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.

One of those stories we hear that is worth looking into.  If true it may save a life and property.

A house burnt down… nothing left but ashes. Owners have good insurance so the house will be replaced and most of the contents.  That is the good news.

 However, they were sick when they found out the cause of the fire. The insurance investigator sifted through the ashes for several hours. He had the cause of the fire traced to the master bathroom. He asked her sister-in-law what she had plugged in the bathroom. She listed the normal things…curling iron, blow dryer.  He kept saying to her, ‘No, this would be something that would disintegrate at high temperatures’. Then her sister-in-law remembered she had a Glade Plug-In, in the bathroom.

The investigator had one of those ‘Aha’ moments. He said that was the cause of the fire. He said he has seen more house fires started with the plug-in type room fresheners than anything else. He said the plastic they are made from is THIN. He also said that in every case there was nothing left to prove that it even existed. When the investigator looked in the wall plug, the two prongs left from the plug-in were still in there.

The sister-in-law had one of the plug-ins that had a small night light built in it. She said she had noticed that the light would dim and then finally go out. She would walk in to the bathroom a few hours later, and the light would be back on again. The investigator said that the unit was getting too hot, and would dim and go out rather than just blow the light bulb. Once it cooled down it would come back on. That is a warning sign

The investigator said he personally wouldn’t have any type of plug in fragrance device anywhere in his house. He has seen too many places that have been burned down due to them.

This news blew me away.  Nobody can care for and afford fourteen children.  Especially one that is single, receives assistance, and lives with her parents.  My heart goes out to those children.  They will never receive the love and attention a child deserves.  The doctors who have allowed this woman to become pregnant are to blame.   These doctors should be the ones to pay child support and assist this family.  Unfortunately that is not the case.  We, the taxpayers, will raise and support these children throughout their lives.  What is wrong with our system in California?  This mother did not have any reservations bringing 8 additional children into this world knowing she would not be able to provide for them.  She knew the state would support her and all her 14 children.  That is ridiculous. 

This is information from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) website that I found to be interesting and would like to share with those of you who are interested. 

2009 Economic OutlookBy Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist“The U.S. economy has entered a recession and will contract for the next three quarters, and the recovery, from the second half of 2009, will be tepid. The unemployment rate will peak at 6.7 percent by midyear next year before steadily heading down. However, existing home sales will be rising despite challenging economic times.The most important factor driving home sales is affordability. With home prices falling in many parts of the country and mortgage rates still near historic lows, affordability conditions have markedly improved. Even with rising unemployment, nearly 93 percent of households will have jobs. This 93 percent of working households (rather than 95 percent during good economic times) respond to incentives. Added measures, from the first-time homebuyer tax credit to a larger number of mortgage loans qualifying to be purchased by Fannie and Freddie and through the FHA program, will further bring homebuyers to the marketplace.Back in the previous recession, the economy shed nearly 2 million net jobs from 2001 to 2003. All the while, existing home sales rose from 5.2 million to 6.2 million just as jobs were being cut. New home sales likewise rose from 900,000 to 1.1 million. Mortgage rates were falling and housing affordability was rising during these years. The 2 million job cuts were painful, but the economy still had 130 million job holders.An early indication that buyers are responding to incentives was the solid jump in the pending home sales in August to the highest level in over a year. The biggest increases were in areas with rising affordability from sharp reductions in home prices in California, Nevada, and Florida. The expansion will broaden to other markets where home prices have markedly fallen, including Rhode Island, Virginia, and Minnesota. Existing home sales, therefore, will likely breakout from the narrow trading range of 4.8 to 5 million of the past 12 months to 5.2 million by the year end and to 5.4 million in 2009. Even with the improvement, the next year’s sales level will still be well below the 7.1 million peak sales achieved with rampant speculative buying in 2005.New home sales will be a different story. There is an overhang of inventory and homebuilders are being forced to cut back sharply. New housing starts have fallen by about 60 percent from peak activity three years back. Because of the cutback in new home construction, the inventory of vacant new homes on the market has fallen to 408,000 as of August from nearly 600,000 just two years ago. The total inventory - new and existing combined - still remains elevated, so further reduction in building by builders will be welcomed. Because of low housing starts, new home sales will continue to tread at soft levels -under 500,000 in 2009 (far below the 1.2 million peak sales in 2005).On the economic front, recession in itself is not a positive for the housing market because there are fewer job holders. But if a recession is accompanied by rising housing affordability, then home sales can trend higher - as is now. A prolonged deep recession, however - certainly a possibility in light of the most severely tested financial market stress since the Great Depression - can dampen consumer confidence and put up barriers to home buying. Fortunately, the economic downturn appears manageable. Let’s explore why by reviewing each of the key economic data points and their projections.Consumer SpendingConsumer spending accounts for nearly 70 percent of economic activity. Normal, healthy growth is about 3 percent (in real terms above the inflation rate). It grew at only one percent in the first half of this year and is expected to record a mild contraction in the upcoming quarters. Aggregate personal income is likely to have fallen because of fewer jobs. In addition, there has been a sizable decline in net wealth from falling stock prices and falling home values. The combined income and wealth effects will be such that consumer spending, at best, will add nothing to economic growth in 2009. Another government stimulus plan may temporarily raise consumer spending but will do nothing for a long term sustained rise unless the overall economy recovers and begin adding jobs.Business SpendingBusiness spending for equipment turned negative in the recent quarter, not surprising given that corporate profits have fallen for four straight quarters and weak sentiment regarding consumer spending prospects. Construction activity for commercial real estate, which had been growing solidly, will be weakening in light of the credit crunch and rising vacancy rates. One positive picture is on the current lean business inventory conditions. Unlike many past economic downturns when companies had to hold back production because of bloated inventory, the very thin inventory conditions permit companies to ramp up production at the first sign of economic recovery.Government SpendingGovernment spending can create jobs. Upgrading and expanding nation’s infrastructure, hiring more teachers, or building jets and tanks can stimulate the economy over the short-term. But spending without additional tax revenue over the long run can result in higher interest rates. For the short-term at least through 2009, government spending is expected to rise 1 to 2 percent.Net ExportsNet exports have been steadily improving in the past year. The U.S. continues to import more items, but the exports have been booming over the past five years, growing at near double-digit pace. The export growth in the second quarter was very impressive, clocking in at a 12.3 growth rate. The weak U.S. dollar has made U.S. products more competitive. However, the dollar has strengthened of late since the start of the global financial crisis. Foreign countries blame the U.S. for the subprime loans and the credit market turmoil, yet people turn to and trust the dollar in times of the crisis. Foreign countries, initially delighted in seeing the U.S. fall, are now in a panic as their stock markets have started crashing even more sharply than the U.S market. Fair or not, the U.S. economic problem has caused a global economic mess. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar this time around should be viewed positively because there is about a two-year lag time in impacting international trade flows from changes in currency. So the net exports continue to be a positive factor for the economy going into 2009. Also oil prices, which are denominated in dollars, fall when the dollar strengthens. Given that REALTORS® are heavy drivers, lower oil prices are welcome.The Bottom LinePut it all together and what do we have? A recovering economy will help consumer and business spending to turn the corner and the economy to move to a self-sustaining pace. But it requires a catalyst to get things started. The tumbling housing market and subprime mortgage defaults have caused financial markets to freeze and have pushed the economy into a recession. However, recent rising home sales and some sustained momentum will bring the economy back into the fold. Rising home sales will also thin out the housing inventory and begin stabilizing home prices. The credit market will start to unfreeze once home prices have passed bottom. Simply, the economy will not recover without a housing market recovery.Fortunately, policymakers and both Presidential candidates clearly recognize the need to get the housing market moving. The two housing stimulus bills (homebuyer tax credit and higher loan limits), $700 billion Treasury plan and the Federal Reserve’s actions are designed to assure steady mortgage flow and help revive the housing sector. With it, the economy will expand and create jobs. America and its exceptional ingenuity always find a way to move past crises and back to economic prosperity.” 

