September 8, 2010 Rio Visa Beacon Newspaper

Volume 12

Issue 35

(925) 550-7811

SOROPTIMIST BOARD REVIEWS THE YEAR, PLANS AHEAD

Soroptimist Executive Board Photo: Standing, left to right, Elvia Coronado, Treasurer: VernaHansen, Recording Secretary, Bernadette Rosenthal, First Vice President, Emelia Sieferling, Parliamentarian; front Mary Ellen Lamothe, President. Not pictured: Chandra Drury, Corresponding Secretary; Stacia Olsen, Second Vice President, Linda Scholting, Director. Photo

by Hale Conklin The Executive Board of Soroptimist of Rio Vista met on August 31 to review the past years’ achievements and plan for 2010-11. President MaryEllen Lamothe praised outgoing president Chandra Drury for leading “an extraordinary year of service and achievement in 2009/2010.

We have much to be proud of.� Among projects benefiting the Rio Vista community and its members were: more than $10,000 to local recipients, including more

than $5000 in scholarships, as well as support for Rio Vista schools, the swimming pool and the senior and youth centers. Local projects included the Prom Dress Project, providing prom dresses, fittings and accessories, and a luncheon honoring women in our community.

Another $3000 was raised for national and international projects, aiding regional and national charities, and students in Nepal and Baja California.

Fundraising activities for these projects included the Town and Country House Tour, Pumpkin Patch Bake Sale, and Round Table luncheons. The major fundraising project, the “Whale of a Sale� during the Bass Festival, raised over $6000 and besides offering interesting purchases, provided inexpensive clothing and household items to local residents.

At its first regular meeting, September 2, the club received the year’s first new member, Andrea Gentry, transferring from a club in Idaho. Regular club meetings are held each Thursday noon at The Point Restaurant.

Individuals interested in learning more about Rio Vista Soroptimist are urged to see its web site, http://siriovista.org, or contact President MaryEllen Lamothe through the Soroptimist P.O. Box 152, Rio Vista, Ca 94571 or Email: Maryellen2@ Frontiernet.Net

riovistabeacon@gmail.com

September 8, 2010

Rio Vista Gala This Weekend Rio Vista CARE will hold their 10th Annual Gala benefit at 6 pm on September 11at Trilogy Vista Clubhouse. The evening’s activities will begin with a wine tasting and “strolling supper.� This event will be your opportunity to taste fine wines from six local wineries and sample the delicious fare available from many of the delta’s best eateries.Throughout the evening, guests will have the chance to bid on “silent auction� items, to purchase “mystery gift� balloons and tickets for the “50/50� Raffle. Wayne Woodward has again agreed to be the auctioneer for a very entertaining “live(ly)� auction. Watch for one of last year’s favorite auction items, Lunch with a Llama, to make another appearance. There will be a tantalizing array of auction items including a 3-night stay in a luxurious five bedroom South Lake Tahoe lodge overlooking Heavenly Valley.

All proceeds from the Gala benefit Rio Vista CARE, celebrating 25 years of service to Delta communities. Rio Vista CARE

has served over 8300 children and families through professional counseling, the PALS mentoring program, grief interventions, parent support groups and more.

With cutbacks in government funding and increasing needs due to the current financial downturn,

the success of this year’s Gala is critical for Rio Vista CARE’s ability to continue all its services at the current levels. For Gala tickets, at $50 each, please call 707-374-5243 or stop in at the Rio Vista CARE office, 125 Sacramento St., Rio Vista.

lunch and dinner. Gonzalez starting working in a restaurant when he came to the United States from Mexico at a place called Charlie Brown’s in Burlingame. He knew that someday he wanted to open his own place.

So with two restaurants under his belt, he was looking for a third location to serve his great food. “I’ve always liked Rio Vista, “says Gonzalez “and when I saw the vacant space I needed to make my move.� The location at 646 Hwy 12 was just a shell.

Gonzalez had to totally redo the place, paint, new

floor and a whole new kitchen. He first drove by back around the first of April and the opened his doors about 3 weeks ago.

He even brought jobs to Rio Vista, most of his staff being from here. “Everything on the menu is great and all the items sell, the more popular one being the Chile Relleno� says Gonzalez. Tortilla Flats is open 7 days a week, from 7 am to 9 pm Sunday thru Thursday and until 10.00 on Friday and Saturday.

The serve breakfast all day long. “Thank you Rio Vista�

THANK YOU RIO VISTA

Antonio Gonzalez never dreamed that when he drove by and saw the space available sign for rent up on Hwy 12 in Rio Vista, called the number and then signed the lease for Tortilla Flats # 3, that the citizens in this city would be such a great support to him, to all of you “Thank you.� says Gonzalez. He is not new to the restaurant business this is third location that he has opened in the last 10 years. The first one in South San Francisco and then five years later opening one in Chico.

The South San Francisco location is more American Food and the Chico one is more Mexican, with a full bar and both Restaurant serving breakfast,

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Open For Breakfast Starting At 6:00 am Open 7 days A Week. 6:00 a.m. -9:00 pm - 646 a 12

Letters to the Editor

Rambling Around Rio Cheap Obus Group Reno Overnighter Oct 3-4, 2010 $ 65.00 double occupancy $ 20.00 single supplement Food, Lodging, and Cash Bonuses, Lodging: Circus Circus Continental Breakfast, Bingo, Raffles, MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE, Deadline Sept 10, 2010 More info: Sharon Fisher 707-374-6286 Cindy Bockman 360-830-5213 The Julie Griffin Fundraiser will be In September on Sunday the 12th from 4pm to 7pm. At The Point Restaurant We are selling dinner tickets for $10.00 per person and we are donating 100% of the dinner proceeds back to Julie and Mike.

