Sierra Star Opinion & Talk

06/25/2017

Bill, Bill, Bill

Fact checking Bill Atwood can be a full-time job. But I’m retired, so I’ll skip past the half-truths and exaggerations in his tiresome June 15 diatribe about how awful the Obama years were, and focus on the whoppers Bill planted in his final paragraphs.

Apparently gifted with knowledge not available to the independent counsel and two congressional committees investigating a possible link between the Trump campaign and the Russians, Bill blithely proclaims there is “zero evidence” of collusion between the Trump gang and the Putin gang.

Here in America, where I come from, we let the facts speak for themselves. It’s just good manners to allow the investigators to finish their work before announcing what they are going to find.

And then, displaying a truly breathtaking ignorance of the law, Bill informs us James Comey committed a felony by leaking non-classified details of his meeting with Trump, and calls for his arrest.

We simply need to ignore the dozens of legal scholars - Democrat, Republican and non-partisan - who have researched the issue and reported that Comey’s leak did not, in fact, violate federal law.

Heavens to Betsy, never mind what those folks say. Bill has spoken. He’s wrong, of course, but he has spoken.

These are turbulent, unsettling times. The sheer volume of false information generated on social sites and politically biased media - on both sides - is beyond belief. It is more important than ever that members of the legitimate media should do their homework and tell the truth.

Bill Atwood is entitled to his opinions, but stating them as fact is irresponsible.

CHARLES BEDNAR, OAKHURST

06/24/2017

Volunteer

Be a driver for cancer patients

One of the toughest challenges cancer patients face is getting to and from treatment. Many patients don’t own a vehicle, can’t afford gas, or don’t have access to public transportation.

Some may be too ill to drive, or have no family members who can help with all their transportation needs. Without access to reliable transportation, cancer patients are unable to receive regular treatment, and even the best treatment can’t work if a patient can’t get there.

The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteer drivers, especially in the rural areas, willing to donate their passenger seat to transport cancer patients to and from their treatment through the Road To Recovery program.

All you need is a valid driver’s license, a safe and reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance. Drivers must be 18 to 84 years old and have a good driving record. The society conducts background checks on all drivers and provides free online training.

As a volunteer driver, I can attest that the patients aren’t the only ones to benefit from this program. It’s a great feeling to know that I’m literally giving someone a ride that is helping to save their life.

If interested, call 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org/volunteer/.

Mickey Jones, ACS volunteer driver

Learn about opportunities to volunteer with the American Cancer Society.

06/23/2017

Taxpayer money down the drain

It’s not every day the public can sway elected officials. The Madera County Board of Supervisors was poised to fund a coffee kiosk at the County Government Center building in Madera. Money would come from the to***co tax. On May 17, 2016 the board approved the project.

There was just one problem, cost to the taxpayer. It was sold by the board as a great service to the public visiting the facility and for its staff. Potentially they could make money from it.

The terms of the contract provided the taxpayers pay if sales did not reach certain amounts, and require a $201,000 reimbursement to the vendor.

Taxpayers would have to insure the kiosk would be profitable. Taxpayers would also have to pay $188,000 for plans and modifications to the building to provide internet, phone, water, electricity and sewer. This was a no-bid deal, guaranteed profit for the vendor.

Finally the board, a year later, from public pressure killed the project. But it will still cost taxpayers about $100,000 to $150,000 to reimburse the vendor for the preinstallation cost for the design and fabrication of fixtures in a clause of cancellation. What a waste of time and taxpayer money.

The real mistake made by the board was trying to be a business, which is none of their business. This idea required a sizable taxpayer investment with a chance of making a profit and definitely potentially losing money. The taxpayer was to become the business partner.

There is a reason why the county does not play in the stock market. If a coffee kiosk was so important, the board could have offered the space for rent. Allow bids where a vendor fronts all the construction cost. If this is likely to be profitable then let the vendor take the risk and reap the rewards. We just bought the fixtures and plans with the cancellation of the project. There could be an opportunity to get our money back by taking bids for a new reworked project.

