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FFA has success at state judging finals

May 23, 2017, 9:57 am
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Courtesy of Julie LuxonFrom left, Madera FFA judging winners Omar Hernandez, Leslie Arevalo, Valeria Giron, Julie Padilla and their coach, Kristin Sheehan
Madera FFA had eight teams competing at state judging team finals this year, with one taking first place and the other seven placing in the top 10 of their contests.
The Veterinary Science team won the State Championship for their contest this year. In that competition, members demonstrate knowledge of veterinary practices, animal breed identification, and tool and equipment identification.
Veterinary Science has proven to be a popular contest, with more than 60 schools participating this year.
Along with placing first in the contest, three team members were named as high individuals: Julia Padilla placed fourth, Leslie Arevallo placed third and Valeria Giron placed second.
“Team members have worked really hard to get to this point,” said coach Kristin Sheehan.
Most of the competition season resulted in second-place finishes.
“The team knew what they had to do to win and they put in an exceptional effort. I’m very proud of their hard work and their accomplishment.”
The team will now be preparing for the national finals at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis during late October.
This year’s FFA state finals were held at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, on May 6. More than 2,000 students from high schools across California competed in 21 events throughout the day. These contests included everything from livestock judging to marketing, and members are judged by industry professionals, Cal Poly Staff and community volunteers.
All of the teams were competing for state championships and many for a chance to compete at the National contests in November.
The other teams that competed from Madera FFA were Ag Welding and Horse Judging, which placed 10th; Meats and Marketing, 5th;  Farm Record, 4th; and Floral and BIG placed 2nd.
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VW event to benefit Rescue Mission

May 23, 2017, 10:02 am
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Wendy Alexander/The Madera TribuneHundreds of VWs were on display during the annual Madera VW Spring Fling on April 30. A VW event is scheduled for August to benefit the Madera Rescue Mission.
Fans of classic Volkswagen vehicles will have the chance to enjoy admiring the Bugs, as they are known to those who love them, and also to help the Madera Rescue Mission.
According to spokesman Paul Yocum,  Feed the Bug Volkswagen Weekend is an ongoing celebration that brings people to Madera from all over the world. From Mexico City, Australia and even Germany, contestants have traveled to compete and shop at this event.
The show, No. 8 in a series, will be held at Lions Town and Country Park.
The Deutschlanders VW club gathers food and othere items for the Madera Rescue Mission and puts them into a VW bug. The items then are donated to the Rescue Mission. Also donated are all the monies from car show entries.
“Last year’s campout was safe and a great family time,” according to Yocum. “The Madera City Council recognized our Feed the Bug show for an outstanding job for bringing in cash and people to the city of Madera and for all the cash and food that the club donates to the Rescue Mission.”
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Funding the 12-year plan

May 23, 2017, 10:05 am
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When former Madera Unified school superintendent Ed Gonzalez was terminated earlier this year, he left a plan for meeting MUSD’s facility needs for the next 12 years. It calls for building seven new schools, making improvements at the two high schools, and buying some acreage for other uses.
In November 2016, the board revised the plan a bit and formally adopted part of it. Indications are the board will address the remainder of the plan in the weeks ahead.
Meanwhile, as it decides when and where the new schools will be built, the board will also have to wrestle with where it will get the money.
The plan that Gonzalez left and the one that the board is revising had a price tag of $649 million.
Gonzalez was banking on matching funds from the state, two local school bonds in the future, the district’s building funds, fees from developers, and one certificate of participation.
Passage of the $9 billion California Public School Facility Bonds Initiative last November went a long way to build confidence in the viability of the 12-year plan.
State matching funds are now likely to come, but other problems are looming large on the horizon.
Gonzalez had factored in cash from the district’s building fund to meet some of the construction costs, but opposition to using district money to build schools has surfaced in school board discussions.
Gonzalez was also counting on the passage of two local school bonds, but there is no certainty in those proposals.
As it now stands, the board will have to radically alter the 12-year plan if any of Gonzalez’s funding sources don’t materialize.
What follows is Gonzalez’s calculus for funding the 12-year plan.
Virginia Lee Rose Elementary School — Cost $32.6 million. Sources: Measure U bond, $18.5 million (passed in 2006); state matching funds, $10.8 million; Fund 25 (developer fees), $3.3 million.
New High School at Martin St. and Road 26 — Cost $155 million. Sources: Measure G bond $70 million (passed November 2014); state matching funds, $39 million; Fund 41 (district general fund money set aside for building) $46 million.
Concurrent Enrollment Tech Middle School — Cost $35 million. Sources: Future school bond in 2018, $23 million; state matching funds, $12 million.
Two Comprehensive Middle Schools — Cost $110 million. Sources: Future 2018 bond, $77 million; state matching funds, $30 million; Fund 41, $3 million.
Purchase of 10 acres for District Office — Cost $500,000. Source: Fund 41, $500,000.
Construction of new District Office — Cost $18 million. Source: Fund 41, $18 million.
Construction of new Adult Education Building — Cost $10 million. Certificate of participation, Fund 41, $10 million.
Purchase of 160 acres for future Educational Complex — Cost $10 million. Source: Future 2018 bond, $10 million.
Construction of New Elementary School — Cost, $44 million.  Source: Future school bond in 2024, $20 million; state matching funds, $13 million; Fund 41, $11 million.
Construction of 4th High School — Cost $220 million. Source: Future 2024 bond, $130 million; state matching funds, $55 million; fund 41, $27 million; fund 25, $8 million.
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Grilling on a special day

May 24, 2017, 12:14 pm
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Cathie Campbell/For The Madera TribuneHow about sinking your teeth into some grilled hamburgers this Memorial Day?
Hopefully, the weather will cooperate for those who wish to have a Memorial Day gathering outdoors, such as a barbecue with family and friends. There are so many things we can grill these days, but hamburgers seem to have no trouble remaining one of the most popular with people of all ages. Even if your holiday celebration doesn’t include having a barbecue, let’s all keep the meaning of Memorial Day in our hearts. May you all be blessed with freedom, good health and happiness. Oh, and good food, of course.Portabella burgers
Portabella, portobello, doesn’t matter in this recipe. These aren’t grilled, but can still be served outdoors for those who do not want meat.2 cups portabella mushrooms, cubed, gills removed
2 cups cooked black beans, rinsed and divided
1 cup minced broccoli (fresh only)
1/2 cup red onion, minced
3 extra-large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons panko crumbs (use gluten free if you like)
1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (there is a version that is anchovy free)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Extra-virgin olive oil1. In a large bowl add 1 cup of black beans and mash with a masher (chunks are fine). Add in the mushrooms, remaining black beans, broccoli, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce and steak seasoning. Mix until well blended but do not over mix. Gently mix in the eggs, Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Set mixture aside.
2.  Place a medium non-stick pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.Once the oil starts to shimmer (about a minute or two), using dampened hands (the mixture will stick to you if you don’t), scoop a 1/2 cup of mixture into the palm of your hand and gently shape into a burger, all the while pressing together. The mixture should hold a burger shape. If it doesn’t, add just a tablespoon more of bread crumbs.
3. Place in the oil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and a crust has formed on each side. Serve with hummus, guacamole or steak sauce. Makes 8 to 10 burgers.Great grilled burgers
I sort of cheat and use my favorite bottled barbecue sauce.For sauce:
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepperFor hamburgers:
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 teaspoon onion salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
6 hamburger buns, split
Toppings of your choice1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients for the sauce. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Set aside 1 cup barbecue sauce to serve with burgers.
2. In a large bowl, combine the egg, oats, 1/4 cup of the remaining barbecue sauce, onion salt, garlic salt, pepper and salt. Crumble ground beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into six patties.
3. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160 degrees, basting with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes. Serve on buns with toppings of your choice and reserved barbecue sauce. Makes 6 servings.Grilled turkey burgers
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey (white meat, dark meat, or a mixture)
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1-1/2 to 3 teaspoons of hot sauce, such as Tabasco
2 green onions, minced, white and green parts
4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns, lightly toasted
Sweet pickle slices
1 tomato, cored and sliced
Coleslaw, for serving on burgers1. Prepare the grill for direct high heat. You can also cook the burgers on the stove-top on a griddle or cast iron frying pan.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the turkey meat, breadcrumbs, chives, basil, green onions, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, chili sauce, salt and pepper. Work the mixture with your hands until it is just mixed. Don’t over mix or your burgers will end up tough. Form the mixture into 4 patties, about 1 inch thick.
3. Sprinkle the patties with salt and pepper. Grill them for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature of the patties reach 165 degrees on a meat thermometer.
4. Toward the end of the cooking, put the buns on the grill to toast for about a minute. Remove the burgers from the grill to a platter, cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
5. Assemble the burgers by placing each burger on a bottom bun, and stacking a tomato slice, some pickles, and a bit of coleslaw on top, and then topping with the top bun. Makes 4 servings.Tropical salmon burgers
You will need a small amount of olive oil for the pineapple and avocado.For the salmon:
1 pound salmon, skin removed
3 tablespoons of your favorite seasoning (jerk, Cajun, etc.)Toppings:
2 slices fresh pineapple
1 jalapeno, seeded and thinly sliced
1 avocado, sliced
Butter lettuce
2 hamburger buns, lightly toastedCilantro-lime mayonnaise:
4 tablespoons lime juice
2 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup cilantro
1 cup mayonnaise
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste1. For cilantro-lime mayonnaise: In a food processor blend all ingredients except mayonnaise until finely minced. Stir in mayonnaise and refrigerate while preparing other items.
2. For the salmon: Season salmon with your choice of spices on both sides. Brush pineapple and avocado lightly with olive oil. Grill salmon for 10 to 12 minutes or until it is fully cooked. While salmon is grilling, also grill the pineapple and avocado. The avocado will be done in about 5 to 7 minutes; keep a close eye on the slices.
3. To assemble: Spread cilantro-lime mayonnaise on both sides of the toasted burger buns. Place toppings in the following order: Lettuce, avocado, salmon, pineapple, jalapeno. Makes 2 servings, but can be increased as needed.
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Speed sends Coyotes into semifinals