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.

The community of Eastern Madera County is mourning the loss of one of their children. Last week sixteen year old Danny Zabicki lost his battle with cancer. Danny was a sweet and talented young man that was an inspiration to all that knew him. His parents, well known and respected, own one of Oakhurst’s best places to eat, The Crab Cake’s Restaurant.

There will be a fundraiser on Monday, October 27, 2008, from 12:00am to 7:00pm. for the Zabicki family. The event will be held at the Crab Cake’s Restaurant Patio. This will be a great opportunity to honor and remember a fine young man that was taken from us so soon in life.

Our prayers and thoughts go out to this fine family.

For information call Heather 559 676-5056 or Linda 559 683-6993.

This year so many families have been affected by natural disasters.  For those affected by such trajedy you’d hope that they would be able to receive assistance.  Mariposa County faced a devasting year of fires.  The Telegraph Fire and Oliver Fire left many with only ashes of memories.  With hope of assistance from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) many were ready to rebuild thier lives and build new memories.  However the hope of aid from FEMA was declined.  FEMA has now turned their attention to the victims of the hurricanes.  Is this fair?  Why is FEMA doing this?  Should everyone who needs it, receive it?  I was shocked to hear on the channel 30 news that local residents of Mariposa will not be receiving any assistance from FEMA.  I don’t think this is right.  One victim needs just as much help as the other. 

I read this article this morning and thought, “man, that is embarrassing.”  I feel really sorry for Jack Cust. 

The article was written to inform the world of a new American League record.  The Oakland Athletics American League baseball team has designated Jack Cust as the record holder for strikeouts.  Cust struck out for the 187th time this season breaking Rob Deer’s 1987 record.  To make matters worse Cust could challenge Ryan Howard’s major league record of 199 strikeouts. 

Although this Oakland Athletic’s new record is not one to brag about, you have to look at the positive side.  Cust does have 29 home runs and 70 RBIs. 

Where would you rather live?  In an area that gets bombarded each year by hurricanes or tornadoes or would you rather live in an area that may experience an occasional earthquake?  I can’t help but think what those individuals have to deal with each hurricane season as hurricanes threaten their homes.  As Hurricane Ike builds in the Gulf of Mexico and many mainland towns are are threaten, I wonder why would anyone want to live in an area that has to deal with this type of disaster each year.  I personally would much rather take the chance of having to go through an earthquake.  I like not knowing when something devasting will happen.  I think the anticipation of a hurricane or tornado would do me in.  What type of natural disaster would you rather deal with?

Can you believe Sara Palin’s talk at the Republican National Convention?  She is awesome and is a great running mate for McCain.  I love how she said that there while Obama and Biden say they will fight for you there is only one candidate who has fought for you.  She is tough and is a women of her word.  I could just imagine what Obama and the democratic supporters were thinking as Palin ended her presentation- they have a lot of work to do in order to beat this candidate.  It is pretty bad when a Vice Presidential candidate has more experience than a Presendial candidate.  Obama, I think you may have just been beat by a women!