MARC SOBEL, OAKHURST

Note: Marc Sobel is challenging Madera County District 5 Supervisor Tom Wheeler in the June, 2018 primary election.

06/08/2017

Duck, Donald

Duck, Donald

Here comes the sun.

06/07/2017

Schools of learning

http://www.sierrastar.com/opinion/columns-blogs/dr-bill-atwood/article154687739.html

Children are naturally very curious. They will try to figure out how certain things work. When a baby ages just a few months and is able to crawl, that baby will move toward an object that attracts its attention.

06/02/2017

Why the Newman recall is justified

Why the Newman recall is justified

State Sen. Josh Newman, who has been in office less than six months, is the target of a credible and well organized recall election. The recall effort was instigated by reform and taxpayer interests over the passage of Senate Bill 1 which imposes a permanent $5.2 billion annual tax on gasoline and v...

06/01/2017

Adios mis amigos

Adios mis amigos

“The sky plane caught fire over Los Gatos Canyon…” Woody Guthrie, “Plane Wreck at Los Gatos” (Deportee)” (1948).

05/31/2017

The Greatest Generation

The Greatest Generation

“Many men came here as soldiers

05/28/2017

For the good of democracy

Good Grief - Bill Atwood can’t even make it through his first paragraph in his May 18 column without repeating the false narrative that Hillary Clinton committed crimes.

Bill confuses doing something he doesn’t like with doing something illegal. Director Comey testified that no reasonable prosecutor would have brought charges, but Trump and his stooges never stopped referring to her “crimes,” as though she had been tried and convicted.

These same folks now demand that Trump must be given the benefit of the doubt they refused to grant Ms. Clinton.

Bill seems to be unaware of the facts of Russian interference. His question, “Was even one vote in any machine altered by the Russians” completely misses the point. In the months preceding the election, Russian operatives bombarded social media with false narratives critical of Ms. Clinton.

We can’t be sure how many votes were swayed by their effort, but 17 intelligence agencies have reported that influencing votes - not altering ballots -- was what the Russians were trying to do.

Bill declares that “no crime” was committed by Trump or his team, well before any conclusions have been reached by the three agencies investigating a possible Russia connection. But he feels free to declare that Ms. Clinton was guilty, even after hearing testimony from the top cop in America that she was, in fact, not guilty.

The 2016 election was dominated by a pathological liar, a malignant narcissist whose inability to accept facts continues unabated, to the consternation of reasonable Americans from all sides of the political spectrum.

For the good of our democracy, we need to reject the culture of willful mendacity that permeates the White House, and tell the truth to ourselves, each other, and our elected officials.

BILL BENDER, OAKHURST

05/26/2017

Governor Brown proposes $50 million cuts in battle against tree mortality

Governor Brown proposes $50 million cuts in battle against tree mortality

Critics of Gov. Jerry Brown’s revisions to the 2017-2018 state budget say he’s proposing to cut millions of dollars desperately needed to fight fires and fund tree mortality projects across the state.

05/25/2017

A patriotic weekend

A patriotic weekend

This coming Monday the nation will take time to honor two wonderful groups of heroes. On Memorial Day we honor from dawn until noon the War Dead. More than 1,050,000 men and women have lost their lives on the field of battle to defend this nation and our freedoms. At noon we hoist the flag from the…

05/24/2017

Tripping With Trump

Tripping With Trump

Jared is scared.

05/12/2017

Generally accurate

Kathleen Goetsch’s guest commentary (Star - April 20) about meeting with Tom McClintock’s aide was generally accurate, but misleading on a few points. Goetsch said this meeting was the first time Oakhurst residents have shown up to air their concerns - she apparently missed the Jan. 25 meeting at which around 50 people met with Rocky Deal.