May 24, 2017, 12:26 pm
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Wendy Alexander/The Madera TribuneMadera freshman Valerie Ornelas rips a two-run first inning home run during Thursday’s 6-3 Div. II quarterfinal playoff victory over Tulare Western.
The Madera Coyotes softball team is looking for its third straight Div. II title and in order to accomplish that, they needed to get through the first two rounds of the playoffs.
The first part concluded Thursday with a 6-3 victory over fifth-seeded Tulare Western at Zimmerman Field. The Coyotes played top-seeded Monache-Porterville on Tuesday in the semifinals in a rematch of last year’s Valley Championship, which ended on an Aaliyah Cuevas walk-off, inside-the-park eighth inning home run.
“We’re starting to come around with understanding to play to our strengths and use our speed,” head coach Judy Shaubach said. “We cause defenses a lot of stress. I thought we ran really well.”
The fourth-seeded Coyotes jumped out to a four-run lead, but allowed three unearned runs in the fourth inning. The Coyotes bounced back with runs in the fifth and sixth innings for the win.
“That insurance run all plays into a complete game,” Shaubach said. “It’s good to get that first game under our belts. We’re really looking forward to that match up with Monache. We’re feeling really strong going in.”
Valerie Ornelas hit her fourth home run in the first inning. Coyotes slugger Aaliyah Cuevas, a Fresno State commit, recorded her 13th double of the season to tie the school record for most in a season and it was her 35th double in her career to set the new school mark.
“It was good to see Aaliyah come though and clutch up,” Shaubach said. “That big pop Val had to start the game off with those two runs was huge. Everyone kind of relaxed after that.”
Kaylee Dawson scattered six hits and allowed three unearned runs. She retired seven in a row to end the game.
“I thought Kaylee struggled a little bit, but she made pitches when she had to and allowed the defense allowed to make plays,” Shaubach said. “We’re about as good as we’re going to be. We’re peaking.”
With two outs in the first, Cuevas drew a four-pitch walk. On the next pitch Ornelas hit a high fly ball to center that landed beyond the fence for a two-run home run.
The Coyotes added two more run in the third inning. Taylor Brooks led off the inning with a bunt single. She stole second for her 24th stolen base to break the school record. She advanced to second on a throwing error and scored on Layne’s bloop single to left.
Cuevas sacrificed Layne to second. Ornelas singled to shallow left field and an error allowed runners to go to second and third. Hollee Brown singled to left-center to drive in Layne for a four-run lead.
The Coyotes loaded the bases, but were unable to drive in another run in the inning.
The Mustangs took the momentum from the Coyotes in the fourth. With one out, Tulare Western reached on an error. After Dawson got a strikeout, she walked the next batter.
Dawson got the next batter to fly out to right to end the inning. However, an illegal pitch was called and the runners moved up a base and Dawson went back to the circle.
The batter singled up the middle to score two runs and a throwing error allowed the batter to advanced to third. A double drove in a third Mustangs run before Dawson got a popout to shortstop Gennahlyn Sanchez to end the inning.
Madera added a run in the fifth using its speed to put pressure on Tulare Western. Cuevas led off with a single up the middle. She went to third on Ornelas’ chopper to third.
With Brown at the plate, Ornelas stole second. On the throw back, the Tulare Western pitcher missed the ball and Cuevas came in to score an insurance run.
Madera added to its lead in the sixth when Sofia Perez blooped a ball to left-center and hustled into second for a double. She was sacrificed to third by Brooks and Cuevas hit her record breaking double to left-center to drive in pinch-runner Mikayla Arretta for a 6-3 lead.
Dawson settled down after the fourth and got a fly out to right for the first out in the seventh and struck out the next two batters to end the game for her 12th victory of the season.
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Coyotes capture Valley title

May 24, 2017, 12:40 pm
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Wendy Alexander/The Madera TribuneThe Madera Coyote boys volleyball team celebrates the program’s first-ever Valley Championship on Thurday. The Coyotes defeated Central in three sets to capture the Div. II title in Joe Flores Gym.
A perfect run through the Div. II Central Section playoffs culminated in the Madera Coyote boys volleyball team’s first Valley Championship after defeating third-seeded Central-Fresno in the title game.
“Finally, we can get this program known,” said senior Matthew Brunner. “Not a lot of people, I feel, care for this sport.”
“We’re making history and that’s what we planned to do,” said senior Devonte Orlando.
Madera head coach Rhonda Jefferson got inspired performances from her frontline players —  Brian Garcia, Orlando, Brunner and Tyler Mallonee. The quartet combined for 29 of the team’s 32 kills and and eight of the team’s 16 blocks.
“They did phenomenal,” Jefferson said. “I sent them a quote that morning about teamwork and championships. They really took it to heart.”
The top-seeded Coyotes battled though to win the first set 25-19 and cruised to a 25-17 victory in the second set. They closed the match scoring the final three points for a 25-22 victory Thursday evening.
“It was hard to get a read of if they were tipping or hitting,” Jefferson said after the first set. “When we started reading, we started reacting quicker and got a jump on what they were going to do. Our blocking had less ground to cover.”
After Central jumped out to the early lead, Hunter Brown served up three straight points to take a 6-5 lead.
The two teams exchanged nine straight side outs before the Coyotes scored on a Central out of bounds hit for a 12-11 lead. Brown served up another point to take a two-point lead, but the Grizzlies tied the set at 14, then 15, 16 and 17.
Garcia put down a side out kill and Seth Valencia served up three straight points. Garcia combined with Brown on a block and Orlando put down a kill for a 21-17 lead.
Central got the side out to cut the lead to two, but Garcia put down a side out kill.
With Garcia serving, Orlando put down a kill and two Central errors led to two Coyote points and a 25-19 victory.
“We had that first game jitters,” Brunner said. “Once the first game was over, all the jitters were over and we took off.”
“It was really the first game jitters,” Orlando said. “After that, we got together and meshed as a team. We bounced back to win the next two. We realized our defense needed to step up because we were weak in that.”
Central took the early lead in the first set, but Garcia stopped the run with a side out kill and served up three straight points. Orlando ended a long rally with a kill. Valencia recorded a kill sending back a kill that found the floor. Orlando then stuffed a Central attack for a 6-4 lead.
After a trade in side outs, Brunner put down a kill and Orlando served up two more points for a 10-6 lead.
Brunner put down a dump kill and then Garcia combined with Ali Escheik for a dual block and put down a kill for a five-point lead.
Two Tyler Mallonee side out kills led to a Brown solo block and an Orlando kill to open a seven-point lead.
After a Central service error, Brunner put down a kill and Orlando and Brown combined for a dual block for a 20-11 lead.
Central scored five of the next six points to cut Madera’s lead to five after back-to-back aces.
Orlando stopped the run with a kill and served up two more points to get to set point.
After a Central side out, Mallonee and Escheik combined on a dual block for a 25-17 second set victory.
“I told them to keep your composure and the nerves should be gone,” Jefferson said. “Now was the time to play Coyote ball.”
The Grizzlies took the early 7-3 lead in the third set. Mallonee put down a kill for side out. An Escheik kill and dual block with Garcia tied the set at seven.
A Central service error led to a four-point Coyote run, led by Garcia, who had three blocks and four kills in the third set. He had a dual block with Brown, a left-handed solo block and a kill for a 12-8 lead.
Central battled back to cut the lead to one before a side out. Garcia served up two more points for a 16-12 lead. Once again, Central cut the lead down to two before a service error. Brunner’s kill opened a 19-15 lead.
However, the Grizzlies scored three more points to cut Madera’s lead to one. The Coyotes got kills from Brunner and Garcia for a 21-18 lead, but the Grizzlies tied the set at 21 and 22.
Garcia put down a kill to give Madera a 23-22 lead. Valencia went back to serve and got an ace to get to match point. The Grizzlies hit the ball out of bounds and Madera took the set 25-22 and concluded the playoff run with nine straight set wins.
“It was awesome,” Jefferson said. “The boys played well. Game three, we were down most of that game. It was something about Seth. He had the magic touch and just pushed points for us.”
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Hawks enter baseball semis

