I was born and reared in Madera, and recently returned here after an absence of 40 years. Although I expected change, nothing could have prepared me for the changes that have taken place in my hometown.

What used to be the city’s center, downtown Madera, has been transformed into an area reminiscent of parts of Tijuana replete with the population from that town. And while driving anywhere in Madera, I sometimes feel as if I am driving in Mexico. Nine out of 10 drivers appear to be from that country and drive here as they drove in Mexico, atrociously!

For example, making turns onto another street across two lanes of traffic; waving half a dozen cars through at a four-way stop before proceeding themselves; and the most maddening, which I witness on a regular basis, waiting about three or four seconds before moving after a light has turned green.

Before anyone throws the race card at me be assured that my Mexican-American friends who are legal citizens of this country are annoyed as well.

Another change is the condition of the roads. In addition to the general deterioration of the asphalt on many roads, there are potholes the size of small wading pools, and seams 3 to 4 inches high across streets that I can only surmise were repairs but are like driving over curbs. Witness the seam on Gateway Drive between Yosemite Avenue and 6th Street. Many secondary streets are in better shape than the main streets in town.

If budgetary constraints prevent the necessary repairs, might I suggest that the city could raise funds by selling advertising space on the Madera water tower. (That would be) another change in my hometown, but maybe one thats time has come.

Steven Ingle,
Madera

During World War II times, Madera had its own St. Valentine. It was Madera’s first lady mail carrier. Her name — Erma Lemm.

During this time I lived at 422 West Olive and was on her route. I worked at Safeway, just a block away from the post office.

There were times when mail from the South Pacific was held up, so that meant many days I received no mail from (my beloved) Luther. Knowing this, her first stop of the day was the Safeway Store when mail was released — coming in the side door and waving a packet of letters high over her head saying, “I thought you’d want these!”

Yes! She was Madera’s St. Valentine and for soldiers’ families all letters were considered valentines, written by a lonely soldier telling the love of his life, me, how much he loved and missed her, always praying for the day the war would end so he could show how much.

The loneliness for home and family made poets out of fighting men.

Yes, Madera had its St. Valentine. She knew the importance of the letters she carried and went out of her way to get them delivered as soon as possible. We in Madera were blessed to have had such a lady as our first lady mail carrier.

Now, letters written by Sgt. Luther Fuller, 39077403, safely stored throughout the postwar years, are the treasurers of the younger generation.

Thank you, Erma. You are truly part of Madera’s history.

Angelina Spera Fuller,
Madera

By John Rieping
MaderaTribuneRedLine.com

The Chicago Tribune newspaper posted four videos on the U.S. troop surge Tuesday on YouTube.com. The two or three minute shorts, viewable below, are part of a series by the publication titled “Inside the Surge” and focused on the experiences of the Bonecrusher 3rd Platoon in Iraq.

The U.S. troop surge began a year ago on Feb. 14, 2007 with the 82nd Airborne and grew to 30,000 extra soldiers in Iraq. According to the Associated Press, the surge has improved the situation in Iraq and yet serious problems and questions remain, especially as the additional U.S. troops are withdrawn. Iran remains a great unknown in the whole equation.

This is an issue that affects us all in the U.S. and one worthy of reflection. What do you think about U.S. efforts in Iraq? What do you see as the future for Iraq? For the U.S.? Do you have loved ones serving in Iraq?

Inside the Surge: The Attack

Inside the Surge: The Target

Inside the Surge: The Deserter

Inside the Surge: The War is Over

To view more videos of the series, visit The Chicago Tribune’s video collection on YouTube.com

All comments are edited for length and content. Due to content some comments may not be published. Please limit your calls to two minutes or less. Repeat messages on the same subject adding to the length will not be published. Some weeks, due to the number of comments and space, some may not be published.

