Monthly Archives: July 2007

Back to the car lot, boys

By Site Admin | Published: July 31, 2007 | Comments closed
An anonymous caller reports two of his friends were swindled outside the mall today.   The two men were approached by a fellow who mumbled an offer to sell a flat screen TV monitor for $300. He also offered a laptop for $200.   Both were immaculately packed in manufacturer’s boxes.   The men ponied up. “Greed,” the caller scoffed, implying that the [...]
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The pork principle

By Site Admin | Published: July 31, 2007 | Comments closed
I am staunchly against federal “pork” – unless it comes to my district.   So kudos to Congresman Jerry McNerney, who joins Congressman Dennis Cardoza in raking in federal dollars for the Port of Stockton.   Can we have seconds?
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Pumped up in Stockton

By Site Admin | Published: July 30, 2007 | Comments closed
There’s not a single darned gas pump in all Stockton – but the city’s getting one! Stockton, Utah, that is. Read how our namesake is movin’ up here.
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"To know that I might lose it to the bank just tears me up"

By Site Admin | Published: July 30, 2007 | Comments closed
   An anonymous reader contributes her hard-luck story in response to my column about foreclosures. It’s a bit long, but it rings absolutely true.      “Dear Michael,      ”Your ad in the Record on Sunday July 29, 2007 I can completely understand, I might even outdo her.      At the age of 13 I broke my left hip; at the age of [...]
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McNerney’s green vision for Stockton

By Site Admin | Published: July 30, 2007 | Comments closed
“San Joaquin — with both man-made and natural attributes — is well-positioned to benefit from the expanding use, investment in, and development of (alternative) energy sources.” — Congressman Jerry McNerny, who is chairing an economic summit in Stockton in August.   Exactly what does McNerny envision? Let’s ask him, this week if possible.      
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Whatever Happened to … ?

By Site Admin | Published: July 26, 2007 | Comments closed
Jean-Claude Chri, the Cameroonian poet and street musician who hosted poetry slams and joyously played his African drum in DeCarli Plaza? He went to New York for a brief visit — months ago. “I am still here in the Big Apple,” writes Chri. “… Originally, I came here for just few days. The few days turned into [...]
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Apparently you don’t share my outrage

By Site Admin | Published: July 26, 2007 | Comments closed
Californians think government is not doing enough to steward the environment, a new study shows.   But what leaps out at me is the statistic that 30 percent of Central Valley residents think air pollution is a big problem. And this is taken as evidence of rising public anxiety about environmental issues?   Only 30 percent?   Less than 1/3 [...]
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Reader: Asparagus Festival cost is piddling

By Site Admin | Published: July 25, 2007 | Comments closed
Reader Richard “The Trashman” Bodendorfer comments on my Asparagus Festival column:   “Let’s be realistic here. Yes the taxpayers lost $526,000 on the festival. But you … left out the 6-figure salary that Mark Lewis graciously gave his main squeeze (festival director Kate Lewis, the former city manager’s wife) — also at taxpayer expense. Now let’s say it’s just $100,000. Add [...]
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The fun side of faith

By Site Admin | Published: July 25, 2007 | Comments closed
The other day I gave  some well-deserved recognition to Father Larry McGovern, pastor of Presentation Church, upon his receiving the title of monsignor. Here’s a photo of McGovern taken at Presentation’s 2005 fall Festival.   A respected spiritual leader, sure. Also a wild and crazy guy.
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Reader: Catholic church no democracy

By Site Admin | Published: July 25, 2007 | Comments closed
Reader John Hymes writes:   “…Fr. Larry is my pastor and I respect him greatly for his outstanding preaching, leadership and all that he’s done for Presentation Parish. I write because I also respect you and, from your writing, know you’re interested in the factual record. So, in that regard, I might offer you some information on the [...]
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