June 2013

a m o n t h l y m i n o r i t y p u b l i c a t i o nJune 2013

| to subscribe to this publication, please contact us at [email protected] | website: http://www.centralvalleyvoice.com |

A Unifying Factor In The Valley’s Community

centralvalleyvoice.com

Central Valley VoiceThe People in the Central Valley want to know "what's really going on"?

Central Valley Boys Compete in Reno’s AAU Tournament

GOD BELONGS IN MY CITY

SEE PAGE>12

Pictured (left-right), Jaylen Allison, Cameron Walker and Josiah Franklin. The traveling basketball team (Stanco), is based out of Turlock, CA.

SEE PAGE>18

God Belongs In My City was a silent prayer walk that took place on May 25th in Atwater, CA. The prayer walk kick-off at Veterans Park. The event started with worship and short instructions. The prayer walk proceed down Bellevue Road and end at City Hall, where the

marchers were welcome and serve hot-dogs, chips and wa-ter by the Atwater City Police. Prayers were centered around our city, community, state and nation and its needs.

This prayer walk and rally event were both modeled after the original GBIMC prayer walk that took place in NYC in No-

vember of 2009, when a youth group organized a prayer walk in response to an atheist ad campaign on the transit sys-tem stating “One Million New Yorkers are good without God, are you?”. The youth group gathered other youth groups and the outcome was a prayer walk 1500 bodies strong. The ministry founders have been working closely with us since October 2012 to make this Atwater Prayer Walk a reality. We are grateful for this minis-try founded on seeking God, prayer and seeing a change for communities by the Hand of the Almighty God.

BY POPPY PHARESPhoto: By Charlotte Blevins

2 JUNE 2013

SAVE! BUY 3 YEARS FOR $45Here is my $20.00 to begin my annual subscription:

Name:

Address:City: State: Zip:

Phone:Email Address:

Mail Coupon to:Central Valley Voice

Cirulation Dept.P.O. Box 1298-Winton CA 95388

e-mail: [email protected]

2679 N. Buhach Rd. • Atwater, CA

SERVICES & SUPPLIESWARD ENTERPRISES

JANITORIAL SERVICES & SUPPLIES

• Buckets• All Purpose Cleaners& Much, Much More!

• Dusters• Buffer Pads• Tissue• Brushes

• Bathroom Cleaners• Floor Wax• Stripper• Vac Bags

Call for FREE

Estimates!DO IT YOURSELF RENTALS• CARPET MACHINES• BUFFERS

FULLY STOCKED SHOWROOM • EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIESEVERYTHING FOR YOUR CLEANING NEEDS!

• Fresheners• Window Cleaners• Brooms & Mops

$AVE!!

209.358.0445OPEN:

MON. - FRI. 8:30 a.m. to

5:30 p.m.(Corner of Buhach/Bellevue Rd)

Serving Merced County Since 1977

MAID SERVICE• Windows• Wall Washing• Bathrooms• Refrigerators• Stoves• Vacuuming & Much More!

visit our website: www.wardenterprisesatwater.com

ISSUES & VIEWSCOME NOW, LET US REASON TOGETHER

PublisherFelicia D.Robertsis published monthlyCentral Valley Voice

Views expressed by writers, columnists and stories printed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Central Valley Voice newspapers. Only when indicated as Central Valley Voice's or editorial views can it be interpreted as the views of this publication. The editorial team of Central Valley Voice reserves the right to edit, cut or piece any article, letter, statement, poem, report, ads, quotes and all other materials submitted before printing.

Send your comments to:

Since 1991

PhotographersGreg Savage

Charlotte L. Blevins

P.O. Box 1298Winton, CA 95388

(209) 357-3718

[email protected]:centralvalleyvoice.com

Serving Merced, Stanislaus, Madera and San Joaquin Counties

Editorial TeamCharlotte Marcelli

BY ADOLPHUS SPEIGHTS JR. Sen. CannellaIssues Statement on Passage ofInnovativeEducationFunding Formula

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) today issued the following statement regarding the Sen-

ate passage of SB 91, which enacts the Governor’s Local Control Funding Formula, pro-viding a greater level of funds to schools that have higher percentages of poor and Eng-lish learning students:

“There is a lot of good and bad that go into our state bud-get each year. I was pleased to be able to vote for the good in Governor Brown’s local control funding formula for schools. There are huge discrepancies in the way our schools have been funded because of the varied regional economies

across California. This new for-mula provides necessary sup-port for school districts that have higher concentrations of poor and English learning students.

“In addition, the formula re-duces the control the state has over the way a school district uses their funds. As a former mayor, I understand that those on the front lines know best how to use the money they receive each year. They should be provided greater ability to use those funds to best help their students.”

** A note from the author: As some may remember, this is a reprint of a commentary I wrote for the Mount Olive Mis-sionary Baptist Church news-letter on September 21, 2008. My views have not changed and based on where we find ourselves today, a nation mov-ing further away from the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, my question remains the same. Is it skin color or the word of GOD that drives our thinking? (Prov 29:2)

Dear Senator Obama,For the first time in the 232

year history of this country a black American has been nominated by a major political party to contend for the most powerful position in the free world; the office of President of the United States.

History for me is very vivid. The images of the “Whites Only” and “Colored” signs that I saw as a child all over Ala-bama are burned in my mind. I think about my old aunt in the 1950’s & 1960’s adjusting her maid uniform each day as she worked her six day a week job, raising the sons of the manager of the local cotton mill and washing their under-wear from birth until they went away to schools that I couldn’t go to. Then I stop and think …a black man nominated for Presi-dent of the United States; how graciously GOD has blessed this country. I am extremely proud that a black American has finally been given the op-portunity to lead this nation. I am thoroughly impressed with you and the persistence that you have exercised in reach-ing this stage in your political career. Presidential politics is the topic of many discussions these days, which can’t be a surprise to you.

I have discussed this presi-dential race with my brothers and sisters, my friends, ac-quaintances, and members of my church family. I have sur-prised many by telling them that I will not cast my vote for

you (Psalm 12:1-2). Most peo-ple get a glazed look of pro-found disbelief when they re-alize that I am very serious. As you read this letter maybe you are in shock also. Though I am not required to, I will attempt to explain. I am not perfect, not even close, but I serve and believe in a perfect GOD (Psalm 16:11). I am a sinner (1Tim 1:12-13) living in a sin sick world trust-ing in the shed blood of JE-SUS CHRIST and the truth of the word of GOD to bring me through. I have many struggles in my life and my own personal sins to continually seek forgiveness for. In all of this, as someone who JESUS CHRIST gave his life to save (John 3:17), I have a responsibility to make life choices that the word of GOD tells me very plainly to make. I didn’t have to “pray about it” as some people have advised me to do. Don’t misunder-stand (Prov 28:13), I have failed many times to follow scripture (and more failures will come) regarding, my behavior, my habits, my thoughts, my words to others, my motives etc. All of these areas focus on my re-sponsibility for my own behav-ior. As a Christian voter, before I cast my vote, I must examine

SKIN OR SCRIPTURE?

SEE PAGE 11 >

CENTRAL VALLEY VOICE.COM 3

Buzz’s Perfection GlassResidential • Commercial • Auto

Scott Davis Auto Sales

Please call or visit us to see for yourself how different your total automotive experience can be! We do not have any unsatisfied customers!

GRADUATION SPECIAL!2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 2-Door Hatchback

201 N Center Street • Turlock, CA 95380 • 209-669-9311

FREE CARFAX Record Check • FREE AutoCheck VIN Check

[email protected]

68 W Childs Ave, Merced, CA 95341 (209) 726-9224

•Residential & Commercial •Window Repairs •Glass Repairs •Custom Shower Enclosures with Armor to Reduce Water Spots •Mirrors

WEB SITE PUBLISHES TOP TEN 2013/14 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- Financial aid is a huge prob-lem for millions of students every year who want to attend college. And yet, it is reported that billions of dollars in schol-arship funding and grants are given away annually. One web site, ScholarshipsOnline.org, helps students find those op-portunities.

Below they have identified the top 2013/14 scholarship opportunities for women:

#1 - The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program provides scholarship funds to low-income women who are over the age of 50, and are seeking new job skills, training, and educational opportunities.

Learn more at www.scholar-shipsonline.org/2012/04/aarp-foundation-womens-scholar-ship.html

#2 - The Betty Rendel Schol-arship is available to female undergraduates each year who are attending a four-year ac-credited college or university and majoring in political sci-ence, government or econom-ics. It is open to women across the nation.