May 26, 2017, 12:37 pm
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Wendy Alexander/The Madera TribuneLiberty’s Colton Cardoza (15) congratulates Jacob Brauer after Brauer scored in the first inning of Friday’s quarterfinal victory over Rosamond.
The Liberty Hawks baseball team knew it was in for a battle with the Rosamond Road Runners in the quarterfinals of the Div. V baseball playoffs.
However, they didn’t expect the 12th seeded Road Runners to score five runs in the first two innings to take a momentary lead. However, the fourth-seeded Hawks took advantage of seven walks in the first three innings by the Rosamond starting pitcher for a 10-7 victory at Liberty.
“I call that a lackadaisical team win,” head coach Kevin Rosenwinkel said. “We came out a little lazy today. We didn’t have the greatest approaches at the plate. We didn’t make the pitcher work. We adjusted later in the game to get the lead back. It was not the prettiest win in the world.”
The Hawks scored in five of the six innings and closed the game with two runs in the sixth for a four-run lead. Liberty plays top-seed Central Valley Christian today in Visalia for a chance to play in the Valley Championship game Friday, also in Visalia, at Rawhide Stadium.
“A win is a win,” Rosenwinkel said. “From a coach’s standpoint, I’m going to look to how I can make my team better for the next game. We have to play better than that. We’re going to figure out something to get these guys where they need to be.”
Although the Hawks were outhit 9-6, the pitching of winner Nathaneal Samarin, Emilio Cabrera and Brixton Gomes did enough for Liberty.
Chris Estrada led the Hawks with two hits and three runs scored.
Rosamond got to Samarin for three runs in the first inning. Samarin hit two batters and both scored on two doubles.
Liberty bounced back in the first inning without the benefit of a hit. Eli Gonzalez and Jacob Brauer each drew a walk and advanced on a passed ball. Gonzalez scored on a Moon groundout and Brauer scored when the Rosamond pitcher threw wild trying to pick him off at third.
With two outs in the top of the second, Rosamond started a rally. A walk, stolen base and an error allowed the Road Runners to score a run. Another error, stolen base and single drove in second run for a 5-2 lead.
Liberty came back to tie the game in the second, again, without a hit. With one out, Estrada was hit by a pitch. Wyatt Harpain’s fly ball to left was dropped for an error. A wild pitch moved the runners 90 feet and a walk loaded the bases.
Rosamond was hit with a balk to score Estrada and Harpain scored on a passed ball. Gonzalez reached on a dropped third strike and Moon drew another walk to load the bases. Samarin drew the third walk of the inning to force in Hill with the tying run.
Samarin struck out the side in the third, all looking to set up the Hawks for the bottom of the fifth inning.
Torres reached on an error and Estrada got Liberty’s first hit of the game with a single up the middle, which scored Torres from second. After a popout, Hill reached on an error and Brauer drew a two-out walk to load the bases. Moon drew another walk to drive in Estrada for a 7-5 lead.Rosamond added a run in the fourth after a single and double.
Liberty had two runners in scoring position in the fourth, but couldn’t get a run across.
The Hawks added a run in the fifth. Brauer was hit by a pitch, advanced to third on an error and came in to score on a fielder’s choice to open an 8-6 lead.
Cabrera allowed two hits in his two innings, but tossed two shutout innings.
The Hawks added two more runs in the sixth. Estrada led off with a single. He came in to score on Hill’s triple to right-centerfield.
After a strikeout, Brauer beat out a chopper up the middle to drive in Hill for a 10-7 lead.
Gomes hit the first batter he faced in the seventh and he came around to score. However, Gomes settled down and struck out the final two batters of the game to send the Hawks to the semifinals.
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25 Years Ago in the Week of May 21, 1992

May 26, 2017, 12:43 pm
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Courtesy of The Madera County Historical SocietyFifty years ago, this T-33 jet trainer rolled down Yosemite Avenue on its way to a permanent off-street location at Swimming Pool Park. The former Air Force jet was sealed and ready for Madera’s children to play on her.
CANDIDATES WOO SENIORS VOTE — Candidates for the Madera County Board of Supervisors District 3 seat squared off in front of an audience made up mostly of seniors at the Frank Bergon Center Friday morning. Ralph Larsen opened by saying his election to the Board would help restore the collective effort between that body and the Madera City Council. District 3 incumbent Gail Hanhart-McIntyre said she had spent the last 10 years working hard for senior programs. She also blasted Larsen for leaving an expensive legacy in the troubled Municipal Golf Course. She said Larsen and the council failed to buy an insurance policy to cover losses there.
MADERA JAIL ESCAPEE COMES OUT OF THE CLOSET — One of the four inmates who escaped from the recreation area of the county jail was arrested this morning when Madera police discovered him hiding in the closet of his girl friend’s 4th Street apartment. Francisco Martinez, 20, was captured after two state parole agents “paid a visit to the house and noticed some clothing moving in the closet.” The agents left and notified police who came and arrested the fugitive who was still in the closet. The girlfriend is on parole and is subject to supervision by agents. Martinez’ fellow fugitives remain at large.
CORONER SEEKS IDENTITY OF TEEN-AGER WHO DROWNED — Is your teen-aged son missing? If so, you might want to check with the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Roy Broomfield, Madera County’s chief deputy coroner, said that Sunday evening a Hispanic male was swimming or wading in the San Joaquin River below Scaggs Bridge when he drowned. The youth is believed to be 13 years old, is 5-feet-8-inches tall, weighed 150 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He was wearing blue jeans and had no identification on him, Broomfield said. Anyone having any information about young “John Doe” is asked to contact Broomfield.
SECOND ESCAPED MADERA INMATE CAPTURED IN FRESNO — The second of four inmates who escaped from the county jail Monday was captured in Fresno Wednesday afternoon. Raymond Elisarras, 18, of Madera, was arrested after a tip led the Department of Corrections team to an address in Fresno where Elisarras and another escapee, Keith Hodges were reportedly hiding, said DOC Chief Al Hahn. “Hodges was there too, but he took off and eluded pursuit,” Hahn said. Elisarras had been in jail awaiting trial on burglary charges. Hodges had been waiting to be sent to prison on a parole violation. Hodges and Francisco Venegas are still at large.
BOARD QUESTIONS MUSD BUDGET — As the deadline for passing a budget nears, Madera Unified trustees are still uncertain whether they like the one proposed by the administration. Robert Garibay was the most vocal at a meeting between trustees, the administration, and the Finance Advisory Committee this week. “I’m not sure the board is in a position where it understands this document,” said Garibay. “I can’t in good conscience say I will be ready to adopt it on June 9.” One of Garibay’s contentions was the lack of a capital outlay plan from principals, which he feared would give them a chance to horde money for years that the district could be using to balance its budget.  50 Years Ago Week of May 21, 1967
SUICIDE BY SITTING ON TRACKS — Samuel Johnson, 44, died Sunday after being hit by a slow-moving freight train just south of the Central Avenue crossing. Jackson was pronounced dead at Madera County Hospital. The Southern Pacific train engineer, Ted Sanford, said he saw the man sitting but thought he was a transient sitting between the tracks. He told police he blew his whistle and expected the man to move. Witnesses told police that Jackson was sitting between the tracks with his head between his legs and his arms wrapped around his knees. His body was thrown 18 feet from the tracks by the impact. Police Chief Dowell said Jackson had been drinking and arguing with his wife prior to his death.
STRONG WINDS CAUSE BETHARD SQUARE DAMAGE — Strong wind gusts blew down the wood framework of two shops at the Bethard Square shopping center construction site Wednesday. Damage was estimated at $2,000 in the collapse of framework for a shop on the corner of the center and two walls for the Cornet and Joseph’s Department Store. The two biggest stores in the project, Mayfair and Thrifty are of concrete construction. The remainder of the stores and specialty shops, however, will be of wood frame and stucco, according to Project Foreman Tom Kenley. Construction is scheduled to be completed in August, with store openings planned for the following month.
RIGBY NAMED WELLS FARGO MANAGER — Loren C. Rigby, well known in Madera, has been named manager of Wells Fargo Bank’s new Madera office. The office, Wells Fargo’s first in Madera County, will open for formal business Monday, June 26. Rigby was formerly manager of Wells Fargo’s San Joaquin office. He entered banking in 1921 at Fowler and pursued his career in Madera from 1933 until 1943 when he went into business for himself as owner of the Madera Hardware Company. He returned to banking in 1959 when he joined the State Center Bank of Fresno, which merged with Wells Fargo in 1963. A native Iowan, Rigby was reared in Fowler.
ALESSINI, HAYES PRESENT NEW PARKING METER PLAN — Downtown merchants today armed themselves with a new weapon in its struggle with the City Council to remove parking meters from the downtown area. Alessini, chairman of the Merchants Parking Committee and Les Hayes, president of the association presented a plan they say will remove the council’s main objection to removing the meters — loss of revenue. Alessini said the merchants are willing to take responsibility for the Christmas street decoration. He said this will save the city about $2,500, which is the approximate amount it would lose by the removal of parking meters. Hayes said the council’s only objection has now been eliminated.
CHOWCHILLA SCHOOL BROKE; ASKS FOR LOAN — Chowchilla Union High School District is looking for $15,000, the amount it will need to pay all of its bills by the end of the month. Superintendent J.R. Daughenbaugh told trustees the district will be $5,000 short in meeting its teacher’s payroll and is in the red in several other accounts. The board questioned how the district could have gotten into this trouble. It postponed action until June 27, just before the payroll must be met. Board member Merle Fuller said he felt sorry for the trustees who hire and depend on a competent superintendent. Daughenbaugh said he accepts the blame and said he cannot fully explain the situation.
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Top seed ends Hawks’ season