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A woman responded to a letter published Feb. 4. “I happened to be one of those seniors (at a local buffet) he’s talking about, and I did not appreciate him (the letter writer) going around saying what he did.” The lady explained, “we had a $10 check and we left an additional five dollars at the register.”

“I’m very disappointed with NBC and the Today show,” began a woman who said her name was Mary. “They were supposed to show the Blue Man (Paul Karason), and we here in Madera are very proud of him.” (Note: Due to Super Tuesday elections and the N.Y. Giants victory parade, the interview with Karason was rescheduled for Wednesday morning).

“I have a comment for Bill Coate who does Pieces of the Past and Twist in Time,” said a man. “He has done over 25 pieces on Madera and I read almost every one of them. I haven’t seen any stories about Mexican-Americans who did things for Madera County. I like his stories, but I just wish he would do more stories about Mexicans.”

A man wanted to know, “should a person arrested have an additional charge of assaulting an officer be added, or should that be reserved for someone who actually assaulted an officer?”

A woman said, “I want everybody to know I won’t be able to vote (in the primaries).” She claimed that the county clerk (voter registration) office said “someone tricked me into changing from Republican to Democrat. They know that is not true because I used to volunteer and register voters.”

A lady called “in regards to I want to beautify Madera.” She talked about all the garbage cans and “everyone leaving them in front of their house or on the sides of the house. We need to enforce an ordinance or create one if we don’t have one. It looks trashy.”

“Not enough good things are mentioned in the Red Line,” began a woman’s call. “I worked a polling place on Tuesday,” she continued. “It was very cold and dark and we had to be at the Millview Gym by 6 (a.m.). When I got there a city parks worker, I think his name was Leon, was already there. He greeted me with a tip of his hat and a good morning. A few minutes later his helper showed up and set up the tables and made sure everything was okay. It was still a little cold, but the heater was turned up all the way and we made the best of it. Thanks to Leon and Richard it was okay.”

A man called “in support of (sports editor) Paul Stanford’s article on (Madera High football coach) Randy Blankenship and support in what he had to say. If the coach doesn’t want to be here — I know he’s trying to leave — well maybe we should fire him.”

“Enough is enough,” said a woman about response to the Tribune’s coverage of Krista Pike. “May she rest in peace. Being the kind of person she was I don’t believe she would give (writer) John Rieping and the Tribune the bashing you’re giving. Newspapers print the good and the bad. That’s their job. Now it’s time to let the families try and heal.”

“The lashing out at the Tribune writer of the (Pike) story is uncalled for,” said a lady. “The paper is doing their job and the community needs to wake up and hear that these horrible crimes are happening and we need to stop them.”

A man who read in the paper “the board of supervisors are talking to the taxpayers association,” and wondered, “if they were talking to Jim Cobb about taxes and about what he owed the county. Maybe they should follow up on that.”

A lady who was upset with the county and “was sick and tired of seeing dead dogs all over the road. People need to get their act together.”

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An online reader, “Johnathan Czekstan,” wrote in response to a
Red Line comment published Feb. 5, which itself was reacting to an earlier comment on www.MaderaTribuneRedLine.com by Czekstan. “As far as the caller that stated that ‘How typical. An illegal trying to silence the citizens of Madera,’ it is interesting how you got the idea that I am an illegal immigrant. I am just a person in the city of
Madera that believes everyone has rights, (whether) legal immigrant, born citizen or illegal immigrant. This country guarantees people rights and also people deserve respect and to be treated like human beings.

“I do not think that it is very kind the way I hear many people talking about illegal immigrants almost every day. When you start to say something bad about others, just think about it like someone is saying something bad about you. How would you
feel?”

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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.

Spring weather is just around the corner for Madera County. The jazzy slideshow below offers many views of Eastman Lake, which lies east of nearby Chowchilla, and the surrounding area. Anyone up for a trip to the foothills in a few weeks?

By John Rieping
MaderaTribuneRedLine.com

The below five-minute film, which apparently won second place at the 2006 Madera Center Film Festival, shows a glimpse of a young woman struggling to find a purpose for life.

