John Anderson has over 45 years of experience in Law Enforcement.  Now he wants to add another 4 years as the Sheriff of Madera County. If elected, this will be his fourth term as Sheriff.  After a distinguished career with the California Highway Patrol, John knew he could play a major part in making the Madera County Sheriff’s Department a Department with pride and distinction within the State of California. After taking office, John faced many challenges and through the years has obtained many accomplishments. These challenges and accomplishments were met only because of John’s experience, abilities and hard work. Under John’s administration he implemented many programs which have received state and national recognition. Most noteworthy is the utilization of civilian volunteers. This includes Citizens on Patrol, Chaplain Program and the Search and Rescue Unit. He formed a multi-agency gang and narcotics task force and a regional SWAT Team, All at which greatly benefitted the citizens of Madera County at very little cost to the tax payer. Under Anderson’s watch, he equipped patrol vehicles with in-car computer systems. The department can now reach citizens throughout Madera County in a matter of minutes thanks to the installation of the “Reverse 911 Emergency Notification System.” He is also credited for securing an inter-agency radio system connecting the sheriff’s department with all other emergency responders in the county.During his tenure, he started the “Operation Lost and Found” program, which provides miniature bracelet transmitters to Alzheimer’s patients, so they can be located if they wander off. Other programs include, the SOS-911, or “Saving our Seniors”, where persons are provided donated deactivated cellular phones, capable of dialing 911 if the person needs assistance. This program also extends to victims of domestic violence. Madera County continues to need a man like John Anderson. A man with education and experience. A man connected politically and respected with county, state and federal leaders. A man, who is known, admired and involved in local community affairs. Madera County does not need a sheriff who lacks formal education, has no managerial experience and little real time experience in law enforcement. We do not need someone who comes to the job with limited personal and supervisorial skills who is responsible for supervising less than 6 people at a time.

What is it with PROP 8?  I don’t understand why those who oppose the prop are fighting what has been voted and decided on by the people.  Don’ t they realize that Californians have spoken?  That is the beauty of system.  We get to vote for what we want, if our vote wins-GREAT, if not- we have to DEAL with it.  You don’t see supporters of McCain/Palin holding rallies and fighting the results.  We have to suck it up and deal with the voice of the majority- even if it is not what we had wanted.    Stop targeting churches and individuals.  Everyone is entitled to their thoughts and opinions.  It is not the fault of any of the churches, pastors, or congregations that Prop 8 passed.  Prop 8 was passed by the people of California.  I don’t get why these opponents don’t accept their defeat and fight back by building a stronger case for the next ballot.                  It passed-deal with it.

Hands-Free - It’s the LAW!!!

Yesterday, July 1, 2008, marked the first day of California’s new cell phone law!  We no longer will see drivers with one hand on their wheel and the other holding the phone.  Will this hands-free law cause less distractions for drivers?  I hope it will.  I personally cannot stand driving behind someone when they are talking on the phone and not paying attention to the road.  I think this law will make a difference and have a positive impact on reducing the number vehicle accidents.  Watch out because local law enforcement agencies, CHP, Sheriff, and Police, are looking for those with the phone to their ears.  Madera County Sheriffs and Highway Patrol said they would not be giving any warnings, you will just be cited. 

***Texting is also no longer allowed while driver

***Remember if you have a child under the age of 18 they are not allowed drive while using a hand-held device.

You may have heard that there is thing little thing called an election coming up this year…OK, of course you’ve heard about it. But did you know that you must register to vote by January 22?

California will have its very first February presidential election this year on February 5. Like all primaries, this one is important because it has national and local consequences. We’ll leave the talk of the national consequences to the news outlets, but this is a good time to remind you of how your vote will make a difference right in your own backyard.

February 5 will also be a time when Oakhurst residents can cast their votes in favor of or in opposition to incorporation (Measure C). This post I wrote last year put a bug in your ear about the issue. Iit is time to consider the matter again because now you will be casting deciding votes on the matter.

Visit this website for a list of addresses in the proposed area of incorporation. You can only vote on this issue if you live in the proposed town boundaries.

January 22 is also the final day to turn in paperwork if you wish to be an official write-in candidate for the Oakhurst Town Council.

“Tuesday, September 11, will mark the sixth anniversary of the devastating and senseless terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon,” said Harry Baker, owner of Sierra Telephone. Baker will sponsor what has become an annual Patriot Day celebration tomorrow, September 11, 2007. Madera County residents are invited to join in an expression of remembrance and thanks as we remember those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom we all enjoy.

Participants in the community event will gather at Sierra Telephone headquarters located at 49150 Crane Valley Road (Road 426) in Oakhurst, California. The Patriot Day celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with the raising of the flag by American Veterans Post No. 1997. Oakhurst Elementary School fifth graders will lead the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the Sweets & Low Trio singing the national anthem. The Yosemite High School Advanced Percussion Ensemble will perform. An invocation will be offered by Pastor David Sebastian.

Colonel Bruce Derry, USMCR retired will speak. Veterans and emergency services personnel will be honored. The program will end with a 21-gun salute by the Madera Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard, Post No. 1981 and the sounding of taps. Refreshments will be served at the Sorensen Pavilion in rear parking lot immediately following the ceremony.

“I believe that our family of companies, in all the areas we serve, can — and should — show our continuing support for our country and the freedoms we enjoy,” Baker said. To display their patriotism and support of US troops, Sierra Telephone vehicles will fly the American flag from September 11 until Veterans Day on November 11.