May 27, 2017, 8:00 am
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Tyler Takeda/The Madera TribuneLiberty third baseman Nathaneal Samarin makes the throw across the diamond for an out. Samarin made a number of plays at third in Wednesday’s loss to Central Valley Christian.
VISALIA — The Liberty Hawks baseball team couldn’t muster enough offense to upset top-seeded Central Valley Christian-Visalia in a 3-0 Div. V semifinal loss.
While pitcher Emilio Cabrera did enough to keep the Hawks within striking distance, CVC starter Trenton Vanderveen held the Hawks to just two hits in a complete game shutout Wednesday.
“This loss is going to gnaw at me because I think we should have had that ball game,” head coach Kevin Rosenwinkel said. “Looking back on it, we got beat by a pretty good ball club. I think we had a chance to win it, but that’s baseball.”
Fourteen of Liberty’s 21 outs were recorded by the infield.
“They played good defense on us,” Rosenwinkel said. “Our hitters hit hard ground balls. That’s all we can ask for them is to put the ball in play hard and make them make plays. They made them. Their whole infield cleaned us up on those ground balls.”
Despite allowing baserunners in five of the six innings, Cabrera only allowed three runs and stranded nine, including six runners in scoring position.
“They only squared up about three pitches,” Rosenwinkel said. “When they are only squaring up the ball three or four times, you have to applaud him for his outing. He took us five solid innings. He competed every inning and gave us a chance to win the ball game.”
The Hawks had baserunners in five of the seven innings, but only two runners advanced into scoring position.
The Cavaliers started the scoring in the third inning. Their leadoff batter reached on a single and came in to score after back-to-back singles.
Cabrera uncorked a wild pitch and CVC took a 2-0 lead. Cabrera got out of the inning with back-to-back flyouts and a forceout.
Cody Hill opened the third inning with a swinging bunt in front of the mound. After a popout, Hill stole second and advanced to third on a groundout, but he was left stranded.
Nathanael Samarin hit a one-out double down the third base line, but he wouldn’t advance for the final two outs of the inning.
From there, the Hawks only had three more baserunners and none advanced past first base.
Cabrera allowed a one-out single in the fifth, but an error and another single allowed the run to score. He got a lineout to right and a groundout to short to get out of the inning.
Brixton Gomes allowed a one out single and a walk in the sixth for the Hawks, but got a double play to end the inning.
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Madera south grad continuing baseball passion

May 27, 2017, 8:00 am
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For the Madera TribuneFormer Madera South Stallions pitcher Garrett Alvarez delivers a pitch for the Western Oregon Timberwolves last season. Alvarez will continue pitching this year for the Independent League Bakersfield Train Robbers.
Former Madera South baseball player Garrett Alvarez plays professional baseball, but unlike the superstars in the big leagues, he pays to play.
Alvarez will play his first full season of independent ball this year, after playing a month last year for the White Sands PupFish of the Pecos League in Alamogordo, New Mexico. After the season ended last year, he was traded to the Bakersfield Train Robbers, which works out nicely for him because it is the closest team geographically to Madera in the same league.
The league pays only $65 a week, and Alvarez is unable to hold a job during the season because the teams play nearly every day. He goes in the hole financially every week he plays.
“You’ve got to love the game to be able to live off of that,” Alvarez said. “The money doesn’t matter to me. To me, the money never mattered.”
The small paycheck is just one of many hurdles Alvarez, 25, has faced throughout his baseball career, from high school to where he is now.
Alvarez attended Madera South, graduating in 2010. He was one of the first students to ever attend the school when it opened in 2006, which posed some challenges for athletics. Only freshman and sophomores were available to play against other schools’ juniors and seniors at the varsity level.
 Although he was often playing against older competition, Alvarez got the opportunity to play varsity baseball for four years as well as run cross country. He was mostly a pitcher for the Stallions, but he also played outfield, first and third base. In his junior year, Alvarez and the team made it to the Valley Championship but lost. However, Alvarez was part of two championship winning cross country teams his junior and senior year.
After high school Alvarez wanted to play baseball for a four-year university, but instead attended West Hills Community College in Coalinga.
“It was the only school I went to because I didn’t get any colleges to come talk to me about playing at the next level,” Alvarez said. “They were the only school that showed up at our senior day.”Alvarez served as a starting pitcher his first year at West Hills and came out of the bullpen a few times. He pitched well, but had to face one of the hardest challenges in his life. On April Fool’s Day the athletic director, assistant coach and athletic trainer called the team together and told them that their coach, Paul “Archie” Hodsdon, passed away. Unfortunately, it was not an April Fool’s joke, and it made the rest of the season very rough, Alvarez said.
 His second season at West Hills was tough for Alvarez; the new coach only gave him one start.
“It was pretty rough, and it hurt me trying to get looks to play somewhere else at the next level for a four-year,” Alvarez said.
No four-year university contacted him after West Hills, so he ended up playing in the Fresno Men’s Baseball League for two years while trying to find a college to attend. He played every Sunday during the summer in the league, playing with men who were a few years older than him.
While playing in the men’s league, Alvarez managed a Babe Ruth team in Madera and also coached at Madera South.
Alvarez got his first big break when he attended a tryout for Japanese league scouts at Chukchansi Park in Fresno. There he met Scott David, a catcher who originally attended Fresno State, but transferred to Western Oregon. David said he would tell his former coaches at Western Oregon about Alvarez.
A week later a coach called Alvarez, so he drove up to Oregon, worked out with the team and received an offer to join. He walked on, beat out a senior for a starting job and played two years.
After college play, Alvarez returned to Madera without any looks for pro ball. Another person he met at the Chukchansi Park tryout set him up with the independent league team in New Mexico, so he drove 17 hours, only stopping at a gas station to sleep in his car for a few minutes. That led to the one-month stay with the PupFish to finish out the season, and then to the trade to the Bakersfield Train Robbers.
Alvarez recently left his dispatching job in Fresno working for his former Babe Ruth and Madera South coach Jeff Cox to fully prepare to leave for Bakersfield. Alvarez said that Cox has been a mentor and is like an older brother.
“One of the main reasons I targeted Garrett to come work for me here was his attitude and his work ethic,” Cox said. “That was very apparent as soon as we hired him. He immediately got promoted and just did very well in every facet of the business we threw him in.”
Cox said that Alvarez was born a leader, has always been a great teammate and has a great attitude. Alvarez’s perseverance through his career does not surprise Cox, and he expects Alvarez to follow his dreams.
Along with Cox, Mark Lohuis mentored Alvarez at Madera South, serving as his pitching coach. Lohuis said that Alvarez was highly coachable and applied what he learned to his play on the field.
“He became more mentally focused and had a desire and a goal to succeed, and he wanted to go to the next level and was successful at that level also,” Lohuis said.
Lohuis said that Alvarez talked to him about his future in baseball, unsure of what to do.
“He said, ‘Well what do I do?’ And I said, ‘Well, in my experience and everything else, what you need to do is play until they tell you you can’t play,’” Lohuis said. “So that’s what he’s done. He’s shot after that goal to keep on playing until he can’t anymore.”
Alvarez indeed plans on playing as long as he can. He’s had people tell him that they regret not playing longer, and others told him to give it up and find a real job. He said he doesn’t talk to the naysayers anymore.
“People can tell me no, but that’s not going to stop me,” Alvarez said. “I know what I’ve been through. I don’t need to brag about what I’ve done. I don’t like to, but I like to be proud of what I’ve done so far.”
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Coyotes’ run ends at top seed

