All calls are edited for length and content. Due to content some calls may not be published.

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A man called about the “state budget and funding being cut, especially from schools.” He asked “the Tribune to do an investigative article looking into the state lottery system and operation, lottery salaries and what the schools really get.”

A lady said, “I’m the wife of a Vietnam veteran and read the story about the homeless veteran and his pregnant wife.” The caller suggested, “there is a lot of help out there. There is a vet center in Fresno that will help you. All you need to ask questions. There’s a veterans office here in Madera. If I was you I would seek help in Fresno.”

Another lady said, “I must be easily amused. I can picture (publisher) Chuck Doud in his kitchen with so much grease on his necktie it almost catches fire. And I crack up.”

After going to city yard “at the end of Gateway to get some sandbags,” a man asked, “what can we do with a limit of 10 bags per person?”

A man said he “agreed with last week’s caller concerned about a dog park at Town and Country.” The caller said he lived in the area and “my neighbors and I are totally against it, even though some of us are dog owners. That park has two many events and kids. It is for those things, not dogs.”

“I always look forward to Mo’s Meanderings on the last Saturday of the month,” began a gentleman. “And once again I was not disappointed in his travel article. That is until I got to the end. What happened to the last part?” The man concluded, “please Tribune get somebody to check these things. It doesn’t do any credit to your paper, or especially to your writers Mr. Emo and Mr. Coate when this happens.”

A man asked, “what is happening to Madera’s Vision Plan? So many good ideas to begin with, and now I haven’t heard anything lately about it. Can the Tribune, or maybe our city council, bring us up to date?

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A visitor to the Red Line online, “Johnathan Czekstan,” responded to an open question about prejudice that was posed on the Web site. “Just because hate crimes have been low does not mean that Madera is taking a step forward in going against racism/prejudice. Just think about all the people that constantly complain about Mexicans/Mexican-Americans like they’re worthless. I think Madera is going backwards. As soon as this problem is cleared up Madera should be going forwards or at least actually improving.

“Also, the Red Line may eventually cause fights, being as a certain group of people may get mad by what an anonymous caller or writer has said. They may feel the need to take it a step further and that may result in violence or worse. I suggest that the Red Line do some kind of censorship regarding issues about illegal immigrants and related issues. Maybe not publish so many. But that is just one opinion.”

A Red Line reader, “Joshua Sheriff,” replied to a comment that the Red Line should be done away with. He wrote, “As an avid reader of The Madera Tribune, I would like to say that the Red Line is an excellent way of communicating thoughts, ideas, and opinions, and sometimes even venting, for Madera residents. It’s a positive atmosphere for healthy debates.”

“From this experience, I took a better look at how important first impressions really are, and although you may not be so blessed to have the nicest clothes, do your best with a positive attitude …”

A hispanic online reader, “Linda,” commented on an old promotional video of Madera that is viewable on the Red Line site. “How old are those pictures? I haven’t seen hairdos like those since the the 80s. I wish Madera was still the way this video claims. I noticed there were no recent pictures of downtown. I wonder why? No one would move here if they saw what most of Madera really looked like east of the tracks and really had to offer. A gang of your choice and numerous (graffiti) opportunities to advertise it.”

A visitor to the Red Line online, “J.P.,” replied to a letter to the editor from the sheriff of Madera County about his deputies not being required to wear seat belts. “While I seldom agree with the Madera County SO, he’s absolutely right on this one. … The entire thing is covered by ‘The Private Passenger Motor Vehicle Safety Act.’ ”

A woman who called herself “Arriana Altman” reminisced about the late Krista Pike on the Red Line online, “I remember when I first talked to her and met her. We were on the bus and she was upset. I wanted to hug her but I didn’t think she knew me. She said, ‘Yes, I do. you’re Arriana,’ and I said, ‘Awww, Krista I love you.’