Learn more at www.scholar-shipsonline.org/2013/04/bet-ty-rendel-scholarship.html

#3 - The Women's Indepen-dence Scholarship Program, Inc. helps women who have

survived domestic violence to return to school and become self-sufficient. The primary can-didates are single mothers with young children who lack the re-sources to attend college.

Learn more at www.schol-arshipsonline.org/2013/04/womens-independence-schol-arship-program.html

#4 - The Miss America Schol-arship Fund offers scholarships to over 12,000 young women who compete in the state and local competitions as well as Miss America first place winner, four runners-up, semi-finalists and non-finalists.

Learn more at www.scholar-shipsonline.org/2013/03/miss-america-scholarship-fund.html

#5 - The Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship is open to female undergraduate se-niors or female students en-rolled in a graduate program and studying Computer Sci-ence or Computer Engineering.

Learn more at www.schol-arshipsonline.org/2013/01/google-anita-borg-memorial-scholarship.html

#6 - The Young Women In Public Affairs Award is a schol-arship for young women age 16 to 19 with an interest in public affairs who plan to enroll in college.

Learn more at www.schol-arshipsonline.org/2012/11/

young-women-in-public-af-fairs-award.html

#7 - The Talbots Scholarship Program awards one-time scholarships to women who want to go back to school to earn their undergraduate de-gree after graduating from high school or receiving their GED at least ten years ago.

Learn more at www.scholar-shipsonline.org/2012/11/the-talbots-scholarship-program.html

#8 - The Go Red Multicultural scholarship champions greater inclusion of multicultural wom-en in the nursing and medical industries, address important gaps in treatment, and ensure that all Americans have an op-portunity to work with their healthcare providers to make the best choices that lead to good health.

Learn more at www.scholar-shipsonline.org/2012/09/go-red-multicultural-scholarship-fund.html

#9 - The Jeannette Rankin Women's Scholarship Fund awards scholarships every year to low-income women who are 35 years of age or older.

Learn more at www.scholar-shipsonline.org/2012/05/jea-nette-rankin-womens-scholar-ship-fund.html

#10 - The AWG Minority Scholarship program encour-ages young minority women to pursue courses of education and careers in the field of geo-sciences.

Learn more at www.scholar-shipsonline.org/2012/04/awg-minority-scholarship.html

ScholarshipsOnline is a free online resource for scholar-ships and grants available to students, parents, and teach-ers. To find and apply for hun-dreds of scholarships for men and women of all ages, visit www.ScholarshipsOnline.org

GRAND OPENINGNew Location!

4 JUNE 2013

CENTRAL VALLEYGRADUATES

P R O M I S E S C H O L A R S ( F R O M L E F T ) , E R I C M E N E S E S M O N I C A R U C K E R , PAU L A G A R C I A , J A D E M O S E LYA N D D AV I D H E R N A N D E Z G R A D UAT E D.

heir stories are all differ-ent. Some were born with drugs in their system and were taken from their

birth parents. Some lost their parents at an early age and were raised by family members or foster parents. All have expe-rienced challenges that could have easily stopped them from pursuing their goals.

This week, five of them will have one thing in common: They will graduate with bach-elor’s degrees from CSU Stan-islaus.

The Promise Scholars Pro-gram at CSU Stanislaus pro-vides former foster youth the support and resources they need to succeed in college. Led by Director Wanda Bonnell, the program gives students individualized attention, help-ing them identify and apply for financial aid resources and housing while offering aca-demic guidance and counsel-ing as they navigate the uni-versity landscape.

“The vast majority of foster youth and other children with-out parents do not see higher education as a likely future goal,” Bonnell said. “For Prom-ise Scholars, having a program that provides specialized, one-on-one support services gives them the confidence they need to succeed.”

The Promise Scholars gradu-

T

Former Foster Youth Beat the Odds En Route toGraduationPromise Scholars, a CSU Stanislaus Program that Offers Support and Guidance to Former Foster Youth -Five Students Graduated on May 31, 2013.

ating this week — fittingly dur-ing National Foster Care Month — are:

•Paula Garcia (criminal jus-tice): A Stockton native who transferred to CSU Stanislaus from Fresno State, Garcia has maintained a 3.0 grade-point average or higher each semes-ter. She has applied to the crim-inal justice master’s program at CSU Stanislaus and hopes to become a public safety officer.

•David Hernandez (psychol-ogy): Hernandez’s parents stressed the importance of ed-ucation, despite having little of their own. Although he lost his mother when he was 1 year old and his father when he was 8, the Modesto native took their lessons to heart. He plans to offer guidance to others as a school counselor after obtain-ing a master’s degree.

•Eric Meneses (criminal jus-tice): Like many Promise Schol-ars, Meneses has made it a goal to help others in need, and he has received several awards for community service. He’s also in his third year as a resident adviser on campus, and he has managed both the Village Council and the Village Peer Conduct Review Board. Men-eses, a Moreno Valley native, will next pursue his master’s degree in counselor education.

•Jade Mosely (criminal jus-tice): Mosely is a Long Beach native who landed in the Los

Angeles County foster care system after being removed from her birth parents. She has excelled as a student, making the dean’s list and being admit-ted into the Honors Program at CSU Stanislaus. She plans to apply for the Master of So-cial Work program in hopes of helping at-risk youth as a social worker.

•Monica Rucker (agricultural studies, minor in biology): Born and raised in Ceres, Rucker was taken from her birth mother and raised by an elderly cou-ple. She found a love of agricul-ture with her rural family, and she later joined the Ag Ambas-sadors club at CSU Stanislaus. Rucker hopes to spend her life educating others about agri-culture and offering support to foster youth.

The program has also seen five students graduate in previous years, with Jessica Tacdol becoming the first in 2008. Other Promise Scholars to graduate were Laura Rodri-guez, Serena Vidaure, LaTasha Hayes and Iris Hernandez.

For students who are with-out parental support, the Promise Scholars Program offers much-needed stabil-ity. Rucker arrived at CSU Stan-islaus uncertain of how she would pay for tuition while working only a part-time job. Bonnell calmed and reassured her, helped her obtain financial

By James Leonard

Formerly Woodcutters CB Sales & Repair

11 West 15th • Merced, CA 95340 • (209) 723-8000

aid and even provided a back-pack with supplies she needed for her classes.

“I honestly could not have completed my education if it wasn’t for Wanda’s guidance and her patience to talk me out of my despair and give me a ray of hope,” Rucker said. “I am forever grateful to her, and I hope she knows how much she means to me.”

Hernandez said he was “ner-vous” when he transferred to CSU Stanislaus, but he has thrived as a student even af-ter suffering a serious accident and later changing his major from kinesiology to psychol-ogy. In addition to excelling academically, he has served on the Promise Scholars Advisory Committee, worked with the Office of Service Learning and

tutored students at Modesto High through the Advance-ment Via Individual Determina-tion (AVID) Program.

He credits much of his suc-cess to the support he received as a Promise Scholar.

“The Promise Scholars Pro-gram has given me access to a great counselor and motivator,” Hernandez said. “Wanda Bon-nell is a mother figure not only to me, but to all of my Promise Scholar classmates. Had I not been in the program, I don’t think I would have been as suc-cessful.

“To be the first in my family to graduate from a four-year university means a ton to me. It has been tough at times, but Wanda has kept me ready ev-ery step of the way.”


Nathaniel Ruben Renteria graduated from Golden Valley High School in Merced.

Pam M. Smith

Danielle Jacob a graduate of Los Banos High School.

BEST WISHES GRADUATES

Isaias Xavier Ferdin a graduating senior from Merced High School - Attending Fresno Junior College in the Fall.

Aaron Cochran graduated from Buhach High School. The 6-foot-8, 350-pound offensive line-man, is attending UC Berkely this Fall.

Pam has an A.A. and was inducted into the Honor Society of the two-year college...Phi Theta Kappa. Then received her Bachelor's Degree...graduated Cum Laude, a Multiple Teaching Credential, Admin-istrative Credential certificate and a Master’s Degree in Education .

Anthony Sherman a graduate of Buhach Colony High School in Atwater.

Mariah Thomas (left), after receiving herdiploma from Rivera Jr. High School in Merced.

6 JUNE 2013

On May 18th 2013, about 250 junior high and high school students attend-ed the African American Student Con-ference on the west campus of Modesto Junior College. The focus of this all day event was to prepare young people for higher education and life.