May 27, 2017, 8:16 am
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Wendy Alexander/The Madera TribuneMadera’s Tea Layne places the tag on a Monache runner for a pick off in the sixth inning of Tuesday’s Div. II semifinal loss.
PORTERVILLE — For the first time in three years, there will be a new champion in the Div. II softball playoffs after back-to-back champions Madera was ousted from the playoffs by the Monache-Porterville Marauders in the semifinals.
The fourth-seeded Coyotes were held to just two hits by Monache ace Chloe Rivas while the top-seeded Marauder bats scored two runs in the first and added four more in the fifth for a 7-4 victory in Porterville on Tuesday. The Marauders exacted a measure of revenge after Madera defeated Monache in last year’s Div. II championship game.
“It took a little while to get into the game,” head coach Judy Shaubach said. “I can’t say enough how we came back and competed. I think we just had two bad innings.”
Valerie Ornelas drove in two of Madera’s four runs with a two-run double during a four-run sixth inning despite taking time out of the box to cough while playing ill. The hit came after seniors Tea Layne reached on an error and Aaliyah Cuevas drew a walk in their final Coyote at bats.
“Our two seniors had some quality team at bats,” Shaubach said. “They gave up swinging at balls to get on base. Valerie had a controlled at bat. She had a bad at bat earlier. She cut her swing down, put her head on the ball and drove that ball.”
The Coyotes made some mental mistakes they shouldn’t be making at this time of the year like missing a cutoff man, letting a ball split the gap, botching a planned first-and-third double steal and walking batters.
“At this time of the year, you can’t make those mistakes,” Shaubach said. “But, those are the players that got us here. They’ve been playing consistent all year long. We gave us some extra bases when we shouldn’t have and left some balls hanging when we shouldn’t have.”
Kaylee Dawson suffered the loss, tossing 4 2/3 innings. She allowed seven runs, all earned and walked three batters. Felicity Rocha got the Coyotes out of the fifth, but ran into trouble in the sixth. Junior varsity pitcher Miranda Solis came in and got out of the jam without a run.
“It was nice to see Felicity come in and get out of the inning,” Shaubach said. “It was good to see our junior varsity pitcher, who has seen success, come in and throw really well.”
The Coyotes didn’t get off to the best of starts. Dawson walked the first batter she faced on four pitches. Despite a forceout, Monache hit a run-scoring triple and a run-scoring single to take a 2-0 lead.
Dawson seemed to find her groove. She retired the next seven batters in order before running into trouble in the fourth.
She allowed two singles to open the inning. The next batter put down a bunt, but Coyote third baseman Neveah Montes charged it and threw to Gennahlyn Sanchez at third for the force. However, Sanchez tried to get the runner going to first and allowed Monache to put a runner on third, anyway.
Dawson got a popout for the second out, but she allowed a single up the middle to drive in a run. Monache tried to add a second run, but centerfielder Taylor Brooks threw the runner out at the plate to end the inning.
The Marauders added to their lead in the fifth with a two-out, nobody on rally. A single, walk and hit by pitch loaded the bases. A double to right-center cleared the bases and the batter advanced to third.
Rocha came in with a 2-1 count to the next batter and walked her. The Marauders took advantage of Madera’s hesitation to pull off a double-steal for another run and a 7-0 lead before Rocha struck out the next batter to end the inning.
Sofia Perez looked a four straight balls to open the sixth and end Rivas’ perfect game bid. Pinch-runner Brooke Gill was forced at second on Felicity Rocha’s bunt.
After a strikeout, Brooks singled to left field to put runners at first and second. Layne followed by reaching on a throwing error. The throw went into right field and pinch-runner Mikayla Arrieta and Brooks came in to score for a 7-2 lead.
Cuevas drew a full-count walk to put runners at second and third. On another full count, Ornelas hit a ball to deep right-center for a double to drive in Layne and Cuevas to cut the lead to three.
However, Rivas closed the game by retiring the final four Coyotes in order to end Madera’s championship run.
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Spirit of Sport athletes chosen