“She was always there for me when I needed her. She always watched out for me and others. We used to sneak off campus to try and sneak a cigarette and every time we got caught she would always take the blame, just so I wouldn’t get in trouble, but knowing she would.”
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Thank you for your comments. Remember, the Red Line is open for your messages 24 hours a day by calling 674-4478 or visiting www.MaderaTribuneRedLine.com

By Keith Pendleton
The Madera Tribune

OAKHURST — The Madera Tribune asked Oakhurst shoppers their opinions about ballot measure C, which would create a town government for approximately 4,100 residents in the Oakhurst basin.

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— Tony Diaz, restaurant manager
Are you inside or outside the proposed city limits? Inside
Are you in favor of, or against, incorporation Measure C? Against
What issues concern you the most? “I am concerned about duplication of government services between the city and county and the proposed city raising taxes to cover cost of inevitable expanded services.”

— Tammy B., grocery store clerk
Are you inside or outside the proposed city limits? Inside
Are you in favor of, or against, incorporation Measure C? Against
What issues concern you the most? “I am concerned about polution from over-development if the area grows because it becomes a city.”

— Chris Avina, drywall contractor
Are you inside or outside the proposed city limits? Inside
Are you in favor of, or against, incorporation Measure C? Against
What issues concern you the most? “We have enough layers of bureaucracy!”

— David Linn, attorney
Are you inside or outside the proposed city limits? Inside
Are you in favor of, or against, incorporation Measure C? In favor
What issues concern you the most? “Healthcare. This valley needs provision for 24-hour healthcare emergencies.”

— Damian Espinoza
Are you inside or outside the proposed city limits? Inside
Are you in favor of, or against, incorporation Measure C? Against
What issues concern you the most? “I was born and raised in Oakhurst. This is not a city. Oakhurst is a rural town. We need more opportunity if Oakhurst were to become a city. Taxes would go up.”

— Sue Hocker, piano teacher
Are you inside or outside the proposed city limits? Inside
Are you in favor of, or against, incorporation Measure C? In favor
What issues concern you the most? “We need more services, like a new sewer system, a bike lane behind Road 426, a U-turn lane at the new 41/49 intersection and a road circling the town starting above Raleys on State Route 49 to take traffic away from that intersection.”

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Other points of view were stated besides those above. One respondant said: “Madera has different ideas than up here!” Another proponent mentioned that the promoters of this initiative are not getting their message across that the financial feasibility is strong for the proposed city. “Local control is long overdue” was mentioned twice.

“Taxes and fees will not need to be raised since residents currently pay more in taxes to the county than the cost of services this area uses.” That remark was made by a local shop-keeper worried that listing her identification would bring harsh response by people opposed to cityhood.

Gabriela Cox, another local business owner, was upset that her home was included inside the proposed city limits without her approval. She further opined that it is unfair that Oakhurst area residents outside the city could not vote on the measure even though it will affect them too. She is also worried about the rise in the cost of doing business in the city.

One respondant said he has gotten so much press over the issue it was someone else’s turn, but added that the fiscal viability of the proposed town is reported to be among the strongest among the proposals studied by the consulting firm doing the Comprehensive Fiscal Analysis (CFA).

On Saturday, January 26, 2008 the Madera Tribune felt the need to take it upon themselves to publish a revealing, detailed, overly graphic and very unnecessary article surrounding the details of Krista Pike’s death. When I finally picked up the front page the first thing I focused on was the beautiful picture of the 18-year-old victim; perfectly-styled hair, a bright smile on her face. The next thing I noticed, was the large print placed beside it, detailing how she was raped and beaten before finally dying.

The record in my mind ripped and I did about four double-takes. What was wrong with this picture?

As a 14-year-old aspiring forensic investigator, I was shocked at the details of the evidence gathered from the scene and at the disclosure of statements by witnesses and law enforcement. These things are not supposed or allowed to be leaked into the media. But then, I read something else– “The following, based on public documents, details their investigation.” But that just wasn’t right; if these police officers’ notes, the county coroner and investigators’ findings were released as public records by the court, surely a newspaper would not go so far as to publish a blow-by-blow of what happened. Surely they would not be so insensitive to the brutal slaying of a girl barely an adult. Surely they would respect the family and friends of the parties involved.