Thabiti Boone, a member of Presi-

dent Obama's White House Fatherhood Mentoring Initiative, was the keynote speaker. Boone, who was raised by his mother and who himself was a teenage father, stated absent fathers have cost American taxpayers 100 billion dollars. It was a job well done by Modesto City Schools, Modesto Junior College, Proj-ect Uplift, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and a host of other volunteers.

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT CONFERENCE

JOHN ERVIN TALKING WITH STUDENTS AT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT CONFERENCE AT MODESTO JC.

Dr. Inga De Adrian Maples

CongratulationsTo my Daughter

for receiving your Doctorate for Educationin Philosophy. We are proud of you. -Love, Mom and Dad, Everett &

Dolores of the Maples family

BY G R E G S AVAG E M O D E S TO CO M M U N I T Y

STUDENTS AT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENT CONFERENCE IN MODESTO.

Best WishesTo Taelor Waller

2013 Harvest Christian School Graduate

From The Blevins Family


2013 PROGRAMGIVING AWAY $6,000 SCHOLARSHIPS TOMINORITY WOMENPURSUING CAREERSIN SCIENCE

Deadline to apply is June 30, 2013

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- The AWG Minority Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Association for Women Geoscientists, encourages young minor-ity women to pursue an education and later a career in the geosciences. It provides financial aid and matches the student with a mentor in the same field who will offer guidance and support. This exchange will enhance the student’s experience and provide a view of the world ahead.

The applicant must be a woman who is African-American, Hispanic, or Native American. She must also be a full-time student who is pursuing an undergraduate degree in the geosciences (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, hydrology, meteorol-ogy, physical oceanography, planetary geology, or earth science education) at an accredited college or university (high school students who will enter one of these fields during their freshman year may also apply). In addition, she must be a contributor to the larger world community through her academic and personal strengths.

The award amounts are up to $6,000 and the deadline to apply is June 30, 2013.

For more details, visit:www.scholarshipsonline.org/2012/04/awg-minor-

ity-scholarship.html To search hundreds of other scholarships, visit:www.ScholarshipsOnline.org

8 JUNE 2013

Despite Rise in Student Debt, Collegeis a Smart Investment for MostEconomic Returns Are Large For Typical Graduate— Regardless of Major

SAN FRANCISCO,—Debt among California students has increased dramatically in recent years, but college is a good in-vestment for the vast majority, according to a report released today by the Public Policy Insti-tute of California (PPIC).

Californians with college de-grees are more likely to be em-ployed than those with just a high school diploma—and the gap between the two groups has grown since the start of the Great Recession. In 2007, the unemployment rate for work-ers with just a high school di-ploma was 5.4 percent—2.6 percentage points higher than for those with a college degree. By 2012, the gap had grown to 5 points: The unemployment rate was 12.1 percent for high school graduates who did not attend college and 7.2 percent for college graduates. For new entrants to the labor market, the distinctions were even sharper: High school graduates ages 18 to 22 had a 29 percent unem-ployment rate in 2011, while the rate for college graduates ages 22 to 26 was 10.5 percent.

College graduates also earn significantly higher wages, on average. For example, a woman with a bachelor’s degree work-ing in California in 2011 earned 57.3 percent more than one with a high school diploma and no college—even after ac-counting for differences in work experience and other individual characteristics. For male work-ers, the difference was 56.5 per-cent. College graduates’ wages do vary widely, and the choice of college major matters. At the high end, those with an engi-neering degree earn a median annual wage of $96,000. At the low end, those with a degree in education administration and teaching have a median annual wage of $57,000. But this is sub-stantially more than the median

wage of workers with a high school diploma only: $39,000.

"College is a good invest-ment for the vast majority of students,” says report co-author Hans Johnson, co-director of re-search and a Bren fellow at PPIC. "And it’s important to remember that the benefit of a college ed-ucation is greater than the gains enjoyed by any one person. Col-lege graduates contribute enor-mously to the state’s prosperity.”

Overall, student debt is lower in California than in the rest of the nation, largely because the public sector plays a major role in higher education in the state. The vast majority of students attend one of the state’s pub-lic colleges, with nearly half of freshmen attending low-cost community colleges. The Cal Grant program and grants pro-vided by UC and CSU help keep loan burdens down. However, the PPIC report finds a notable increase in student debt, which raises concerns about Califor-nians’ access to college.

More California students have taken out loans in the past few years, and the amount they borrow has also increased. In 2010, almost half of California freshmen took out a student loan, compared to just one-third in 2000. The average loan amount for California freshmen increased 36 percent between 2005 and 2010 (even after ad-justing for inflation), reaching almost $8,000 for the first year alone. Increasing student debt coincides with sharp tuition hikes at the University of Cali-fornia and California State Uni-versity systems. It also coincides with a steep rise in the share of students attending private for-profit institutions, where costs are higher. About 14 percent of California freshmen attend these institutions, and about 80 percent of them take out loans.

Student debt loads are much

higher, and employment pros-pects are weaker for students at private for-profit colleges than for most students who attend public four-year colleges or pri-vate non-profit ones. In recogni-tion of these differences, state policymakers recently required higher education institutions to meet specified loan default rates and graduation rates to be able to participate in the Cal Grant program. The PPIC report recommends continuing efforts like these—which restrict state aid that goes to institutions with poor student outcomes, includ-ing high student loan default rates.

The report concludes that policymakers should make loans more available—for ex-ample, by ensuring greater use of federal student loans. Find-ing ways to help families save for college should be another priority. Numerous states have already adopted college savings programs that guarantee full tuition at public universities. To keep costs down, policymakers also should look for gains in ef-ficiency. Online education is a potential—yet still unproven—approach to doing so. Improv-ing pathways from community colleges to four-year colleges should also be a high priority.

"California’s future depends on substantial increases in col-lege enrollment and gradua-tion,” says Johnson. "California faces a shortage of 1 million col-lege-educated workers by 2025. Achieving those increases will require new efforts to make col-lege accessible and affordable.”

The report, Student Debt and the Value of a College Degree, was co-authored by PPIC re-search associates Marisol Cuel-lar Mejia and David Ezekiel, and Betsey Zeiger, a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Da-vis. It was supported with fund-ing from the Donald Bren Foun-dation.

BY HANS JOHNSON, MARISOL CUELLAR MEJIA, DAVID EZEKIEL, AND BETSEY ZEIGER

298 Bellevue Road • Atwater, CA 95301(209) 357-3578 • Fax (209) 357-9674

Bianca’s Furniture

GE FINANCING 6 Months No Interest

$699.00

Sofa & Love Seat

Dining Table

$399.00

1349 Mitchell Rd, Modesto, CA 95351 (209) 537-0797

Brake Repair, Auto Repair & Service, Auto Transmission

Over 35 Years Experience

Foreign & DomesticCustom & Performance Work


• Curls • Updated Hair Cuts • Perms

Specializing In:

OPEN: WED - FRI.•10 a.m.-5 p.m.SAT• 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

(209)723-3404

Call For ApptAsk for Glenda

1721 “M” Street •Merced, CA 95340(Located Downtown Meced)

Reflections

The NCNW Celebrated Juneteenth

PICTURED (LEFT-RIGHT), LUTHER & ESTELLA DUNN, DOLORES MAPLES, YVONNEDAVIS, LISA MAPLES, BARBARA DOCKERY AND MRS. SYLVIA FULLER AT NCNW (NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN) MERCED CHAPTER JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION PROGRAM.

The Merced Section National Council of Negro Women held a Juneteenth celebration on Thurs-day, June 6, at the Merced Civic Center in the Sam Pipes Room. The theme was "Family Unity". Mrs. Yvonne Davis was the Storyteller sharing information about New Orleans and others told stories regarding their Juneteenth experiences.

A recently commissioned independent survey shows Modesto residents are con-cerned about jobs and the lo-cal economy and public safety issues including crime, gangs and drugs. The survey, con-ducted May 6 through May 8 by the highly respected opin-ion research firm of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associ-ates was developed to provide the City with community feed-back regarding quality of life issues, financial management, attitudes toward city services -- and potential revenue options.

