Gayla Goyette Turner, drowned last November in a bucket containing water that had been used to mop the kitchen floor. “How does an 8-month-old baby get into a bucket of water?” Dahman asked. When defense attorney Roger Hooper countered by saying his client had done nothing “willful,” Dahman asked, “A parent who leaves a child in a position of hazard is not doing something willful?” With his voice rising, Dahman queried, “Who was responsible for the safety of that child?” Hooper replied, “The mother.” Dahman retorted, “She abandoned her responsibility.” When Hooper responded that there was no testimony as to how long the child had been left, Dahman shot back, “Long enough to die.” When testimony ended, the mother was bound over for trial in Madera Superior Court.

RAYMOND TEACHER HAILED A HERO — Fate turned a Raymond teacher into a hero recently, and Tuesday he received recognition for his bravery in a ceremony at Raymond-Knowles Elementary School. Rick Scharton, a 2nd grade teacher at the school, and his wife were driving to work behind a county school bus along Highway 145. Scharton noticed that the rear axle of the bus had broken loose and was about to fly off. Scharton zoomed around the bus, spun a U-turn and stopped, forcing the surprised bus driver to stop. Raymond principal Stella Pizelo organized the recognition ceremony honoring Scharton. Pizelo said, “He (Scharton) took it upon himself to see that the driver didn’t go any further, and we are proud of him.”

THIRD NORTH FORK KILLING TRIAL BEGINS — The trial of Terry Coleman, 23, of North Fork will begin today in Fresno. Coleman is one of four men charged with the murder of Herman Pablo Cube, who was pulled from his motel room in South Fork in Dec. 1987, bound with an electrical cord, and brutally killed in a nearby wooded area. The victim’s head was nearly severed with his own saw. The four men were reportedly looking for a vehicle to drive to Fresno after a local bar closed. Two of the assailants have already been tried and found guilty of first-degree murder. Coleman is a cousin of the other three defendants. Madera County District Attorney David Minier called the crime, “cold-blooded, senseless, and vicious.”

WIFE SAYS PIZARRO HID ON NIGHT OF MURDER — A 24-year-old man, who served as a pall bearer at his sister’s funeral and is now standing trial for her rape and murder, was hiding in the same North Fork area where her body was discovered, his wife testified Thursday. Sandra Pizarro took the stand as the first witness in the murder trial of her husband Michael Antonio Pizarro, who is accused of the suffocation death of his half-sister, 13-year-old Amber Barfield. The teenager disappeared from the side of Road 200 while searching for Pizarro, who had left a party after arguing with his wife. The case will continue Tuesday before Judge Edward Moffat...

COSTA PROMOTES TRANSPORTATION ACT — Assemblyman Jim Costa, D-Fresno, rolled through Madera on Friday on a whistle-stop train tour of the Valley to promote Proposition 116, the Rail Transportation Bond Act, coming to the voters on June 5. The bond proposes to raise money for the development of railroads throughout California including $145 million for the Amtrak San Joaquin corridor. Backers of the bill hope these funds will provide the improvements necessary to move the Amtrak station from the Santa Fe to the Southern Pacific tracks running through town.

MADERA STUDENTS VISIT SAM HOUSTON’S GRAVE — Students from Thomas Jefferson Junior High School and Berenda Elementary School went to Texas recently to present copies of a book dedicated to the successes of Gen. Sam Houston. The book, written by a generation of new admirers from Madera, Modesto, and Bay City, Texas, is part of this year’s Madera Method project. Madera teachers Robin Dompeling and Raul Lozano took six students from their classes at Thomas Jefferson and Berenda. They were joined by Bill McCormick’s class from Bay City. Trustee Carolyn Nolan also attended with the group.

BOY HIT WITH BEER, RECOVERS STOLEN BIKE — A 14-year-old boy reportedly recovered his mother’s stolen bicycle but not before he was hit in the head with a six-pack of beer and led on a chase. Police arrested 26-year-old Raul Torres, who was allegedly riding the stolen bicycle around 8:15 p.m. at Lions Town and Country Park. Jesus Blanco spotted the bicycle and was looking at it closely when Torres reportedly pulled the beer from beneath his shirt and hit the boy in the head. Blanco enlisted the help of two witnesses, and the three tracked Torres to the parking lot of St. Joachim’s Church. Police were summoned, and Torres was found hiding near the church. He was booked at the Madera County Jail and charged with assault.