Sadly, this was not the case.

I read on, becoming more outraged by each sentence I came across which explained in graphic detail images that I’d rather not be made aware of. I stopped reading halfway through the article, feeling disgusted, outraged, and nauseous.

While Mr. John Rieping, may expect a “Job well done!”, a pat on the back and nothing but pure commendation for this “Look Ma– I made the front page!” article, I, as well as many other readers of the Tribune think otherwise. The details surrounding Krista Pike’s death, no matter how much speculation is made by the public, no matter how many murmurs at the water cooler there are about it, is strictly to remain between law enforcement officials and the parties involved in this matter. It’s not only cause for a change of venue, it’s also very unprofessional on Mr. Rieping and the editors’ part.

In most places, if a law enforcement officer opens their mouths and leaks information about a crime scene, motive, suspect, cause of death or anything about a crime before there is a conviction and the case has been tried, this person will lose their job. But these were public records released by the court with their notes and findings which the Tribune felt the need to plaster all over the front page. I think the Tribune’s staff and editors should know something very important: Just because it is public record doesn’t mean it needs to be released to the public.

With an article this detailed about the crime, this leaves room for benefit of the doubt, which could lead to the perpetrators going free. An article this detailed also leaves room to spawn a possible serial killer. Sixty percent of serial killers spawn from previous crimes their family members and/or friends committed initially. Statistics or not, we do not need another grisly murder like this. No one should have to be submitted to the horrible fate Krista Pike was, and no newspaper should ever post something this detailed.

So regardless of how proud the editors and Mr. Rieping may have felt about this article and their detailed coverage of just what exactly happened on January 14, 2008, this article was unnecessary, insensitive and very unprofessional on the part of the newspaper itself. It’s funny– I thought there was some sort of code of ethics journalists were supposed to follow to show sensitivity to these sorts of crimes. I also thought journalists and especially editors should know what they can and should not write about a pending investigation and trial.

Sincerely,
Ann Marie Padilla,
Madera

The below video, posted on YouTube.com, shows the restoration of an 8-door 1940 LaSalle Woodie Wagon at a Coarsegold shop in Madera County. The roughly five minute slideshow was posted in January of 2008.

Recently, there have been comments in the Red Line section of your paper regarding the observation of deputy sheriffs not wearing seat belts. While I appreciate the callers’ interest in our officers’ safety, I think that it should be pointed out the operators of emergency vehicles, such as police, sheriff and CHP officers, are exempt from the seat belt law.

When the legislation mandating seat belt usage was passed, the Legislature correctly identified that there are times when law enforcement officers must exit their vehicles quickly, and exempted them from the requirement.

We do, however, recognize the safety value of seat belts, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Department does have a policy that requires their wearing. However, the policy is a flexible guideline, and deputies have the latitude to exercise their judgment as to circumstances that would warrant their not wearing the belt.

Once again, I compliment the caller for her observation and interest in traffic safety.

John Anderson,
Madera County sheriff

By John Rieping
MaderaTribuneRedLine.com

As many are aware, the town of Oakhurst is debating whether or not to incorporate as a city or to remain a rural area of Madera County. Yet Oakhurst has apparently faced far more difficult dilemmas in the past… such as how to cope with the sad consequences of lawnmower abuse.

The following video of comic horror, posted on YouTube.com in June of 2006, allegedly took third place at the Oakhurst Film Festival in Madera County. This episode in the fictional “lawnmower saga” is described as the third and final chapter of the series.

Note: Don’t trying making a film such as this unless the lawnmower’s blade has been removed … unless you don’t mind risking a pretty brutal manicure. A non-functional machine would also be recommended.