May 29, 2017, 3:11 pm
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Madera High Coyotes
Fall Sports
Matthew Ylarregui
Grade: 11
GPA: 4.31
Sports: Football, three years; baseball, three years.
Football coach Yosef Fares’ comment: “Matt is one of the highest character young man I have has the pleasure of coaching in my 15 years as a coach. He is always respectful to his teammates and coaches. He has a strong work ethic and never misses. He is a very reliable young man that we can always count on” Jessica Diaz
Grade: 12
GPA: 3.61
Sports: Water polo, four years; swimming, four years; basketball, two years; soccer, 1 year.
Future Plans: Becoming a U.S. Marine
Swimming and water polo coach Erik Baymiller’s comment: “Jessica Diaz is an amazing young lady and athlete. She is all about supporting her teammates, coaching staff and anyone who seems like they need it. I have witnessed, on multiple occasions, Jessica get up from her group of friends and go sit by someone who was alone, talk to them and eventually integrate them into the main circle.
She acts without hesitation and always makes the right decision. She is active in all of our fundraisers and is our team leader. She is easily the best aquatic athlete for swiming and water polo (especially water polo). She scores very technical and eye popping goals...and she scores a lot of them.”Winter Sports
Mario Moreno
Grade: 11
GPA: 2.5
Sports: Wrestling, three years, two-time CMAC Champion, two-time CIF State qualifier
Coach Joe Romine’s comments: “Mario is a dedicated and determined wrestler. In three years, he has not missed practice or competition. Although he is successful (two- time CIF State qualifier), it is his lead by example leadership that sets him apart. He is one of our smaller wrestlers (113 pounds) but he’s big on helping others.”
Samantha Valencia
Grade: 12
GPA: 4.52
Sports: Soccer, cross country and swimming
Future Plans: Attend Fresno State after graduation
Soccer coach Cameron Hill’s comments: “Samantha is the definition of a student-athlete. She played three sports her senior year while maintaining a 4.52 GPA. She was also involved in band all four years of high school. Samantha demonstrated all the qualities you would want in a student-athlete. She was always at training and gave her maximum effort at all times. She was a great teammate and competed every time she was on the field. Her work rate and effort was contagious throughout the team.”Spring Sports
Tyler Mallonee
Grade: 12
GPA: 2.74
Sports: Volleyball, four years; football, three years.
Future Plans: Attend Madera Community for two years to get my AA, and then transfer to a vocational college to become an electrician.
Boys volleyball coach Rhonda Jefferson’s comments: “Tyler has been a member of the varsity volleyball team since his sophomore year. He has shown commitment and dedication to improve his overall game. Tyler is hardworking on the court and in the classroom always giving a 100 percent to achieve his goals. Tyler always has a positive attitude and respected by his teammates, coaches, and opponents from other teams. He is the definition of a true Coyote.” Priscilla Torres
Grade: 12
GPA: 2.90
Sports: Volleyball four years; track four years, current school record holder in pole vault
Future Plans: Attend Fresno City College to continue her track career, transfer into the UC system and become an anesthesiologist, while continuing to compete in pole vault with the ultimate of representing our nation in the Olympics.
Track coach Russ Stanford’s comments: “Priscilla is a very coachable young lady who can understand the specifics to her craft. Priscilla is a team-first athlete. She is an athlete with a total idea to commitment, an athlete with extreme compassion, an athlete who will take a lost as a means to improve and correct the weaknesses in her sport. Priscilla is an athlete who expresses sportsmanship to her competitors. An athlete who show no fear no matter the odds. Priscilla does not seek the spotlight, but will always do the best she can and encourage her teammates to do the same.
She understands what the common goal is: play hard, play fair, and to be the best you can be at that moment. She never misses a practice and if late will do the extra time needed. Priscilla is individual who believes in herself, and truly understands the value of hard work, which has allowed her to become the school record holder in the pole vault at Madera High School. She warms the hearts of those around her with a magnetic smile and tremendous enthusiasm daily. Priscilla is an athlete that makes any coach proud to work with.”
Madera South Stallions
Fall Sports
Elizabeth Sorenson
GPA: 4.16
Sports: Tennis, three years, First team All-CMAC 2015 and 2016.
Future plans: Attending Fresno Pacific majoring in Nursing
Girls Tennis coach Jeff Moosios comments: “Elizabeth took the lead on several occasions to round-up the girls and also to welcome a new coach.She helped in whatever way she could to encourage and support the incoming girls. She became cheerleader, not only to the girls, but also to the guys during their season. Doing all this, she maintained her grades and worked hard throughout.She was a role model for the other girls as well.” Miguel Villar
GPA: 3.62
Sports: Cross country, four years; track and field, four years. Four-time Valley Champion in cross country; Individual Valley Champion in 2016.
Future plans: Attending and running cross country and indoor and outdoor track for Adams State in Colorado majoring in psychology.
Track and cross country coach Eloy Montoya’s comments: “Miguel has been an instrumental part of our Madera South cross country and track family. He is leaving a legacy of excellence in many facets. Miguel is a work horse and true leader. He has always represented Madera South, Madera Unified and the community of Madera the right way.
Throughout the state and nation, people know who Miguel is, not just because of his athletic accomplishments, but because of his character and sportsmanship. He is always thinking team first and individual goals last. He truly wants the best for his brothers on the team and is always willing to sacrifice to see them succeed. We all truly believe that he will conquer the collegiate landscape as a student/athlete.“  Winter Sports
Angelica “Gigi” Gutierrez
GPA: 3.69
Sports: Soccer, four years. CMAC MVP in 2017; Valley Champion in 2015 and 2016.
Future plans: Attending Fresno State in the Fall
Girls soccer coach Ramon Delgadillo’s comments: “Gigi is an amazing player. She is not only a leader, but a team player and also a team supporter. Without her, our program wouldn’t be the same. With that being said, it’s safe to say that Angelica Gutierrez is one great person and player.” Mark Davila
GPA: 3.4
Sports: Soccer, four years; CMAC Goalkeeper of the Year for 2016 and 2017.
Future plans: Attending Clovis Community to play soccer and major in sports Media/journalism Boys soccer coach Fernando Delgadillo’s comments: “Mark is a champion on and off the field. Mark’s hard work and dedication will allow him to achieve great things in life. My staff and I are sad to see him leave, but very proud to say he’s a MSHS alumni.”Spring Sports
Alexis Garcia
GPA: 4.38
Sports: Gymnastics, three years; track and field, three years; Most Valuable Gymnast 2016; Most Valuable Field athlete 2016.
Future plans: Attending UC San Diego majoring in Human Biology. Alexis will try to participate in club gymnastics in college.
Track coach Eloy Montoya’s comments: “She is always displaying a great attitude and her work ethic is top notch. She is always willing to do more than the necessary to help her teammates. One of the most dependable athletes on the track team. She never steers away from a challenge and her character as a person is incredible always respectful. She is very responsible as a student/athlete as well. She is a no excuses type of person and is a driven person to succeed.”
Gymnastics coach Tammi Britton’s comments: “ Alexis doesn’t want to miss a minute of action! In the fall, her days are filled with gymnastics and meets and in the spring, she is jumping over hurdles and pole vaulting with track. Her great attributes are her hard work, dedication and sportsmanship. Jiovanni Saavedra
GPA: 3.3
Sports: Baseball, 3 years
Coach Bobby Waits’ comments: “He is a three-year starter for baseball as a left handed pitcher. The past two season, he also bats and plays the outfield. Jio is a true leader on and off the field. He leads by example, both academically (3.4 GPA) as well as athletically. He was a second team All-CMAC selection last season and this season ,he is once again our team’s ace and is also producing at the plate as a hitter. Jiovanni is always motivated and focused to not only lead his teammates as a captain, but displays a maximum work ethic both as a student and as an athlete.
Jio has picked off over 30 base runners in less than three seasons on varsity and is always able to shut down opponents’ offenses with his pitching skills. This young man is respectful, honest, caring, and is always willing to help others that need it.”
Model coaches and middle schools
Madera Coyotes
Model Coaches
Fall- Meghan Haas, girls volleyball
Winter- Joe Romine, wrestling
Spring- Michael Simmons, tennisMadera South Stallions
Model Coaches
Fall- Kelly Valmonte, cross country
Winter- Fernando Delgadillo, boys soccer
Spring- Peter Gallegos, softballMartin Luther King
Fall sports — Elijah Contreras, football and Arelis Chavez, girls volleyball.
Winter sports — Hugo Espinosa, wrestling and Carina Raymond, girls basketball.
Spring sports — Elena Garcia, softball and Fernando Santiago, track and field.
Model coaches — Ulises Gonzalez, tennis; Joseph Villar, boys basketball; Tim Springer, softball.Desmond
Fall sports — Jimena Gutierrez, tennis and Devin Delgado, football.
Winter Sports — Jessica Sanchez, soccer and Marcos Torrez, wrestling
Spring Sports — Griselda Renteria-Orduna, track and field and Hector Hernandez, baseball.
Model coaches — Megan Wood, tennis; Eddie Cortez, wrestling; Joe Spraggins, baseball.Thomas Jefferson
Fall sports — Evelyn Zambrano-Montemayor, cross country and Cristian Marroquin, football.
Winter sports — Jonese Feliu, basketball and Jeremiah Sanchez, wrestling.
Spring sports — Paola Sanchez, track and field and Bryson Smith, track and field and volleyball.
Model coaches — Armando Lua, football; Karina Martinez, girls basketball; Shelby Herspring, boys volleyball.
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Remembering Leon this Memorial Day

May 29, 2017, 3:13 pm
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A little over a year ago on Friday, May 13, The Madera Tribune lost an important member of its family. We still miss our friend and colleague Leon Emo. His passing left a large hole in both our newspaper and in our hearts. He thoroughly enjoyed being a part of his hometown newspaper.
Everyone has a story to tell, and Leon used his distinctive view to bring those stories to the pages of this publication. His wit and unique insight of the human condition brought those narratives to life enriching every publication.
In the past year many people in Madera have discovered the voids in their lives that were once filled by the community service of the “Humble Scribe,” as he referred to himself. His devotion to the Madera Elks Lodge, Relay for Life and the Madera Breakfast Lions Club and others were just the tip of his public service iceberg.
He enjoyed calling me the Friday the 13th Queen because of my fascination with superstitions. I teased him back about affinity for wearing short pants even in winter. We had a frequent reader who often chastised him for his shorts and for kissing his “Gal,” his wife Viola in public. Her barbs were submitted anonymously and I never did learn her identity although he may have had his suspicions. He and I shared a point of view on how to handle people who like to criticize us and the columns we wrote.
As long as these people keep buying and reading The Madera Tribune they can say anything they want about us. The day he died was a very unlucky Friday, May 13th.
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Madera celebrates this Memorial Day weekend with several public services on Monday. Beginning at 9 a.m. at Arbor Vitae Cemetery, 1301 Roberts Ave., the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1981 and the Military Order of the Purple Heart will present the Avenue of Flags, comprised of veterans’ burial flags. A wreath-laying ceremony at the veterans’ memorial will follow an introduction by Madera County Veterans Service Officer Leonard Williams.
At 10 a.m. at Calvary Cemetery, 28447 Avenue 14, American Legion Post 11 will present its Avenue of Flags as well.
At 11 a.m. at the Madera Courthouse Park the VFW and the American Legion will hold services honoring the men and women of Madera who gave their lives in service of America. That ceremony will include speeches and music.
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While the Summer Solstice isn’t until June 21, many acknowledge the Memorial Day holiday as signifying the first weekend of summer. Another benchmark for the season is the end of the school year. According to its web site the last day of school for the Madera Unified School District this year is June 2.
Madera has already had its first a triple digit day with last Tuesday hitting 101 degrees. This weekend the temperatures are supposed to be in the high 80s and mid-90s, with the next 100-degree day next Tuesday.
To increase the efficiency of your air conditioner change the filter or replace the pads on the evaporative cooler if that is your mode of home cooling. Dirty filters and old cooler pads make the units more expensive to operate.
Enjoy the holiday weekend and please don’t drink and drive.
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Readers may contact Tami Jo Nix by emailing tamijonix@gmail.com or following @TamiJoNix on Twitter.
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Magical thinking and Trump phenomenon