VICTIM’S JUMP ON CAR FAILS TO FOIL ROBBERY — The victim of a robbery in the Country Club Shopping Center jumped aboard her assailant’s car Saturday but was unable to stop the suspect from fleeing with her wallet. Sharon Doshier, 33, had just left World Savings when a suspect began following her. When she opened the door of her car, he grabbed her. Doshier struggled with the thief but was unable to hold on after he kicked her in the stomach. The suspect fled to his waiting car, which had the door open and the engine running. Doshier jumped on the hood of his car but was unable to hold on as he sped away. She was thrown off the car with just the windshield wiper blade to show for her efforts. The wallet contained $300...

ROACH PICKED TO FILL PLANNING COMMISSION VACANCY — Eager to be part of the solution in easing Madera’s growing pains, Barbara J. Roach will take a seat on the Madera Planning Commission. Selected Wednesday by the Madera City Council from a field of three candidates, Roach joins the commission during the creation of a new Madera General Plan. “I enjoy doing something in the community where I feel I’m making a contribution,” said Roach, an avid volunteer who is stepping into the planning arena for the first time. “Anything I can do to help foster communication and bring about a better understanding of what the community is about,” she said, “I want to be involved in Madera.”

MAN COUNTS MONEY IN WRONG PLACE — Where and when one counts his money makes a lot of difference, especially if it is done on the street outside of a bar. A 19-year-old Madera man learned this lesson Wednesday outside the La Montana Bar at Tenth and C Streets about 1 p.m. Roberto Hernandez of 410 North C Street was arrested by police when they allegedly found 31 packets of cocaine in his pockets. Police Chief Gordon Skeels said officers saw him counting the money, and since it is a neighborhood known as a drug area, they questioned him. Hernandez allegedly agreed to be searched, and the cocaine was found in the left front pocket. He was booked in Madera County Jail for possession of drugs for sale.

KIMTRUSS WORKERS HIT PICKET LINE — Twenty-three union employees of Kimtruss went out on strike this morning citing a prison-like atmosphere, dangerous working conditions, poor wages, and unaffordable health care. Strikers have complained bitterly about not being able to leave the premises for lunch. Management agrees that the workers are not allowed to leave the grounds during lunch and are not paid for the time. “You might as well put up barbed wire and a cage,” said Gary Espinoza, a five-year employee. State labor standards enforcement officer Nance Steffen said the requirement is not legal. “Anytime the employee is under the direction and control of the employer he must be paid,” Steffen said.

YOUNGCLAUS FRUSTRATED BY CHOWCHILLA CITY COUNCIL — Can the city of Chowchilla provide refuse collection services comparable to a private entity and at a similar price? That question has been raised by businessman Charles Youngclaus, co-owner of Madera Disposal Systems, Inc. Youngclaus has expressed surprise that the city opted to purchase new trucks and raise residential rates to $11.25 per month. Youngclaus told the council in a letter that he had offered the same service for $6.25 per month, which includes using the city’s current sanitation workers, he said. “It’s just been an unbelievable situation,” said Youngclaus, “It’s been so frustrating.” Youngclaus says the purchase of the trucks by the city is unnecessary...

OLD TIMER’S DAY PARADE IN JEOPARDY — The familiar September sounds of marching bands on Yosemite (Avenue) during Old Timer’s Day may not be heard this year, according to Rose Juarez, chairperson of the parade committee. Juarez said last year’s sponsor, McDonald Crop Insurance, has decided “to pull out this year.” Brad McDonald, co-owner of McDonald Crop Insurance, said his company had hoped its name would be mentioned in the sponsorship. It wasn’t. “Once our money was received, we never heard from them (parade committee) again,” McDonald said. In addition to the company not being invited to any of the events, the certificate of appreciation was mailed to them three months later, which McDonald referred to as “a slap in the face.”