Second, Goetsch is simply wrong in asserting that “none of them” attended any of McClintock’s (presumably many) town halls. Since becoming our representative in 2013, McClintock has held precisely two public meetings in Oakhurst, the last in 2014. I was there, along with several other Democrats. The next – and last – time McClintock spoke in Oakhurst was at a closed-door, invitation-only session for Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce members only, Aug.18, 2016.

Goetsch declared we came because we are mad at Trump. Well, lots of folks are - and with good reason. But we are also mad at McClintock. He is part of the do-nothing Congress that spent the last seven years of the Obama administration putting party ahead of country, just to punish President Obama for the unforgivable sin of providing health care to millions.

We are mad about McClintock’s positions on climate change, health care, and many other issues. Elected officials across the country are finding their constituents are really mad - as McClintock experienced in Roseville and Mariposa in February.

Matt Reed did a good job defending his boss, although his quizzical response when I asked if McClintock was concerned about Trump’s bizarre behavior (“I don’t know what you’re talking about”) elicited groans and laughter.

Ms. Goetsch is correct that both sides need to engage in dialogue. I might suggest dialogue based on fact. Many on the left are frustrated by those (most notably President Trump) who simply dismiss proven facts that don’t conform to their viewpoint.

Charles Bednar, Oakhurst

05/11/2017

Cavanaugh is one of the best

I have been reading Peter Cavanaugh’s column (For Your Consideration) in the Sierra Star for a long time and have come to believe he is one of the most insightful, compassionate, brightest, and well informed political columnists, not only in California, but in the nation.

His information is impeccable - his humor is brilliant - and his writing abilities are first-rate.

I always look forward to reading his enlightening words each week in the Star.

Lee Underwood, Oakhurst

05/10/2017

Evidence is overwhelming

Bill Atwood’s discourse on “Climate Change/Global Warming” does ring hollow, as the title of his April 27 column suggests. It is apparent that he is not interested in the truth but is replicating the decades old propaganda needed to protect many large businesses from slowdowns.

Climatologist and oceanographers from around the world have been actively engaged for many decades in following the trends of global temperature variations in our atmosphere and oceans. These scientists have been meeting together on a regular basis over the past century and have decades of research data from all parts of the globe.

The evidence, as NASA tells us, “is overwhelming and compelling.” Most of the change has happened in the past 12 years.

Studies show that Americans internalize propaganda when it reinforces their prejudices or opinions.

Whether this vast number of world scientists is 97% or 79% is immaterial - it is indisputable that there is an overwhelming consensus, based on decades of very expensive research, that the world is in trouble.

Are humans causing it? There are many contributing factors not all human and historical research does show that global warming and climate change has happened ages ago, but over centuries of time.

Now we are looking at very rapid changes over a few decades not centuries. Man is not only responsible for adding to the natural causes but is causing these natural causes to increase exponentially.

You can listen to these political propagandists or you can step out of the dark and do your own research and read sources like National Geographic or NASA to find all the truth including likely consequences.

What ever happened to the very wise tactic, “Erring on the side of caution?”

David L. Drown, Oakhurst

05/05/2017

Donations sought for scholarship

I am excited to invite the parents of Minarets High School athletes to take part in our 2017 FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Scholarship award.

Your student athletes are one of the cornerstones of Minarets High School team sports programs. Within every sports category there are Christian athletes who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ through integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence. FCA’s core values are simply the way we live and the way we conduct ourselves.

Your student is one of many who have taken part in Mustang FCA Huddles, FCA Christian camps, as well as other school programs and organizations. They are student leaders deserving of recognition for their strong moral characters on and off the field, courts and campus.

This will be our fifth year to offer this honorable scholarship to our 2017 graduating seniors for their leadership role on campus and in the community.

So now I am asking you to partner with me for this student-led club financially. We are looking for donations from each of you who have had your student benefit from the program by the positive messages given by our Mustang student leadership, professional and college athletes and speakers we have had.

The student team is looking to raise $2,000 this year, and we are asking for $50, $75 and $100 or more donations to help this scholarship fund. Your tax deductible donations can be left at the school office. Please make checks out to “Minarets High School” with memo noted, “FCA scholarship award.” All donations must be turned-in by May 12.