All comments are edited for length and content. Due to content some comments may not be published. Repeat messages on the same subject adding to the length will not be published.
Please limit Red Line telephone calls to two minutes or less. Some weeks, not all messages may be published.

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A woman called about “a lady (first name given) that has two jobs as in on Medi-Cal. I’m a lady that has two jobs and three children and not on Medi-Cal.” This week’s caller suggested, “all you have to do is balance your money instead of things that you want to enjoy. Take care of the insurance for your children.”

A woman who was “reading the paper on Jan. 15 about the speeder on Third Street” said, “In fact, they speed all over town.” She also had concerns over “Medi-Cal. I’d like to have a private doctor but have to wait like everyone else. This country has the worst health care in the world.” She also “liked the Red Line, what people talk about and I think it should stay in the paper. Everybody should just try to get along in this country and do what we can to do what’s right.”

Calling on “a foggy morning, a retired fireman” said, “we have in Madera a bunch of blooming idiots. They are out here on the roads driving without headlights on when today is one of the worst fog days we’ve had this year. They are not only endangering their lives, but everybody else’s
lives.”

“A big problem has been created by the city of Madera,” a woman said who was concerned with, “five homes on East Yosemite. The owners were paid and moved out leaving empty homes. They have become open season for all sorts of crimes.”

She feared for the safety of children and pleaded, “please have those homes knocked down soon.”

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the articles on the Blue Man,” said a woman. “Your writer, Mr. Emo, has done a wonderful job in a sensitive and caring manner. I just hope he (the Blue Man) finds a job and some medical attention.”

A man read “the article today (Jan. 15) on the focus on graffiti on the front page.” The caller was “really glad. In fact I would like to see the police department and paper publicize the graffiti hotline number 661-5119 more frequently. We need to get more and more involvement.”

A woman said simply, “Chuck Doud’s Editor’s Corner cracks me up.”

“I hope they don’t put the dog park in the middle of Town & Country Park,” said a man. “I agree we need one,” he continued, “but there are too many other year-round activities in that park. Find a spot and build a nice one and a permanent one.”

“After reading the article on the Fairmead water problems,” began a gentleman, “and listening to Madera County pat themselves on the back and how they responded, shouldn’t we be asking how could the Board of Supervisors as well as RMA (Risk Management Agency) allow this to happen? Who in Madera County wasn’t doing their job again?”

A man asked, “with another state budget crisis affecting services and schools, are we going to build new schools and parks and not be able to have them even open or staffed? Didn’t we get rid of one governor because of this same problem?”

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Thank you for your comments. Remember, the Red Line is open for your messages 24 hours a day by calling 674-4478 or visiting www.MaderaTribuneRedline.com

From first-hand experience, I know what happens to your body and mind when you go through the change of life. It is a scary thought that the voters may put a menopausal woman in the White House with her finger so close to the nuclear button.

The national news media do not provide the voters with her past records of her hatred of the men and women in the military, her left-wing agendas and her antifamily voting records. Voters, you need to educate yourselves and not listen to what the media only want you to hear. They lie under the 1st Amendment because we do not make them accountable for distorting the truth.

I would like to see a woman in office, but Hillary Clinton is not that woman.

Pat D. Massetti,
Madera

The video that should be visible below apparently was a promotional video made to attract businesses to the city of Madera more than a year ago (and most likely years ago). How well do you think they captured the city on film?

Once again, those walking about Madera were asked what they thought about the current campaigning by Democrats and Republicans seeking to be nominated as their party’s presidential candidate. Below are some of the responses received.

Juan Estrada: I was thinking Obama, but now I think Hillary because she will go for health care.

Fabiola Pulido: I like Obama because he relates to the people best.

Kari Zeller: I like Huckabee, Hillary, and Obama, but I want somebody who will change education and immigration.

Brad McPeters: I like Fred Thompson because he is the most honest, and more experienced.

Mike Messick: I don’t really like any of them, but I would probably vote for McCain if I vote.