Christopher Clark directed and served as cameraman, according to the YouTube post, Fermina Martinez portrayed the young woman, Jo Ann Clark played the mother, Sam Clark depicts an 11-year-old and Noel Martine is the “old man.”

What would you say if someone came wanting to know the meaning of life? What gives you purpose?

By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune

It’s looking like John McCain may wind up as the GOP presidential candidate, and if so, we may see an unusual phenomenon — some Republicans won’t support him because they don’t believe he is conservative enough.

I think that’s a goofy idea, because McCain was a friend and colleague of Barry Goldwater (aka Mr. Conservative), has been elected over and over again in a strongly Republican state (Arizona) and had a distinguished military career from which he emerged as a hero.

If McCain isn’t a conservative, I don’t know who could be.

What is a conservative, anyway? It is one who believes in tradition and social stability, and in the value of established social institutions. The conservative prefers gradual change over rapid change.

He and she believe in low taxes, limited government regulation, reducing welfare for individuals and businesses, and maintaining a strong and active national defense. Conservatives believe in strong law enforcement and in allowing people to worship as they please. They believe in fewer laws, not more.

Liberals believe in many of those same things, but they also believe government has a responsibility to try to regulate behavior of individuals for the greater good. They believe in taxes, not only to fund government programs, but as a way to punish those whose behavior they intend to change.

Most conservatives generally believe in moral traditions, where some liberals tend to scoff at them. However, conservatism is not a religion. It has no popes or presiding bishops, although some who call themselves conservatives might like to take on that role. It goes against the grain of conservatism to require its adherents to genuflect, for they are not beholden to any leader, but to being free.

That’s the kind of conservative John McCain is.

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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Multiple readers of the Red Line online commented about a video on the Web site (www.maderatribuneredline.com / local-film-woodie-wagon-restored) that showed the restoration of an 8-door Woodie Wagon at a Coarsegold shop in Madera County. On Monday, “Jeff Boyd” wrote, “The woodie consumed 2.5 years and 4,500 hours of labor to restore it. Thank you for all the great response.”

A visitor to www.MaderaTribuneRedLine.com / Krista-Pike-remembered, “Janizzle,” wrote, “Krista, Although I didn’t know you personally (you were on my sister’s softball team) your story has touched me. I cannot imagine what your family and friends are going through, but I pray that they find the strength and courage that I know you’d want them to have.”

An online reader, “April Rain,” wrote, “I call the family just about everyday. I hurt so badly at the thought of them going through this. I prayed they would never have to. Everything seems unreal. Like it’s a bad dream and I’m just waiting to wake up. But I know I won’t. I’ll wake up tomorrow and still have to deal with your absence. It just hurts. So unbelievably bad. I just want you to come home. I’ll look out for the family. I promise. Tell Liz I say hi.”

A poetess visiting the Red Line, “Jennifer Uemura,” wrote, “Krista, Always had on a pretty smile, / Always had time to talk for awhile, / Always saw the good in all, / She was the pick me up if you were going to fall …”

An Oklahoman, “Gundy,” wrote, “I can’t understand how somebody can just go and take another’s life. A young heart stopped beating because of the bitterness and hate another girl felt in her heart. I am thinking about this gorgeous young woman and her family and friends. The outpouring of love in all the comments left on here, tells me that she was a truly remarkable girl. I only wish my daughter would have had a friend like her. When we lived in Madera, I never even thought that something like this could happen.”

Visitor “Steven Imada (SMURF)” wrote, “(Krista) you will dearly be missed in all of our hearts.”

Multiple readers of the Red Line online left comments criticizing the Jan. 26th article entitled “Anatomy of a murder: Final minutes.” One critic, “RyanC105,” also noted, “Although I agree that the article was done in poor taste and very well could have hindered the criminal investigation, as a criminology/psychology major, I will have to disagree with one of the comments made by Ms. Padilla. Serial killers are not made through reading newspaper articles nor is there any support studies that actually show a strong correlation between knowing the gruesome details of a murder scene (and becoming a serial killer).”