For more information, please contact Sophia Manning ([email protected] ) John Lorenzana ([email protected]) or Daniel Ching ([email protected]).

John E. Lorenzana, Director of Student Ministries

05/05/2017

I was appalled

I was appalled to read Peter Cavanaugh’s April 27 opinion column with his reference statements of Attorney General Jeff “Pee Wee” Sessions, and, Mitch “Turtle Time” McConnell.” Is this our new standard for journalism?

This quickly reminded me of bullying by kids at school or at playgrounds where the bully picks on some kid to call him degrading names and hoping to encourage others to be mean and join in. What kind of example are we providing for our youth who would read what Peter wrote?

What kind of impression are we leaving with our many tourist visitors from around the world who are staying in our town and read our local paper? I know Peter is very involved with the local Democratic party but is he using our paper as his forum to spread his left wing ideological views? Is there an editorial review of what he writes?

What are our editorial standards for our local paper? Do they include toxic and mean spirited statements? Are we trying to be to the left of the New York Times or Los Angeles Times?

After reading Peter’s opinion I was very pleased to once again read Dr. Bill Atwood’s opinion and see a very different and refreshing approach without the interjection of attempts to stir up hate and anger.

Bill’s opinions are more reflective of the family oriented community where we are respectful and tolerant of different viewpoints.

CHUCK DUDEK, OAKHURST

Editor’s Note: The views expressed in the Sierra Star’s opinion pages (guest commentaries, columnists and letters to the editor), are those of the authors, and do not necessarily express the viewpoint of any employee or management of the paper.

05/05/2017

Freedom can’t protect itself

Freedom can’t protect itself

Democracy is not automatic. In fact, it still remains a fragile commodity.

05/04/2017

We are lucky

I just want to say how lucky we are to have three rivers that go through our town.

How many times do you visit another town or city and walk along its river. We also can walk along our rivers. Even though not as fancy as the walkways in the city, it is scenic, and calming to walk along our rivers.

Twenty years ago a group was formed that wanted to have a way to walk along the Fresno River. A trail was started and after a few years there was three miles of trail along three rivers all in the urban area of Oakhurst.

The Eastern Madera County Chamber of Commerce Foundation was formed to assist with grants for river restoration, and a lot of work was done to preserve the river banks.

The dream was to have the businesses see the value in facing the river, but after all this time that dream has not been accomplished. Still with the Oakhurst Community Park and Oakhurst River Parkway walking access is possible.

Since we are not a city, and the county does not provide parks, the only way to enjoy our rivers is with community fundraising and donations. This also means volunteer assistance with maintenance. There are many people who have volunteered their time to make sure we can enjoy these beautiful rivers.

With the recent flooding there is more trash than ever along the river banks. A River Clean Up and Work Day has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, to repair trails and pick up trash in the river.

I would like to encourage individuals along with clubs and organizations in the community to come join us at the Oakhurst Library parking lot to help keep the best feature in our town ready for those that want to enjoy the scenery provided by our town’s rivers.

I would love to hear from any groups that can help out or students groups looking for some community service hours - (559) 683-7027.

SANDY BRINLEY, OAKHURST

05/04/2017

Rule of Law

Rule of Law

Last week I had the opportunity to join with several hundred students and a couple of dozen federal and state jurists in the celebration of Law Day in Yosemite National Park under the leadership of the Federal District Court Magistrate, Michael Seng, who has a great team that provides a superb progr...

04/27/2017

Wild claims that ring hollow

Wild claims that ring hollow

In 1986 Star Trek fans enjoyed the movie, “The Voyage Home,” which dealt with Captain Kirk and crew heading back in time to retrieve whales to restore them to the oceans of the future.

04/26/2017

The 100 daze

The 100 daze

You are not alone. In fact, you are in the American majority by a 2-to-1 margin according to late breaking polls.