May 29, 2017, 3:18 pm
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Last week, former FBI director Robert Mueller was appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to be a special counsel to oversee the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the last U.S. presidential election. The extensiveness of the assignment means that Mueller has wide-ranging authority to examine nearly all allegations that attach to the election, including the behavior of the candidates and their campaign staffs.
This action by Rosenstein, necessitated by the fact that Attorney General Jeff Sessions has recused himself from any matter that might constitute a “conflict of interest” or “other extraordinary circumstances” involved with the proceedings, has opened the door to all kinds of speculation about the overall “Trump phenomenon.” I believe that, underlying any other hypotheses, facts, or suppositions that may ultimately be revealed, Donald Trump is president today because of “magical thinking.”Magical thinking
Among adults, magical thinking is a reversion to a developmental stage of childhood that Swiss child psychologist Jean Piaget called “preoperational.” During this period, usually between the ages of two and seven when children are in the process of developing logical thought, they believe that their internal feelings produce observable, external occurrences.
For example, a child may believe that it is raining because “I am sad.” An extension of this perception is wishful thinking, like when a child comes to believe that “if I close my eyes” an undesirable condition will disappear.
Sometimes, when we determine that a situation is beyond our control, we adults revert to this kind of magical thinking. Mark Twain once wrote that everybody talks about the weather, but nobody ever does anything about it. The reason, of course, is that there is no technology that people can use to control the weather.
For the past 60 years, scientists have attempted a process called “cloud seeding,” which was supposed to lure rain out of heavy clouds. But, the National Research Council states, “…scientifically acceptable proof for significant seeding effects has not been achieved….“  So, some people pray and others hold a “rain dance.” As I will point out, it is perfectly normal and often beneficial to have some kind of magical thinking as our default.
When I write that the Trump phenomenon is a product of magical thinking, I am asserting that Mr. Trump is president because the American public has become overwhelmed by its constant exposure to seemingly insurmountable national and international problems, and many people have resorted to thinking wishfully that a man who has amassed more money than they can imagine also possesses the ability to return the country and the world to a more stable condition.Magic and golf
Perhaps, somewhere in the world, there is a skeptic who is absolutely immune to magical thinking. But, I doubt it. Although I’m pretty skeptical of many things that I hear, read about, or even see, I know that I’m as susceptible to the phenomenon as anyone else. And, I have proof.For most of our adult lives, my brother Bob and I suffered from an addiction known as golf, and we were equally inept at the sport. Almost everyone who has ever played the game agrees that its name derives from the fact that all of the other four-letter words were already taken. The fact that such a frustrating activity attracts a wide following smacks of a certain kind of magic, in and of itself.
Anyway, both Bob and I exhibited magical thought concerning lakes, ponds, or other water hazards on the course. When it came time to tee-up and water lay before us, Bob would unzip his golf bag and pull out a “water ball,” an old, scuffed ball that he wouldn’t ordinarily use. On the other hand, I’d play a brand new ball. Bob’s reasoning was that he wouldn’t mind losing such a ball when the water stole it; mine was that the water could only claim my ball if “it knew” that I was afraid of it. In other words, both of us attributed a power to a puddle that any reasonable person would reject.Magic and success
But, guess what. There seems to be a reason why most of Bob’s shots wound up wet and mine remained dry. In the October 19, 2010, issue of Scientific American, Piercarlo Valdesolo reports on a psychological experiment that was carried out by Lysann Damisch based on the idea that magical thinking is “the belief that an object, action, or circumstance not logically related to a course of events can influence its outcome.”
In the experiment, subjects were asked to putt a golf ball into a hole from ten carefully measured distances and positions on an indoor “green.” In every case, all subjects were supplied with the exact same golf ball and putter, but half were told that the ball “has turned out to be a lucky ball” in previous trials, and half were simply told that the ball “had been used so far.”
The outcome was interesting. “Remarkably,” writes Valdesolo, “the mere suggestion that the ball was lucky significantly influenced performance, causing participants [with the lucky ball] to make almost two more putts on average.”
Magic and reality
Much magical thinking is harmless. Many people automatically utter “God bless you” when another person sneezes. This practice developed during the thirteenth century (along with astrology and the belief in witchcraft) when people thought that part of the soul was forced out of the body by the expulsion of air. The “exposed soul” could then be snatched by the devil unless God’s name was invoked. Most people don’t know this; to them the blessing is just a reflex, passed down from their parents. And, of course, it does no harm.
Although magical thinking may bring positive outcomes or merely be benign, it has a downside. It misrepresents reality. You can’t prevent something from happening by knocking on wood. Magical thinking makes us vulnerable to the conman who claims to have the solution to whatever problems we perceive. It causes us to substitute wishful thinking for sound practices.
In sports, the reason that a professional golfer will sink far more putts than anyone in Damisch’s study is because the pro has learned how to read a green and has many years of practice. In politics, a novice with no experience will not magically produce a great health-care plan or bring back jobs to a declining manufacturing industry.
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Jim Glynn can be contacted at j_glynn@att.net.
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Not all who fought were in battle

May 30, 2017, 8:49 am
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Navy Lt. Cmdr. Carl Doud, like many of the patriotic young men at the time, joined up at the beginning of World War II in order to fight the enemies our country faced.
He fully expected to be trained and posted to a berth at sea, but that was not what happened. Instead, he was assigned to a Navy base in Pensacola, Florida, where he was trained to be a trainer — he would teach people to lead people.
He learned to fire weapons, of course, and learned his way around the various vessels based at Pensacola — none of them big war ships such as battleships or destroyers — but there were plenty of landing craft and smaller vessels.
Their importance to that base was soon to be overcome by the establishment and growth of the Pensacola Naval Air Station, which to this day is one of the great naval air facilities on the planet.
Carl Doud’s job was to help train people to train pilots, along with crews of smaller vessels, to help rescue pilots who had been shot down, to take Marines to beaches and land them safely and to transport the wounded safely back to hospitals on the big ships such as cruisers and battleships.
“The big ships got all the publicity,” Carl once told me, “but the little ships got the men out alive.”
I had opportunities to talk to him about his service as a trainer, because he was my father, and had a good memory, and he was proud of the fact he had done the job he had been given.
“Sometimes, I think I would have liked to be on one of those big ships,” he said to me once,” but I felt like I was saving our men’s lives in my job, helping them fight the enemy by keeping them alive.”
The men and women who fight in combat have a lot of backup who help keep them alive and functioning. The latest estimate is that for every 100 soldiers, sailors or airmen on the front line, about 50 work to train them, get supplies to them, tend to their wounds, cook for them, repair their vehicles and other machines, and handle chores that are necessary to make a modern army victorious.
As we honor our military this holiday weekend, we need to remember that not all whom we honor went into battle. Those who brought supplies to the battlefield, for example, were highly necessary, and in many cases just as brave as the men and women on the front-line.
I know that in his time of service his nation in World War II, my dad saved many lives by training others to save lives and by making sure that men knew what to do in the heat of battle, not only to defeat the enemy, but to come home safe.
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Maderan comments on wheelchair safety