DIXIELAND TO HOLD SPORTS CARD SHOW — Dixieland Principal Carles Beckett is seen here showing baseball cards to students Jonathon Wiebe and Zachary Williams. Dixieland will have a sports card show Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proceeds going toward the purchase of bleachers for the school’s field. Scheduled to appear at the show is Fresno State quarterback Mark Barsotti along with several other Bulldog players. Several Madera players from Fresno City’s baseball team will also appear. Cost for students is 50 cents and for adults $1.

COAST GUARD HOLDS DEMONSTRATION AT MADERA HIGH — Emmanuel Boyd, a health service technician, gets a hoist from the U.S. Coast Guard during a demonstration at Madera High School Thursday. The demonstration was held to promote National Boat Safety Week. The Coast Guard Auxiliary assists the coast guard and park rangers by doing boat inspections on lakes and rivers. With the start of the recreational season, boat owners are reminded to file a float plan, have personal flotation devices on their boats, and not operate a boat while intoxicated.

TAX COLLECTOR CANDIDATES CLOSE IN CONTRIBUTIONS, SPENDING — All three candidates for the tax collector-treasurer position are closely matched when it comes to money raised and spent. Tracy Kennedy Desmond has raised the most money with $6,053. Mary McFarlane Murray is second with $5,736. Robert Wilson has raised $3,710. On the spending side, Murray’s expenditures total $5,665, and Desmond has spent $3,336. Wilson reports expenditures of $3,153. Desmond reported that $4,139 of her funds came in contributions of less than $100. Contributions of less than $100 to Wilson totaled. $1,060. Murray reported a $1,500 loan from Timothy W. Murray, a planner for Madera County...

FRESNO WANTS COLLEGE ON HIGHWAY 41 — Fresno Chamber of Commerce directors think a new community college campus should be as close to fast-growing, north Fresno as possible rather than in or near the City of Madera. State Center Community College officials are considering locating a campus in Madera County, and officials there want it near Madera. But Fresno chamber directors last week suggested the campus be located near Highway 41 and Avenue 12, putting it closer to north Fresno. SCCCD officials said everyone must wait until July to find out where the campus will be built.

PITMANS CELEBRATE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY — Donald and Carolyn Pitman celebrated their upcoming 50th wedding anniversary at the Madera Golf and Country Club. They were married in 1940 at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church. Carolyn, the daughter of Bill and Mary Ann Beckham, was raised in Pasadena. She attended Scripps College and graduated from Occidental College. Carolyn earned a Master’s degree at Stanford University. She came to Madera in 1937 and began teaching English and journalism at Madera High School. Donald was born and raised in Madera County and attended Webster School where his mother was the teacher. He graduated from Madera High School and attended Fresno State.

LONGTIME TEACHER LEAVING MUSD AFTER 31 YEARS — Longtime kindergarten teacher Connie Barsotti will soon be making the three-block trek from her Hilton Street home to her classroom at John Adams Elementary School for the last time. Barsotti, a “hometown girl,” has been teaching in the Madera Unified School District for 31 years, the last 15 at John Adams. James Monroe was her first assignment in Madera, and that is where she met her husband, Benny Barsotti, currently president of the MUSD board of trustees. “I married my principal,” Barsotti said. “We were very discreet about it. No one knew we were dating. Connie quit teaching from 1963 to 1969 so she could spend more time with her three children during their younger years.

TESSLER TAKES MHS BOYS BASKETBALL JOB — Brian Tessler has decided to accept the Madera High boys varsity basketball coaching job just one day after turning down the position. “My original decision had to do with family and close ties in Los Angeles, but I then decided that I could not pass up a head coaching job in the North Yosemite League. The final thing was that it was too good of a job to turn down,” Tessler said. Tessler was the junior varsity coach for Madera last year. He has also spent two years as a varsity assistant at McLane and one year as an assistant at Washington Union. Tessler said one of his priorities will be working with the lower level feeder programs in Madera...