04/25/2017

Volunteer

National Volunteer Week is April 23-29

National Volunteer Week is an annual celebration held to recognize and thank volunteers who lend their time, talent, voice, and support to causes they care about in their community. During National Volunteer Week, April 23-29, the American Cancer Society recognizes and celebrates the efforts of its approximately 2 million volunteers nationwide who are making a difference in the fight against cancer.

There are no words that can possibly express our gratitude for all our volunteers do. From driving cancer patients to and from treatment to leading Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer teams, running the Discovery Shop resale store, assisting with everyday office needs, and advocating for healthier communities, volunteers are the heart and soul of the American Cancer Society. Volunteers are the reason we will achieve our mission to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer.

To volunteer with the American Cancer Society, call (800) 227-2345 or go online at www.cancer.org/volunteer. There is a year-round need for more volunteers. Cancer patients depend upon you.

DONNA GAVELLO, PROGRAM MANAGER, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

Learn about opportunities to volunteer with the American Cancer Society.

04/21/2017

Honored to call her friend

We read in the April 6 Sierra Star that Oakhurst Chamber is going in a new direction.

They are entitled to that, however, as a new resident to the Coarsegold area I must submit my experience with a employee that was let go: Joelle Leder.

When we first moved to the area in August 2016 the first place we went was the chamber to help guide us through this beautiful area we now call home. Joelle was the first person who greeted us. She had a welcoming smile, professional manner and gave us invaluable information to introduced us to several area’s and groups that interested us. Because of that, we have many new friends in the foothills. We have run into Joelle several times since, happy and honored to call her friend.

It is a huge loss to let such a valuable person to the community go. We are beyond disappointed in the chamber’s decision because as I’ve mentioned above, she was the warm greeting we received to this brand-new adventure.

We would hope the chamber will reconsider their decision. An authentic kind sincere woman is a hole in the image the chamber should have been proud and honored to have.

TODD AND DEBBIE JACKSON, COARSEGOLD

04/20/2017

Celebrate prom and graduation safely

Near the end of high school, dresses and tuxedos come out for prom. Seniors also prepare for college, military, and/or work. A lesson from my life must be learned.

In 1992, I was a junior and an athlete at Tracy High School in San Joaquin County. I planned to attend a California college like Reedley College. That never happened.

I was 16 on April 10 of that year when I was hit head-on by a drunken driver. The collision put me in a coma for 100 days with brain injuries, several broken and dislocated bones, and paralysis. I was a patient in two hospitals for seven months and then had therapy for 17 months.

After 25 years, I still struggle daily with my hearing, talking, walking, and I cannot drive. Schooling for my dream job is unrealistic. A drunken driver dramatically changed my life.

Please do not make a bad decision by driving drunk or become a passenger of a vehicle with one. As the old cliché says, “The life you save may be your own.”

LORI MARTIN, TRACY

04/19/2017

On the chopping block

On the chopping block

First to get the ax was the Affordable Care Act. Obamacare was deemed the worst possible health care ever devised. All we heard was “repeal and replace.” That clarion call resounded across the nation without followers ever truly examining what the Affordable Care Act provided them.

04/18/2017

Political scams are the norm in California

Political scams are the norm in California

Con artists deceive their victims by manipulating emotions and exploiting vulnerabilities. Some con artists are so skilled, their victims are unaware they’ve been scammed. Once a con artist gains your trust, it’s highly probable you’ll be the victim of a scam.

04/18/2017

A little safer

A little safer

Donald Trump seems to be a combination of a Timex watch and the Energizer Bunny. He just keeps on ticking people off and he just keeps going and going and going. The bombing raid in Syria confounded everyone. Many of his supporters were in shock because he had stated President Obama was wrong to be…

04/15/2017

How much will be left?

At 73, this is my maiden voyage to writing a letter to any editor, basically highlighting a letter I recently sent to Gov. Brown.

As Gov. Brown, with the sound of a speeding bullet (train), rapes his constituents, here in the failing State of California, I am curious to know if he is going to pad his retirement, as President Obama did, before leaving office. And are our elected officials going to let him?