May 30, 2017, 8:55 am
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Picture this: Saturday night, 7:50 p.m., very dark and busy intersection of Granada and Riverview Drive, where the cars are stacked up waiting to return to or depart from their homes in northwest Madera and/or commute with the businesses by the (Madera District) Fairgrounds.
Lighting is not all that great, but headlight glare is. A man with black hair (and black beard?) in an all black wheelchair, wearing all black clothing, crosses DIAGONALLY from the northeast corner to the southwest corner, then proceeds unscathed southbound on the sidewalk, apparently unaware of his circumstance.
That is hard to see (I didn’t see him right away) and vulnerable to drivers who are less attentive — those with a little too much wine with their dinner, or those with glare blindness from the cars at the intersections coupled with their aging eyes, or those miscreants who insist on distracting themselves, just for a moment, with a very important message of who is dating whom on their cell phones.
And I’m not sure, but it looked to me like one car hit its brakes right after having stopped and then proceeding across that space. I was busy just holding to the stop sign until this person made it safely to the other side.
And, I am ashamed to say, uttering some unkind words about how unclever that person must be.
For the love of all that is good, whoever you were — wear something light! Or put a flag on your chair! Or get an old fishing pole and mount an old white t-shirt on it! And cross properly! If this is somebody with limited awareness of his situation, I am hoping that his loved one(s) will read this and make some adjustments for him.
Thank you, Mr. Editor, for publishing this.
— John C. Clark,
Madera
Handicap parking abuse still goes on It was stated by a DMV representative that not all handicaps are visible.
This may be true.
However, when a handicap vehicle is a “Jacked up” 4WD pickup and the driver hops up on the tire to wash his windshield, it does make one wonder.
When handicap vehicles are pickups, in the contractor loading zone at a major improvement center, it does make one wonder.
Perhaps handicap plates should be reviewed on a five-year interval. I have seen Handicap pickups on construction job sites! How does that work?
As for signs in the medians and along sidewalks, I understand not one is “Code allowed.” Political signs are the worst. Tax time brings many signs out. Mostly on Howard Road. None of these are “pulled.”
Electric signs by schools are a distraction. Even though they are on the school property, they cycle messages that can’t be read unless you are stopped.
The governor wants more bike lanes. We have some, but bicyclists use the sidewalks and don’t stop for stop signs. Many nightriders are not lighted and appear out of nowhere. Code Enforcement needs to work on that better.
Even cross-country runners on Granada are running in the street during the winter. It’s dark at 5:30. And they have no reflectors or lights.
I know most don’t care what I think, but I am thinking it. Hope everyone gets home safely.
— Bill Hoffrage,
Madera
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Stallion what? Stallion pride!

May 31, 2017, 12:11 pm
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If I had to select just one word to describe how it feels to be graduating from Madera South on June 1, it would be “proud.” Proud to be a Stallion. At MSHS, there are always various things to take pride in but in this article I would like to share with you some from just these past few weeks.
If you have not already heard from your neighbor or seen on social media, a video of our last rally held in order to recognize our spring athletes went viral. The video, which shows Emil Emanuel, a senior at Madera South, starting off the rally with an amazing performance received 41.4K likes and 16.7k retweets on twitter! It was also liked and shared by various well-known Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts with many followers (including Kendall Jenner).
Madera South seniors took a trip to Valencia to celebrate Grad Nite at Six Flags Magic Mountain on May 18. They were able to enjoy lots of rides and dance till their feet hurt because they had untill 5am! The seniors also received a souvenir, buffet dinner, and a free return pass to Hurricane Harbor water park!
We take pride in the hard work and dedication from our staff and students! I would like to shout out to a few different groups.
• Madera FFA hosted an amazing spring awards banquet this week.
• Our guitar students received “Superior” at the guitar festival.
• Many of our students received the “CA Seal of Biliteracy”.
• Four of our club advisors were rewarded for their service; congratulations to Mr. Mena, Mrs. Ahrabian, Mr. Madrigal, and Mrs.Vander Laan. Your hard work is very much appreciated.
• Our Stallion Key Club did phenomenal this year. They were honored with many awards at the yearly division banquet for their community service.
The class of 2017 is graduating on June 1, and will take on the next chapter in life. Many of our students are attending colleges such as San Francisco State, UC Santa Barbara, Fresno State, UC Berkeley, Madera Community, UC Monterrey, and numerous other colleges. Some will join the military and proudly serve our country. But no matter what they’ve decided to do, they will always be proud Stallions.
It has been an honor to share the great things that happened at Madera South through The Madera Tribune this year. I had a great experience doing so, and cannot wait to join you all and hear about the awesome things this school accomplishes next school year.
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Madera Police Log for May 23, 24

May 31, 2017, 12:14 pm
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The Madera Police Department responded to the following incidents on May 23 and 24.May 23
1:43 a.m. — Domestic violence in the 200 block of North B Street.
9:14 a.m. — Civil dispute in the 1400 block of Merced Street.
10:33 a.m. — Private property tow in the 300 block of South B Street.
10:52 a.m. — Traffic hazard near South I Street and West 7th Street.
12:24 a.m. — Animal complaint in the 500 block of Fairview Street.
8:32 p.m. — Vicious animal in the 900 block of San Jose Avenue.
9:06 p.m. — Man with a gun in the 2000 block of West Cleveland Avenue.
11:45 p.m. — Civil standby in the 1300 block of North D Street.May 24
1:20 a.m. — Domestic violence in the 1000 block of Perkins Avenue.
2:54 a.m. — Suspicious person in the 900 block of East Yosemite Avenue.
5:55 a.m. — Noisy music from party in the 1900 block of North Lake Street.
12:33 a.m. — Annoying phone calls in the 700 block of Deerwood Drive.
12:49 a.m. — Injured animal near Adanac Way and North Gateway Drive.
4:04 p.m. — Driving under the influence near North Granada Drive and Howard Road.
4:40 p.m. — Fraud in the 1500 block of Lacreta Avenue.
6:20 p.m. — Driving recklessly in the 300 block of West Olive Avenue.
8:30 p.m. — Traffic collision, ambulance required, in the 700 block of North D Street.
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A ‘freeloader’ vents some of his outrage

May 31, 2017, 12:17 pm
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California voters pay more in taxes than voters in any other state, but Gov. Brown calls opponents of his $.12 per gallon tax hike “freeloaders”. Brown signed Senate bill 1 on April 28, and it is set to go into effect November 1. This will raise our state gas tax to $.30 per gallon and increase our annual registration fees by as much as $175.
Californians are outraged (I am one of them) over this Democrat money grab. Of course, we have been paying a gas tax all along but I believe the Democrat majority in Sacramento has been raiding that money and using it for other things such as the high-speed rail, which still does not have the financing it needs to ever put a train on the tracks. Amtrak is still being subsidized.
Unfortunately, there are too many people in this blue state that support this kind of lunacy. Brown is actually the “freeloader.” We pay his salary. Secondly, the dumocrats in Sacto are fighting against everything President
Trump is trying to do, which includes healthcare. I understand Californians will be voting on a universal healthcare bill, S.B. 562, which is a massively unaffordable single-payer healthcare system that would provide coverage for all state residents, legal or otherwise. A legislative analysis estimates the bill will cost $400 billion annually and suggested a new 15 percent payroll tax on employers could produce the needed income.
Of course the employers would have to raise the prices on their products and services by 15 percent, costing us even more.
We, the freeloading taxpayers, already pay 13.3 percent state income tax and 8.25 percent sales tax and add the 15 percent onto the employers, and our struggling economy is already in debt $443 billion.
I am tired of writing, but people need to remember this stuff next election. There are consequences.
— Frank Bradford,
Madera
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‘Doing the right thing’ didn’t work

May 31, 2017, 12:18 pm
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A few weeks ago I came back from Lowe’s. At the corner was a little white and brown Chihuahua that someone had “dropped off.” I told Gloria about it and unloaded the material I had bought. I went back to the corner and the little dog was gone.
The road is pretty busy, and with the packing shed down the way, I hoped the little one had found a better home. I went about my business. Today while disking, I saw a little white spot in the neighbor’s orchard. I went to look, and it was that little dog. I finished what I was doing and went down to bury it.
It looked normal, until I placed the shovel under it to place it in the grave I dug. The right side of its head was badly damaged. The little dog did not find a happy home. Instead it had a violent last few minutes. I write this in hopes the person that thought they were “doing the right thing” by dumping the dog off would know it didn’t work out that way.
— Bill Hoffrage,
Madera
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