The survey showed that re-spondents valued Modesto’s quality of life, but are also con-cerned about crime, drugs, gangs and youth violence. Three out of four respondents felt that additional funds are needed to provide essential

services.“Additional funds are needed

to maintain and improve our overall quality of life and move the City forward,” said Modesto City Manager Greg Nyhoff. “We need to address important community priorities includ-ing maintaining public safety, repairing deteriorating city streets, creating more quality jobs and attracting new busi-nesses to Modesto.”

“I am also extremely pleased that the survey also found that constituents who had occasion to directly contact a city staffer for assistance, found that inter-action to be satisfying. We just need more resources to ensure that all constituents who need help, receive it,” Nyhoff added.

The survey also showed that respondents viewed maintain-

ing 911 emergency response times, expanding gang crime prevention services, making neighborhoods safer, investi-gating and preventing prop-erty-related crimes like theft and burglary, expanding pro-grams to attract business to Modesto, increasing the num-ber of police officers patrolling City streets, and expanding af-ter school programs for at-risk youth as important community priorities.

The survey also gauged in-terest in potential funding options. Respondents were interested in both a one-cent general purpose measure and a half-cent special purpose public safety measure at levels that exceed the threshold re-quired for passage.

Crime, Drugs, Gang Violence and Local Economy Top Community Concerns

The City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighbor-hoods Department is inviting the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the res-toration of the McHenry Man-sion on Saturday, June 29, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the front steps of the McHenry Mansion at 906 15th Street in Modesto. The Mansion will be open for tours that day from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

The McHenry Mansion will be resuming its original tour hours which are Sunday through Friday (Closed Satur-day for wedding rentals etc.) from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Tours begin at the Visitor’s Center at 924 15th Street.

A fire occurred at the McHen-ry Mansion on December 6, 2011. Although the fire itself was quickly extinguished, the Mansion sustained heavy smoke and water damage. Af-ter an over $2 million restora-

McHenry Mansion Restoration Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

tion, the “Grand Old Lady” is back and is looking better than ever.

The McHenry Mansion Foun-dation will be celebrating the 130th Anniversary of the Mansion and the Restoration with a dinner in the garden on Friday, September 27, 2013. This date was chosen because the weather usually is much nicer at this time of year. Cock-tails will be at 5 p.m., remarks at 6:15 with dinner to follow. Cost is $60 per person. For more information concerning this event and to purchase tick-ets contact the Visitor’s Center (209) 549-0428.

For booking a wedding, an-niversary or similar type of event at the McHenry Mansion, contact Laura Mesa at (209) 652-7190.

For scheduling school group tours, call (209) 577-5235.

RELIGIOUS NEWS

BY DAVID MACY--”PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL”

A new study by family scholars shows that U.S. churches have paid little attention to the widespread experiences of those who grow up without married parents.

The report, "Does the Shape of Families Shape Faith?", encourages faith leaders to be more engaged on the topic, both for the health of churches and the sake of young people. One-quarter of today's young adults have parents who divorced, while a growing number of chil-dren are being raised by a parent or parents who never married.

How young adults approach questions of

STUDY REVEALS NEW INSIGHTSON FAMILY BREAKDOWN

moral and spiritual meaning will influence broader trends in churches, the researchers sug-gest.

"The health and future of congregations de-pends upon understanding, reaching out to, and nurturing as leaders those who have come of age amid increasing family fragmentation," the study states.

Co-investigators of the report are Elizabeth Marquardt, director of the Center for Marriage and Families at the Institute for American Val-ues; Amy Ziettlow, an affiliate scholar at the Institute for American Values; and Charles E. Stokes, scholar in residence at Samford Univer-

10 JUNE 2013

SEE PAGE>13

Annual “100 Women In White - Fruit Of The Spirit Luncheon”

Sisters, it is once again the Esther Circle of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church will have their annual “100 Women in White - Fruit of The Spirit Luncheon”. This year the program will be on Sunday June 30th at 3:00 p.m.

Our theme is “Inheriting the Kingdom of God,” Galatians 5:25 and our focus is “The Fruit of the Spirit” Galatians 5:22 & 23.

You may wear black and white or what other color you would like. Our goal is to have 100 women and more attend this wonderful program.

God’s Kingdom is for everyone so men please come too.

Lunch is served between 1:30 – 2:45. Please save the date.

Cynthia Russell- Esther Circle President and Dr. Ed-die P. Goodin-Pastor.


BY BOBBY KEY

PREMIER FLORIST ATWATER CALIFORNIA & SURROUNDING AREAOrder Flowers Online 24/7 from Our Website!

BEAUTIFUL LIFEFloral Arrangement$40.00, $50.00, $60.00Shown at $50.00

Send your best wishes with our BEAUTIFUL LIFE Floral Arrangement! Featuring bright lime-green, orange and purple blooms, it's the perfect choice

for any celebration or just because. Online - Anytime, Day or Night - or Call

ATWATER ALOHA FLORAL Today!

“Best WishesTo Class of 2013”

1253 Winton Way • Atwater, CA 95301 • (209) 358-0231 www.AtwaterAlohaFloral.net

SKIN OR SCRIPTURE?...CONTINED PAGE 2

the past and present behavior, ideas and words of others. In this presidential election I have a choice. I can vote for skin color or I can vote for what I know the scriptures teach. For me sir there is re-ally no choice. The word of GOD gets my vote (Psalm 19:7-8). The scriptures give many examples of men and women That GOD put in positions of lead-ership. These appointments had nothing to do with skin color, religion, or socio-economic sta-tus, or the favorite of the people (Josh 1:8-9). I believe I am to learn from these examples and all of scripture and continue to develop a stronger heart for GOD and clear understanding of his word (2Tim.3:16). Adam, Noah, Moses, Joshua, Rahab, Sampson, Deborah, Esther, David, Solo-mon, Mark, Paul, James, Timothy, and Titus were all leaders, not perfect people but they all had a heart for GOD and followed his word. You have decided on a very different path. I have studied your record and listened to you very carefully. You have referred to some scrip-tures (Romans) as “obscure and not applicable to life today” (Prov13:13). You support the killing of babies in the womb (Psalm 139:13-16). You sup-port the homosexual movement and same sex marriage (Prov 14:34 & Rom 1:26). You support raising taxes to support the many social pro-grams that you propose (Prov 31:8-9). You say you support our military members but disagree with what they do…which is sacrifice their lives to protect your wife and daughters. The scrip-tures are very clear in these areas. I’m sure many will overlook the fact that you promise to do so much for so many but don’t think the life of the smallest and most helpless is important. I know that others will put aside the fact that you don’t think the special union of marriage between a man and woman created by GOD is exclusive and should not be perverted. Even as you propose tax increases and social

programs that will continue to suck more dol-lars from those who can least afford it and per-petuate government dependency, many people won’t care. They will be impressed by your out-standing speaking ability. You will get many votes, much support, and you may even be our next President. With GOD’s help I make every effort to live my life before him as he has told me to live it. When I have very clear evidence that a vote for you does not agree with scripture; I have the decision to make and I can’t and will not do it (Prov 29:2). I will have to answer for how I used the privilege of voting that so many have died for …I will have answer to GOD (Matt 25:31-46). I will not risk trying to answer the question, “My word told you what to do, why didn’t you do it?” In this life my grandchildren will ask, “Grandpa if you believe in GOD and what the bible says why did you vote for Senator Obama?” These are enormously important and monu-mental times in the history of black Americans and the history of this country. A black American could be our next President. Even so, I value my relationship with GOD more than anything you have to offer Senator (Psalm 91:1-3). The won-derful thing is I don’t have to vote for GOD. In fact scripture tells me that he elected me (Col 3:12). The bible does not tell me to rely on my wife, po-litical parties, presidents, low taxes, cheap gas, government programs, the stock market or win-ning a war. It does tell me that JESUS CHRIST will return and GOD left me a book of instructions to help me make good decisions before he gets here (Psalm 11:1-2, 24:1-5, 37:3, 1Tim 4:12-13 & John 14:1-4). Senator I give thanks to GOD daily for his bless-ings and this great nation. I learn more of the truth of his word each day. I wish the same for you and your family.

PS. It’s one thing to be an eloquent speaker, quite another to be right.