After all, with the billions he has trapped us with for road repair, and the unnecessary bullet rain in the Central Valley (we needed the train from Bakersfield to LA - not replacing service already available), I wonder how much will be left after our lobbyists and government officials get hold of the billions of dollars in new funds.

Perhaps Gov. Brown, might have considered investigating where the funds, already earmarked for road repair, are actually going, and how many hands are already in that pot.

PAMELA SILVA, AHWAHNEE

04/15/2017

Trump and Syria

Donald Trump and Republicans bank on the notion that their supporters are oblivious to real news and have very short and selective memories.

In 2013, Trump made numerous statements that Obama should completely stay out of Syria and now claims Obama’s ultimatum to Assad about his use of chemical weapons was empty rhetoric, conveniently leaving out the part where Obama properly sought permission from Congress and they would have none of it.

During the presidential campaign, Trump lambasted George W. Bush for leading us into regime change in Iraq. More recently, he lead the charge to block passage of Syrian refugees to our shores but then feigns shock and outrage over tragic footage of Syrian children dying of a chemical weapons attack.

What did he think was happening in Syria for the last five years to cause all those innocent victims to flee their homeland? Is he only just now waking up to the horrors? Where have you been Mr. Trump? Oh yeah, silly question, playing golf in Florida.

Now he launches an illegal attack on a Syrian air base and there’s talk of taking out Assad, which leaves what? Regime change. Will this be Trump’s Iraq? Kind of convenient and conspicuous that this comes right as his poll numbers are tanking amid increasingly compelling evidence that he colluded with the Russians over their hacking of our election, amid the litany of all his other abject failures in less than 100 days of his presidency. Is the dog wagging the tail?

Everyone agrees that Syria is a devastating human tragedy on a massive scale and it is heart wrenching to watch, but what difference will our involvement truly make short of total regime change which we cannot afford to facilitate with all the problems we need to fix here at home?

Is Trump truly a nationalist only until he needs to divert attention away from his own scurrilous activities?

JOE NELSON, OAKHURST

04/14/2017

Your money going around

Madera County has started the process to build a roundabout in North Fork at the intersection of Road 274 and Road 225 that will cost an estimated $1.86 million.

The claim is this will make the intersection safer and more efficient. The real question begs - is this a good use of your money?

The county is receiving a federal grant for $1.3 million, but kicking in $558,000 from local Measure T road funds.

The traffic study shows a peak two hour window in the morning of 694 vehicles and 617 in the late afternoon. That is about 5.5 vehicles a minute. In two directions there is no stop sign thus no waiting.

Is this really a congested intersection? The study makes no mention of accidents, there was no actual timing of delay at the stop signs, and no comparison to other intersections to reference averages.

We know our roads need a lot of repair. There are areas that flood, needing culverts, and plenty of paving to be done. Once again the county has chosen to waste our money on something that is not needed.

MARC SOBEL, OAKHURST

NOTE: Marc Sobel has announced his candidacy for Madera County District 5 Supervisor in 2018.

04/13/2017

He is risen

He is risen

Happy Easter - When many of us walk into our various churches on Sunday, we will greet one another with the statement, “He is risen.” The response back will be, “He is risen indeed.” This exchange has been going on for centuries and it is the statement that embodies why people are Christians. The to...

04/13/2017

“Any way the wind blows”

“Any way the wind blows”

War by impulse. The newsman’s voice rang with startling alarm: “Trump shows the world he’s not afraid to attack without warning.”

04/07/2017

Muddied waters

Muddied waters

Does anyone anywhere have a clue what is happening in Washington D.C. with regard to who is spying on whom? Hollywood would have a difficult time selling this plot and the cast of characters in a movie. The viewers would find themselves so very confused with the plot and the lies and the “He said, n...

04/07/2017

Patsy

Patsy

Pat-sy (patsē), noun: a person who is easily taken advantage of, especially by being cheated or blamed for something. A fool. A sap. A sucker.