A visitor, “Carmen,” wrote, “I truly believe that (John Rieping) the writer of this story should be suspended without pay or even possibly fired. Doesn’t he know that certain things that were mentioned on the newspaper were supposed to be confidential? He completely overdid it.”

Tribune columnist Sharon Stockdale wrote on the Red Line, “I am a firm believer in freedom of speech, but still I was shocked to see the article in The Madera Tribune, especially right there above the fold on the front page. I purposely did not read it. We may not have any control over what is published in a newspaper, or put on television or a movie screen, but all of us have the right not to read it or view it.”

A reader, “JP,” criticized Rieping personally — and The Madera Tribune — for “Final minutes” and wrote to the Pike family, “For my part, I would like to extend my deepest and sincerest apologies to the Pike family. This stunt by the Tribune is not indicative of a lot of Maderans, past and present, and no parent should have to endure what you have. My prayers continue to be with you.”

He later commented, “Earlier, I posted a very scathing commentary regarding Mr. John Rieping at The Madera Tribune, and his — and their — insensitivity and lack of journalistic tact in publishing the story on Krista Pike’s murder. I stand behind every single word. … but know this: John is a good person at heart, and again should at least be given credit for being journalistically transparent and open to criticism.”

A “concerned resident” wrote about the uproar, “There is a lot of ignorance on both sides concerning this issue. I will just leave it at that and let you guess what I’m talking about.”

A visitor, self-identified as Jennifer Starline (sister of Thomas Hollier), wrote, “How dare The Madera Tribune print such things. … If the ‘writer’ of that article could have seen my brother as he read that article the ‘writer’ maybe would have seen the pain he caused and then maybe he could have grown a heart. To him I guess, a ‘story is just a story.’

“I can not thank everyone enough from the bottom of my heart for ripping into the ‘writer and editor’ the way you did. Thank you again. Lets just all forget what was written in the paper and remember our beloved Krista-Rae Pike the way she was when she was still with us on earth. Thank you again for all the comments and defense. With love from Krista’s sister-in-law.”

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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

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 “congratulated “Sweet Indulgence” on their new business in Madera. My sister and I are both senior citizens and we visited on opening day and even though they were very busy they were also very friendly. We’ll be going back.”

“I’m calling about the dog park,” began a female caller. “I think it is a great idea about putting it in Town & Country (Park). We usually go all the way to Fresno to Woodward Park. I think a dog park here is fantastic.”

A lady replied to “Johnathon, who wrote the Red Line last week.” This week’s caller said, “I enjoy the Red Line and no one is being prejudiced when it comes to illegal issues. Illegals do not belong in our country. When are people going to open up their dictionary and look up the word illegal? They are smothering our medical, schools and our services.”

A woman called “the Red Line to tell the Tribune to put in the Sodoku puzzles. Thank you.”

After reading the reply by “Madera County Sheriff, John Anderson on officers wearing seatbelts,” a man agreed. However, he continued, “at the same time there was another call that said they (deputies) break all kinds of other laws and trump up false charges. He (the sheriff) didn’t say anything about that.”

Another man, after reading “about officers stacking charges for plea bargaining,” was “curious as to why that was never replied to.”

“I am outraged at the anonymous callers to the Red Line who are threatened with violent censorship by illegal Mexicans for exercising their legal right of free speech.” She “referred to the caller in the January 29 paper. How typical. An illegal trying to silence the citizens of Madera.”

Webmaster’s note: The caller appears to have misunderstood the meaning of the online comment by Johnathon Czekstan, who was not threatening violence at all but was pointing out how emotional and divisive this issue has become in Madera. Coincidentally she seems to have only affirmed his point. I’m also personally puzzled why she assumed Czekstan was an illegal immigrant.