W H AT T H E P E O P L E WA N T

Asha Eldridge New Faith Dancer

If you did not attend Worship on 1 accord, you missed your blessing!! From the beginning to the end!! God showed up and showed out! PRAISE JESUS!!! Thank you to ev-ery one that ministered in dance. Sis. Asha for the opening dance, (Forever we will worship) I was so blessed! Sis Kenya (Take me to the KING) Bro Chris-topher (medley of songs including I need Thee now, Never would have made it and more) Sis Ebony (Greater is coming) Offer-ing Song (I believe) and

1 Accord Praise Dance Extravaganza! just about all the little ones danced with FHGPDM!!! In-struments of Praise ( Break every chain) Miscela (Let it Fall) these young ladies taught the children a por-tion of the dance then sent them out into the audience to minister!! And minis-ter they did! Look at God, Then Bro Eric and Latasha (You (GOD) satisfy). The whole program was amaz-ing. Thank you Lord for your presence, Your train filled the temple!! And thank you Bishop and Pastor for allow-ing and supporting the call that God has placed within For HIS Glory.

Most of the people I meet make a pretense of being religious. They either belong to some religious group or expect to join one before they die. Some seem to think that all churches are just like so many articles on the •shelves of a department store, and they can shop around until they find a church that suits them.

Too many preachers are like clerks and managers of these stores. They try to find out what the people want, and then endeavor to give them just that. Who would deny that leaders in the churches built by men are trying to give people what they want in religion? All too often preach-ers are found trying to please the people instead of pleasing God.

Paul said, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ” (Gala-tians 1: 10). There is just no way to please men and God at the same time. It is like trying to ride two horses going in op-posite directions!

I find that most people want a church which will not inter-fere with the way they want to live.

They want their names on the roll without having to attend the services or give of their income. They never want the preacher to say anything about social drinking, mar-riage and divorce giving or dedicated Christian living.

They want a place to turn in the hour of death or other trouble. They like to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds!

My friend, if you look hard enough you will be able to find a church that suits you. You might remember, how-ever that a church that stands for nothing can offer nothing. A church that will not stand against the evils of our present world cannot save it.

Beware of a religion that costs nothing, calls for no self-denial, never keeps you from a single worldly pleasure, does not make you sorry for your sins and does not require the best that is in you!

Let us forget ourselves and instead of looking for a church that suits us let’s look for the church that pleases God. Jesus warned that we must strive to enter the narrow gate and walk the narrow way in order to please the Lord who died for us (Matthew 7:13 . 14).

Christ’s way is not the easiest way but it is the best way!

By Phyllis Patterson

ASHA ELDRIDGE NEW FAITH DANCE

12 JUNE 2013

OUR COMMUNITY

William Wall and Barbara Thrower at Mt Olive Baptist Church BBQ and Rum-mage Sale on May 25, 2013. The purpose of this event is to support the church’s need and mortgage reduction fund.

Pastor Ron Richardson - pastor of Liberty Fellowship Church in Atwater CA. with youth at God Belongs In My City March, on May 25, 2013.

GOD BELONGS IN MY CITY

John Mims at Mt. Olive Baptist Church BBQ and Rummage Sale.

Alisa Harper was among manyyouth to attend the prayer walk and rally.

Carson E. and Barbara Wilhoit members of Mt. Olive Baptist Church.

We’ve been fortunate to develop some new relationships with local churches and have had interest and participation from Christian Life Center, Atwater First Church of God, Soundlife Merced, Valley Christian Church, Newlife Community Church, St. Anthony’s Church, Atwater Nazarene Church and others...and be-lieve that all of these unions will help our community greatly.

You can find out more information about GBIMC on their website: www.godbelongsinmycity.com or Facebook or Twitter.

Check out our promo video on you-tube.com at: GBIMC Atwater Promo or call Poppy Phares at 209 658-1619 or email: [email protected]

CONTINED PAGE FROM 1

Night Walk Safety Training Lifeline for

HealingSpanish Speaking Training

Thrusday, June 27, 2012 @ 6:00 p.m.Golden Valley Health Center

737 W. Child Ave., Merced, CA

NIGHTLY WALK TO FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AFTER TRAINING

MEETING LOCATION:2222 M StreetMerced, CA


HOT & TASTY! Fried Chicken

Your Neighborhood Grocery & MarketShop N Save

Hot & Cold Deli

(209) 384-2807

“Mexican Food

To Go”

1055 Child Ave • Merced, CA 95340

Much More...

espanol

sity.The researchers report that

when children of divorce reach adulthood, compared to those who grew up in intact families, they feel less religious over-all and are less likely to attend church.

Those raised in a family where their parents were happy were more than twice as likely to at-tend religious services, com-pared to those raised in homes where the parents amiably di-vorced.

The study found that of those

young adults who regularly attended church at the time of their parents' divorce, two-thirds said no one either from the pastoral staff or congrega-tion reached out to them.

"The resulting alienation from a life of faith can represent a second, silent schism in the child's life," the report states.

"First there is the rupture of the marriage of the child's par-ents, then there is the rupture of the child's connection to a congregation and even to a life of faith."

FAMILY BREAKDOWNCONTINUED PAGE FROM 10

For Their ALL IN WHITE PARTY!

Saturday, June 22, 2013The Atwater Community Center

760 Bellevue Road, Atwater CA

Attire - White Call Pearl Butcher @ 209-358-4421 for more info

6:30 p.m. Heavy Hor d'oeuvres & No Host Bar

Dancing 8:00 - 11:30 p.m.Donation: $50.00 Per Person

JOIN THE EBONY SOCIALITES

FeaturingAnthony Young & the MOS Band

(Masters of Old School)

14 JUNE 2013

HEALTH CARE BARRIERS

EL SEMANARIO/NEW AMERICA MEDIA, NEWS FEA-TURE, CRISTINA FRESQUEZ

DENVER, Colo.--Aside from dealing with an illness that has so many unan-swered questions, Latino elders suffer-ing from Parkinson’s disease also carry the burden of tackling barriers that hin-der their healthcare and treatment.

“My Mom is proficient with her Eng-lish – when she wants to. But she doesn’t read very well-- she only has an eighth grade education -- so one of us always has to sit in with her on doctor visits and make sure the doctor understands what’s going on with her and so that Mom understands the doctor’s orders,” said West Denver resident Allende, who asked to be identified by last name only because of her immigration status.

Allende, the primary caregiver for her elderly mother, who suffers from Parkin-son’s, added, “The fact that she can’t read and understand things like her prescrip-tions makes it more difficult for all of us.”

Medical Culture Clash Cultural barriers for Latinos are vague-

ly acknowledged, if at all, by doctors practicing Western medicine.

Many Latino elders were raised with homeopathic healing methods, Curand-erismo, or Santeria, all cultural forms of healing connecting the mind, body and spirit. This different conception of heal-ing often creates a lack of understand-ing and problems in communicating medical issues and treatment options between doctors and patients.

“Right now, we are struggling with helping my Mom understand that her sickness and bouts of dementia are ac-tually medical issues and unfortunately are not going away. She is convinced that someone has placed a curse on her,” explained Allende.

“To make things worse,” she went on, “some lady told my Mom she could re-

move the curse for $800. We have even brought her doctor in to help explain, but he wasn’t very helpful -- he just at-tributed her claims to her dementia and basically wrote off the situation.”

Double Parkinson’s Rate for Latinos Studies show that among the esti-

mated 1 million people with Parkinson’s in the United States (with about 60,000 new patients diagnosed each year) Lati-nos and whites have nearly double the rate of developing the condition over Asians and African Americans.

However, because there is still so little known about the cause of Parkinson’s, scientists don’t exactly understand why Latinos have a greater risk of develop-ing this incurable, degenerative disease marked by such symptoms as tremors or shaking, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired balance and difficulty speaking.

Parkinson’s was once considered mainly a genetic disorder. But research in recent years has shown environmen-tal factors appear to play a key role for increased risk of developing the ailment.

For instance, the largest Parkinson’s

study -- conducted to date--based on data from 36 million Medicare recipi-ents--concluded that genetics play a rel-atively small role. The study by research-ers at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, instead pointed to environmental factors, such as long-term exposure to pesticides, herbicides and farming metals (particularly copper and manganese), which might explain the disproportionate rates of Latinos af-flicted with the disease. The study called for further research to confirm these sus-picions.

Poverty Complicates Disease According to UCLA’s Center for Health

Policy Research, data from 2009 shows Latino elders age 65 and older rank the highest (29 percent) of those living be-low 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $24,000 a year and strug-gle to make financial ends meet.

Also, higher poverty levels among La-tinos may intensify the impact of Parkin-son’s. For example, low income tends to limit access to much-needed healthcare and medications.

Poverty stricken elders also face the risk of malnutrition because they lack

Hinder Parkinson's Care for Latinos

healthy food options. Diet can be par-ticularly important for managing Parkin-son’s symptoms, as well.

The UCLA Health Policy Research Cen-ter, using 2009 data, showed that Latinos ages 65 and older have the lowest level of educational attainment among ethnic minorities in the U.S., with an astonish-ing 57.9 percent having less than a high school education.

“Studies have shown that people who have lower levels of education struggle more with complex things like financial and health literacy,” stated Steven P. Wal-lace, associate director of UCLA’s center.

He explained that lower literacy di-rectly affects the capacity of patients and family members to understand such things as even simple medication direc-tions to being able to navigate complex healthcare systems, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

Adding language barriers to the mix impacts elders’ ability to understand such things as how diet and exercise af-fect on health, and may exacerbate ef-fects of the disease.

Eliminating Health Disparities The SEE PAGE>15

HEALTH NEWS


CHILDREN’S HEALTHBreathe Easier This Summer: Tips To Control Your Child’s Asthma

(NAPSI)—As the school year draws to a close and the tem-perature rises, children and families everywhere start to look forward to the simple pleasures of summer-jump rope, sunshine, playing ball, and cookouts.

However, for the one in every 11 children in the United States who has asthma—including one in every six African-Amer-ican children—summer can also bring wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.

The joys of summer can be challenging if your child has asthma, a common but seri-ous chronic disease. Summer’s long afternoons spent playing outside can expose children with asthma to triggers that can bring on attacks, such as increased pollen and allergens from blossoming plants and trees, and increased air pollu-tion on some especially hot summer days.

“While controlling asthma requires daily attention, your child doesn’t have to be side-lined,” said James P. Kiley, Ph.D., director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s (NHLBI) Division of Lung Dis-eases, part of the National In-stitutes of Health. “With proper treatment, most children who

need for cultural competence among health care profession-als was emphasized in a 2012 article entitled “Social Justice, Health Disparities, and Culture in the Care of the Elderly,” pub-lished in the Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, by ger-ontologists at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. In the report, Peggye Dilworth-Anderson and colleagues stated, “By understanding a group’s values, belief systems, and ways of thinking and be-having, researchers, care pro-viders, and policymakers can be better equipped to iden-tify the cultural influences that serve as barriers and facilita-tors to eliminating health dis-parities.” Other hurdles Latino elders often must overcome may be geographical barriers, and ac-cess to technology. Geographi-cal barriers, such as living in ru-ral areas or living with limited

have asthma can avoid attacks, experience fewer symptoms, be physically active and enjoy summertime.”

To make sure your child doesn’t miss a thing this sea-son, the NHLBI recommends that you work with your child’s doctor and ask him or her to take the following key actions that can help your child—and you—breathe easier.

• Tell you what medication your child needs to control asthma symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids, taken daily, are the most effective medication for reducing the inflammation that causes asthma symptoms in people who have persistent asthma.

• Give you a written asthma action plan that spells out what to do every day to control your child’s asthma, and how to handle symptoms or asthma attacks.

• Check your child’s asthma control at regular visits, and adjust medication as needed to keep your child’s asthma in control.

• Schedule regular follow-up visits (at least every six months).

• Work with you to identify your child’s asthma triggers,

such as allergens like pet dan-der and pollens and irritants like tobacco smoke, sprays and pollution, and talk about ways your child can avoid them.

• Ask before you leave the doctor’s office or pharmacy for someone to show you and your child how to use each pre-scribed medication and device correctly.

You can visit the NHLBI’s website at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/asthma for more information, and to order publications from the NHLBI’s National Asthma Education and Prevention Pro-gram: So You Have Asthma, How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School?, Asthma & Physical Ac-tivity in the School and a sam-ple Asthma Action Plan.

HEALTH CARE BARRIERS.... CONTINUED FROM PAGE14

CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS MAY BOTH BREATHE EASIER WHEN ASTHMA IS UNDER CONTROL.

transportation options, often restrict elders’ access to getting adequate medical treatment. This scenario is worsened if their Parkinson’s is creating physical limitations, both mak-ing a simple trip to the doctor’s office nearly impossible. A common hurdle for Latinos is the barrier of being undoc-umented, which stigmatizes this population into a life of living in the shadows, which is fraught with fear of being de-ported and detained. This fear keeps people from seeking medical assistance unless it is a life-or-death situation. Combi-nations of language, immigra-tion status and cultural barri-ers push Latinos further away from seeking medical advice; understanding proper and af-fective treatment; and willing-ness to adhere with medical treatment.“It’s hard to care for my Mom

because we are both undocu-mented, and she doesn’t qual-ify for things like Medicare or Medicaid, and going to the doctor regularly isn’t some-thing my family can afford to do,” said Allende.

To

Advertise

Call:

(209) 357-

3718

16 JUNE 2013

Willie RankinsTenor Sax

(209) 358-1522

Fluent in R&B, the Blues, Funk, Salsa, Latin Jazz, C&W and Rock. Horn section arrangement, program and instruction. Band leader, studio session work. Private lessons byappointment only.

willierankinsmusic.com

[email protected]

WILLIE RANKINS MUSIC

(Modesto, CA) – The Modesto Junior College Foundation will offer “Music of the Night” at this year’s Summer Sonata which is slated for Thursday, July 18 at the Gallo Center for the Arts in downtown Modesto. The el-egant evening will feature food catered by O’Brien’s Market, a selection of fine wines and a

MJC Foundation planning “Music of the Night” for Summer Sonata

SACRAMENTO, CA – State Sen-ator Anthony Cannella (R-Ce-res) presented Toni’s Courtyard Café, located in Merced, with the 12th Senate District’s Small Business of the Year award dur-ing a ceremony in Sacramento.

“Toni’s Courtyard Café is a perfect example of a business that not only excels in their in-dustry, but also keeps a strong connection to the community by purchasing from area grow-ers and vendors at Farmers’ Markets,” said Senator Can-nella. “I was proud to present Toni Fiorenza with the Small Business of the Year award to recognize just how important she and her business are to the community.”

Co-sponsored by a coalition of small-business organizations, California Small Business Day provides legislators and advo-cacy organizations a unique opportunity to honor the im-portant role small businesses play in communities across California. There are approximately 3.4 million small businesses in California, representing 99.2% of the state’s employers and 52.1% of California’s private-

SENATE CANNELLA NAMES

sector employment. Since the award’s establishment in 2000, legislators have recog-nized small businesses in their

districts for their contributions to the local economy and for their community and chari-table service.

12th District Small Businessof the Year

Merced’s Toni’s Court-yard Café

touch of “The Phantom of the Opera” entertainment.

The event begins with a re-ception and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. After dinner there will be a live auction and a pro-gram in the Foster Family The-atre featuring MJC students

SEE PAGE >18


CENTRAL VALLEY FABULOUS FOOD

These light kebabs are delightful with salads or on top of a bed of couscous or quinoa pilaf.

(NAPSI)—Salmon is good tasting and good for you—rich in omega-3s and a good source of protein. Want to know how to find the best avail-able? Here are hints on how from Keith Harris, the Whole Foods Market Port Buyer based in Alaska:

Tips on Buying Salmon

• King (chinook) salmon is the most highly sought-after of all the salmon due to its high omega-3 content and full flavor. King comes in many shades of orange to red; all are delicious!

• Sockeye reds have a bright red color and extra-firm texture. The best sockeye comes from Alaska.

• Coho (silver salmon) has a milder flavor so it’s a good choice for kids. Coho’s also great for grill-ing.

• How the fish was caught affects how it tastes. Try to buy troll-caught salmon; each fish is han-dled individually. Trollers care about the environ-ment and take great pride in what they deliver.

• In general, avoid any salmon that shows signs of browning. Also, check for minimal bruising and firm flesh.

• Wild salmon populations are threatened in some parts of the world. Look for fish from Ma-rine Stewardship Council−certified sources, or from fisheries that are green or yellow rated ac-cording to the Blue Ocean Institute or Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program.