“Your article last Saturday about the Pike murder,” began a man, “was beyond good publication. Why did you have to go into such depth? If anything we should come together and help these families that are suffering.”

A woman had a similar view. “How could you on a Saturday morning and so detailed.”

Another woman “had another take. I would want the closure, would want people to know how horrible this was.”

A man said, “I am on Howard (Road) nearly everyday when high school lets out. Heading west, after the light turns green at Schnoor these kids think it is a drag race to Granada where they sometimes just coast through the 4-way stop. I remember when the motorcycle police were out there. They need to do it again, or get somebody out there to issue some tickets.”

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A visitor to www.MaderaTribuneRedLine.com/Krista-Pike-remembered, “Jesse Carlson,” wrote, “I first met Krista the night of the Winter Formal; during her and Thomas’ freshman year of high school. She was kind of shy, which is kind of funny because the word ‘shy,’ and Krista don’t go together. It’s like mixing oil and water. When I came through the front door and saw Thomas and Krista, my first thought was that she had very beautiful eyes, like eyes of an angel.”

A person self-identified as “Kara Nichols” wrote, “Krista was the best person I knew. She made everyone around her a better person. I saw it in their eyes at the vigil. Everybody there loved Krista; there was no fakers there. In some way Krista touched the lives of all those people.

Someone who called herself “ally angel” wrote, “I never thought that something like that would happen to us, to you Krista, murdered… I guess it was just the wrong place at the wrong time. You didn’t deserve that. I would have taken your place if I could. I just wish I could have been there to help you, to save you like you always saved me. You were always so sweet and so caring of other people.”

A visitor, “Rose,” wrote, “Please watch over me (Krista), help me through these hard times and never forget that you were the closest person to me in North Campus… you were my sister by heart and now I feel so guilty for not being there for you. I wasn’t even there for the ceremonies nor anything…”

A visitor to the Red Line online, “Nancy Hollier,” commented, “I loved her with all my heart. She was my daughter-in-law to be. I miss her. She was the happiest person that I know. She always had a smile and a hug for me and the last thing that she told me was ‘I love you, mom.’ Those words will always be in my heart. She was my daughter, one of my girls. She lit up my son’s life (Thomas). She was his world, his life. She is going to be missed forever and always. I love her and my son and no one should have to go through what she endured or Thomas.

“I was looking forward to their upcoming wedding. I was so excited that she came back into his life. They belonged together for always. They truly were the perfect pair. I just miss her and I want her back. I love you, Krista, and I hope that you are happy up there in Heaven. Say hello to Thomas’ grandpa. He would have loved you too. Everyone did. You were just that type of a person. Once someone met you they knew you for a lifetime. You will be missed. We love you.”

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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 John Rieping
MaderaTribuneRedLine.com

The Wine and Chocolate Weekend, Feb. 9th and 10th, will soon be here again to offer romantic lovers — as well as lovers of chocolate, live music, fine food or wine — a tasty time between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Less than a dozen wineries appear to be participating this year with some offering appropriately fine lunches to go with the surely equally fine wine, as well as other treats.

For information on the upcoming Madera Wine Trail event, visit MaderaVintners.com, call the Madera Vintner’s Association at 800-613-0709 or simply read your favorite hometown newspaper with “Madera” as its middle name (umm… that would be us).

The following well-crafted video, posted on YouTube this summer, presents a glimpse of the wonderful world of the Madera Wine Trail… or so it seems and I admit the Wine Trail looks pretty impressive on film.

Have you walked this gilded path? Is the Madera Wine Trail another one of the many sheltered treasures of the San Joaquin Valley? Does chocolate add far greater enjoyment to the experience or do all the events throughout the year pamper the senses equally well? How accurately does this promotional video reflect your experiences of the attractions of Madera County?

Perhaps even more importantly, what is your ideal for a sweet St. Valentine’s Day event?