Salmon is delicious grilled, broiled, sautéed or poached. For inspiration, try this light recipe:

Rosemary-Lime Wild Alaska Salmon Kebabs

Serves 4

1 pound wild salmon fillets, cut into chunks

1 zucchini, cut into chunks

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks

1 large red onion, cut into chunks

Sea salt and black pepper

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 tablespoon (about 2 small sprigs) chopped rosemary leaves

1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons lime juice

Wooden or bamboo skewers, soaked in water 10 minutes

Place salmon, zucchini, bell pepper and onion in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Whisk together garlic, rosemary, olive oil and lime juice in a small bowl. Pour mixture over salmon and vegetables, toss and marinate 15 to 30 minutes. Preheat the grill or broiler. Skewer the salmon and vegetables, reserving marinade, and grill or broil 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until salmon is cooked through and vegetables are tender. While cooking, boil the marinade in a small saucepan for 5 minutes. Drizzle over skew-ers and serve.

Learn More

You can find further tips and recipes online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com.

King, Sockeye Or Coho-A GuideTo Buying Wild Salmon

18 JUNE 2013

SPORTS NEWS

performing a medley from the musical “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The cost to attend is $150 per person and table sponsorships are available. Event proceeds benefit college programs, campus projects and student scholarships.

The Summer Sonata is the premier fundraiser for the Foundation and since its incep-tion has provided well over $1 million for MJC student schol-arships, program grants, equip-ment and educational activi-ties not provided by the state.

A 501(c)(3) non-profit organi-zation incorporated in 1968, the Foundation exists to gen-erate financial support for and to increase community aware-ness of the students, programs, and activities of MJC.

To donate or for sponsor-ship opportunities, please contact George Boodrookas, MJC’s Foundation Executive Director, at 209.575.6714 or [email protected]. To purchase individual Sonata tickets call the MJC Foundation Office at 209.575.6619.

SUMMER SONATA....CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16

which was lauded as necessary by the designers. The citizens protested its usefulness in re-lationship to the bathrooms and suggested that the splash pools could be trade for im-proved bathrooms. Overall the improvements were deemed

good. The baseball fields will soon become soccer fields half covered by artificial turf and grass.

Work on the two million dol-lar project is schedule to begin at the end of June.

The 10th Annual Jam On It Memorial Day AAU Tourna-ment. The boys finished second place in 5th-6th grade Silver Di-vision. The event is the World’s Largest AAU Basketball Tourna-ment!

The tournament has become a must attend event. The tour-nament has grown from 150 teams to over 971 teams in 10 years. In 2012, teams came from 12 different states including Georgia and Illinois.

10Th Annual Jam AAUTournament

Central Valley Voice Staff

MCNAMARA PARK POOLOPENING IN MERCED

some dissension by a small but vocal group of area city area citizenry.

The vocal group lodged two major concerns. The first concern was the lack of im-provement to the existing bathrooms which have only one toilet each for males and females and no access for the handicapped.

The group invited the plan-ners to visit the existing bath-rooms but they declined. Five citizens and a photographer visited the bathrooms only to find waste moisture coming out of the men’s bathroom which was occupied while a father stood outside by a bush with his small child while child relieved himself.

A survey of the bathrooms revealed that the handicapped stalls had been turned into storage areas and were not ac-cessible to anyone. The stench was overwhelming in both toi-lets.

The second concern was the creation of the splash pool

June 13 marks the date for the 2nd summer opening for the McNamara Pool. The pool was opened to the public from June 13, 2013 thru August on Thursday - Sunday 3-6 p.m.

Last year the pool was opened after much discussion and insistence by a very vocal community that protested the proposed closure of the pool and its eventual demolition.

After a march on City Hall by concern citizens, Supervi-sor John Pedroza led the con-cerned residents of South Mer-ced to convince fellow elected officials to contribute in fund-raising efforts. Needed repairs were made and the pool was opened.

Major supporters included Supervisor Pedrozo, Merced college president Ben Duran, Mayor Stan Thurston, Flip Has-sett of United Way, County School Superintendent Steve

Gomes, Tony Slaton of the Boys and Girls Club; Councilwoman Mary Michael-Rolling and the city of Merced and many oth-ers.

The pool had been closed for the previous 2 years because of funding. It is hoped that the pool will be see greater use this season.

This year the opening was led by Mayor Thurston and Supervisor Pedroza and Sher-iff Pazin and City Police Chief Norm Andrade will provide hot dogs and water to participants.

PLANS FOR MCNAMARA PARK

On Thursday May 9, the final community awareness meet-ing was held at McNamara Park to display the final architectur-al plans for the two million dol-lar planned improvement and renovation.

Everyone present agreed that the presentation and ex-planation of design were excel-lent. Improvements and modi-fications were approved with

BY LEONARD RHODES

MERCED MAYOR STAN THURSTON WITH YOUTH WAITING TO SWIM.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1


The Raiders have signed third-round draft pick Sio Moore, General Manager Reggie McKenzie announced .

The Raiders, who signed six draft picks last week, have now signed seven of the team’s 10 selections from the 2013 NFL Draft.

The Raiders have signed third-round draft pick Sio Moore, General Manager - Reggie McKenzie announced

RAIDERS SIGN DRAFTPICK SIO MOORE

Raiders Media RelationsMoore (6-1, 240), a linebacker out of Connecti-

cut, was selected 66th overall by the Raiders in April. He played in 41 games with 31 starts at UConn, and garnered first-team All-Big East Conference honors twice during his collegiate career. As a senior, Moore ranked fourth on the team with 72 tackles (45 solo) and was named to the watch list for the Butkus Award, present-ed annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

611 G StreetModesto, CA 95353

THE SAW SHOP

“Specializing in leather products”Merced Boot Shoe Repair

461 W. Main Street - Merced, CA 95340

Ask forIrfan Ertan

(209) 726-5002

(Downtown Merced (canal & main street)

EXCLUSIVE PHOTO BY TONY GONZALES

NIGHT AT THE BOWL

The City of Modesto’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department and MoBand have teamed up to host “A Night at the Bowl” on Friday, June 29. The event will feature tastings from area wineries, restaurants and premium beers accompa-nied by live music by area musi-cians at Graceada Park from 5-9 p.m.

TICKETS ARE ONLY $35 PER PERSON. They can be pur-chased at The City of Modesto, PRND, Gottshalk Music Center, Moband, Modesto Chamber of Commerce or the Modesto Convention and Visitors Bureau.

(Modesto, CA) – The Califor-nia Community College Ath-letic Association (CCCAA), in association with the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATY-CAA), has announced Modesto Junior College has placed 11th out of 105 Community Colleg-es in the final standings of the 2012-13 NATYCAA Cup.

During the 2012-13 season MJC advanced to champion-ship playoff games in the fol-lowing sports: women’s golf (coach Milan Motroni), wom-en’s cross country (coach Mary Shea), men’s wrestling (coach Jesse Vazquez), men’s water

polo (coach Eric Fischer), men’s tennis (coach Shawn Black), men’s and women’s swim-ming (coach Kurt Olson), men’s and women’s track and field (coaches Demitrius Snaer and Mary Shea).

Each college’s top-five men’s and top-five women’s team re-sults count toward the school’s overall point total. MJC came in with a score of 104.5. Com-plete standings, scoring crite-ria, and history of the NATYCAA Cup is available on the CCCAA website, www.cccaasports.org/natycaa-cup.asp.

NATYCAA is the professional organization of two-year col-lege athletic administrators.

MJC Places 11th In The Natycaa CupMODESTO JUNIOR COLLEGE MODESTO COMMUNITY

20 JUNE 2013

NEWSWORTHY TRENDS

munity become homeowners, while pursuing a career with unlimited earning potential.

At the same time, to better serve its clients, the company has created a Facebook page designed to connect with the Hispanic community. The page has the theme “It’s Our Time.”

Part Of A Market Trend?

The uptick reported in His-panic first-time homeowner-ship is consistent with what may be a general market trend.According to Rick Davidson, president and CEO, Century 21 Real Estate LLC, “The market is still presenting opportuni-

HOMEOWNERSHIP IS GROWING AMONG HISPANICS

(NAPSI)—The demographic portrait of the U.S.—particular-ly its urban centers—is chang-ing.

That’s the word from the ex-perts at the Brookings Institu-tion who report that in the pe-riod 2000 to 2010, nonwhites and Hispanics accounted for 98 percent of population growth in large metro areas of the U.S.

According to William Frey, author of the Brookings report, “The New Metro Minority Map: Regional Shifts in Hispanics, Asians, and Blacks from Census 2010,” growing Hispanic popu-lations are driving demograph-ic shifts in major American cit-ies.

He observed that during that decade, 29 of the 100 largest metro areas more than

The State Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the City of Merced in a case dealing with a planned Wal-Mart Distribu-tion Center. The State Supreme Court has decided not to hear an appeal of a Fifth District Court of Appeal decision that found no problems with the City’s Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the project.

The plaintiffs in the case were three City residents and the Merced Alliance for Responsible Growth. They claimed the document did not adequately assess the project’s impacts on air quality, hydrolo-gy and water quality, traffic, ur-ban decay, visual impacts, and greenhouse gases and global climate change. The plaintiffs

SUPREME COURT RULING FAVORS CITY

also took issue with some of the processes the City used in creating the EIR.

The City also won the initial case in Superior Court brought by MARG and others.

Wal-Mart plans to build a 1.2 million square-foot warehouse and distribution center on Childs Avenue in the University Industrial Park. The site is on land zoned for industrial use near the Mission Interchange.

The center would initially employ about 600 people and ultimately it could employ 1,200 workers. It is expected that the 1,200 Wal-Mart Center jobs could lower the County’s jobless rate of 14.7 percent by a full percentage point.

The City’s Economic De-

velopment Department has worked on the project since 2002. The City did not offer any financial subsidy, relief, proper-ty tax rebates, fee waivers, sales tax rebates or tax-free land for the project. Wal-Mart is paying all of the required fees, which are expected to be approxi-mately $3 million. Area schools are expected to receive more than $400,000 in fees from the Wal-Mart project.

The center would operate 24-hours a day, 7-days a week and generate an estimated 450 truck trips into and out of the facility each day. The trucks will leave from one of the two gates on Gerard Avenue, going to the Campus Parkway and then onto Highway 99.

doubled their Hispanic popula-tions.

Hispanics are also the fast-est-growing group of first-time homebuyers, according to the “2012 State of Hispanic Home-ownership Report” published by the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Profes-sionals.

Responding To Opportunity

This growth in the Hispanic market is reflected in the way some—but not all—real estate companies are responding to the opportunity. For example, one company in particular, Century 21 Real Estate LLC, is actively recruiting Hispanic en-trepreneurs who want to help other members of their com-

ACCORDING TO ONE RECENT SURVEY, HISPANICS ARE THE FASTEST-GROWING GROUP OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS.

SEE PAGE >21


*FORMER CLAIMS ADJUSTER *FORMER DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR INSURANCE COMPANY

*FORMER MEDICAL MALPRACTICE DEFENSE ATTORNEY FOR COUNTY HOSPITALS IN LOS ANGELES

The Law Offices OfBrenda J. Pannell

Call toll-free for a free consultation

A FORMER “INSIDER” NOW SERVING YOU

(T) (866) 942-3557

Representing Clients in the Central Valley and throughout the State of California.

Most cases handled on contingency.

ACCIDENT AND INJURY ATTORNEY

• Personal Injury (Car Accidents, Slip and Falls)• Medical Malpractice/Wrongful Death• Nursing Home Neglect

HELP WANTEDKen Williams Sr. Modesto residence for 23+ years with over 40 years in the Real Estate Industry is now a Loan Offi cer with Carrollton Mortgage. Specializing in Reverse Mortgages. We are the OLDEST Reverse Mortgage Lender in the WESTERN United States, including Cripple Creek, Colorado.

■ Government FHA Insured program with No minimum income orcredit to qualify No up-front costs. Closing Cost fi nanced in the loan

■ Social Security and Medicare unaffected your home stays in yourname you can leave your home to your heirs

■ Tax Free Income

FEATURES OF A REVERSE LOAN

We make house calls.NMLS #332357 DRE # 00931000

3400 Tully Road, Suite AModesto, CA. 95355(209) 526-6200(209) 541-9904 Cell,(209) 526-3149 Fax 65

7431

(209) 358-6441(888) 358-6441

1199 Atwater BlvdAtwater, CA 95301

Auto • Property • Life • CommercialEric Lee

AGENT/BROKER

LEE INSURANCE AGENCY

[email protected]#: 0577069

FINANCIAL CORNER HOMEOWNERS... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

ties for first-time buyers.” He also observed that according to the National Association of Realtors’ April “Existing-Home Sales” report, pricing for sellers has trended upward for 14 con-secutive months.

To learn more, visit the web-site at www.century21.com or follow at Facebook.com/c21espanol.

To AdvertiseCall: (209) 357-3718

website: centralvalleyvoice.com

22 JUNE 2013

Automotive Services Corner

CALL US

Advertise

Today!

357-3718

Call Today(209) 385-3895

1030 W.15th StreetMerced, CA 95340Fax: (209) 385-3451

Complete Diagnosis Service & Repair of MotorVehicles Electrical, Electronics, A/C, Emissions, etc.

V.I.P Auto Repair

Open Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Rosendo Pacheco/Owner

Harris Electric Service

487 S. HWY 59 • Merced, CA 95340

(209) 722-7051

•Starters •Alternators•Other Electric Work


(209) 722-1050

•Cleaning• Repairing• Recoring

365 S. Highway 59Merced, CA 95340

• Heater Cores• Plastic Radiators• Custom Exhaust Work

“When you’ve seen the rest, come see the BEST!”Mike Hausmann

Se habla Espanol

Mike’s Radiator & Muffler

Best Wishes2013Graduates

CAR CORNER

(NAPSI)—Many drivers have found a clear way to protect themselves, their passengers and their wallets with the help of a film they can hardly see.

The Problem“People don’t realize their

skin is getting damaged from sitting near glass windows in cars,” explains Dr. Dee Anna Glaser, vice-chair of the Der-matology Department at St. Louis University. “Damage from certain kinds of ultraviolet rays is cumulative. These ultraviolet rays penetrate deep into the skin and can silently accelerate the aging process, cause wrin-kles and even skin cancer.”

Adds the Skin Cancer Foun-dation, drivers are especially vulnerable on the left side.

An AnswerFortunately, drivers can ap-

ply a clear or tinted window film over the vehicle’s windows for virtually invisible protection that blocks up to 99 percent of ultraviolet rays.

Lower Temperatures And Costs

In addition, by reducing the interior temperature of the car, the window film can reduce the need to run the air-condi-tioning and so burn less fuel, saving money and the environ-ment. Window film can reduce a car’s interior temperature by as much as 30 degrees.

LLumar window films by Eastman Chemical Company can be professionally installed at more than 1,100 LLumar and FormulaOne dealers across the country. Manufactured in the U.S., they are backed by a life-time manufacturer’s warranty.Learn MoreVisit www.llumar.com/skinpro-tection to learn more about window films for skin protec-tion; “like” LLumar on Facebook at www.facebook.com/llumar-windowfilm for more skin pro-tection tips.

Stop Sun Damage

The sun’s harmful rays can penetrate car window glass to harm drivers’ skin.

24 JUNE 2013

[email protected]

(209) 947- 3201

Keep America Working!

“Anyone Can Go From Zero To Hero, Why Don’t We Get

Started?!”

Professional Motivational SpeakerGARLAND BARNES

THRIVING TO

“I believe that everyone who desires to work should have that opportunity. Check with me about how we can get started”.

Garland Barnes

Judd's JewelersFAMILY OWNEDSince 1950

209.722.1114

• Expert Jewelry Repair• Diamond Setting• Special Order Work• All Done On Premise

LOOK US UP ON [email protected]

1710 Canal StreetMerced, CA 95340

Bruce Ingraham Owner

(BEHIND THE MALL)

• Hand Washing• Complete Detailing

MERCED MALLCAR WASH

“Put A Shine on Your Car”

Hours of OperationsWinter Hours

Monday-Saturday8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Summer HoursMonday-Sunday

(209) 723-7900

(Please call for an appointment)

• C o m p l e t e C o o l i n g & E x h a u s t• C a t a l y t i c C o n v e r t e r s • H i t c h e s

“ S e r v i n g a l l y o u r R a d i a t o r a n d M u f f l e r n e e d s ”Hours: Open Mon-Fri 8:00-5:00 p.m.

775 Atwater Blvd. • Atwater, CA 95301(209) 358-2638

THE BACK PAGE

We have one of a kind items!

Boutique Gifts & Collectibles

[email protected] Broadway • Atwater, CA 95301

BUS: 209. 358.7803

LeP e a r l ’ sVisit Le Pearl's Boutique

Le Pearl ButcherOwner

•Gifts•Apparel•Unique Jewelry•Scarves•Purses •Not Your Mother's Jeans

ADVERTISECALL: 357-3718

June 2013

Documents

Transcript of June 2013