Dinner will be an Italian Buffet served from 4:00-6:30pm. We will also have a potluck dessert bar and possibly a bake sale.

Many folks are donating items for the silent auction including some Nancy Tillisch jewelry and some very unique hand crafted furniture made by Julie’s dad Jerry. It should be a great event.

Meet the candidates night will take place at the Rio Vista High School theatre on Tuesday, September 7th at 6:30 p.m.

All five candidates for City Council will be present. For more information please call the Rio Vista Chamber of Commerce at 374-2700.

Heidi Hechtman Community Blood Drive will take place at Rio Vista High School on Wednesday, September 8th from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment please call Leticia at 374-6336 or Sandy Thompson at 374-5833.

Instruction in Art for adults will be offered at Rio Vista High School on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. beginning on September 14. The six week program which will offer two-dimensional works of painting, drawing and mixed media, will be taught by award-winning instructor, Ryan Pace. The cost of the class is $75.00 plus materials.

DELTA TEA PARTY PATRIOTS MEETING The Delta Tea Party Patriots will meet on Tuesday, September 21 6:30 Pm at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall, 610 St. Francis Way, Rio Vista. Rio Vista Chief of Police, William Bowen will be guest speaker. He will be discussing why “NO” on Proposition 19 on the November ballot. For more information: www.deltateapartypatriots.blogspot.com or dtppatriots@ gmail.com. If you have any questions please contact me.

Jack Silva

Dear Editor I would like to respond to the Letter from Mrs. Papetti printed in both local newspapers on Sept 1 The tone of the letter was somewhat belligerent. However, If I may be permitted to clarify some points that Mrs. Papetti raised. Quote “Bernie Were you hallucinating when you suggested that I join the WWEF?”.

If Mrs. Papetti recalls, I have made several phone calls to her over the last few months and we discussed a variety of topics.

I was surprised to discover that Mr. Papetti had many years of well drilling experience, including the ways to reduce arsenic. At this point during the discussion I suggested that she join the WWEF. I relayed our conversation to several WWEF members and urged that they contact her. From the feedback, at least two members spoke to her and shared opinions. I can understand that we all have lapses of memory but I hope that these reminders will jog her memory. Again, I would encourage her to join and become part of the solution.

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ARTICLES FOR SALE Golf Cart Inclosed, 6’X2’ Wood Desk with Leather Chair, Queen Size Bed (only slept in 3 times) Please Call 707-374-6112

Dry Cleaning And Laundry Clothes, Bedding, Wedding Gowns, Drapes 3 Day Turnaround if dropped off by 4:30.

707-374-0094 109 S. 2nd St.

LARGE GARAGE SALE 203 Georgiana Ct. Isleton.

Sat and Sun Sept 11-12. 8 am to ?. Lots of tools large and small, craft materials and items for Holidays, small boy clothing in excellent condition. Lots of miscellaneous

AUTO SALES RHD 2006 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler 64,000 miles. Strobe Light Electric WindowsFront Winch Hard Stop New Tires Electric Windows Up Dated on all Work 16,000. 707-374-6265

PETS We are actively seeking good homes for Arturo Meuniots’ three adult male tabby cats. They are very sweet, loving and friendly as well as neutered and healthy.

If you are interested or know someone who might be please call: 374-6961 or 374-2282. Thank You!

Rio Vista Muffler Hitch & Welding Auto Repair \ Oil Changes \ Brakes \ Alignments Tires \ Custom Exhaust \ Hitches \ Wiring Brake Controllers \ Trailer Repair \ RVs

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707-374-2484

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Mrs. Papetti stated “So Bernie the CCWW placed an advert in the Trilogy Bulletin inviting interested parties to attend the CCWW”. If I recall correctly, an advert was placed initially in the Trilogy Bulletin by a couple of private individuals, because that’s where the grass roots opposition to the City Managers Proposal started. However it was made clear that while Trilogy space was made available for meetings, the HOA did not support or condone any activity.

Subsequently a website was developed and publicized in the local press, paid for by the CCWW members and applications were solicited from all Rio Vista residents. Additionally I did a spot on Radio Rio urging all residents to visit our website. This was broadcast over a number of weeks in 2008.

Mrs. Papetti further states that “The residence (?.) of Rio Vista had one citizen attend and was told to leave by the Chairman”. I would like to elaborate on this incident. I invited Mr. Fred Kogler to attend the meeting with the intent that he would become a member of the group.

When the meeting was about to start. I informed the group that I had invited Mr Kogler (who was absent). The Chairman responded “ I HAVE DIS-INVITED HIM” without explanation. At that point I left the meeting with a

feeling of anger, embarrassment and amazement.

Mr. Kogler will no doubt confirm my feelings that I expressed in a phone call later that evening, that I am sure he will recollect.

Shortly after that incident some members resigned.

Mr. Kogler to his credit did attend several subsequent meetings.

Mrs. Papetti further states that the “That an email from the Chairman stated that it was not open to the public.” This is completely false. I personally phoned two applicants and left my phone number for a response that was not returned. Only the Chairman can respond to the accusations made against him if he so desires.

During our phone conversations several months ago, I did indicate that I was considering support of the Initiative to roll back the rates based on the performance of our government. However, having weighed the options and consequences of a rate roll back, to $65/ month, I believe that would be a disaster for our City. Instead I decide to run for a Council seat unlike Mrs. Papetti who filed papers but did not follow through. I intend to do whatever is in my power to help get our City back on track.

I agree with Mrs. Papetti statement “That the whole of Rio Vista has a lot to offer”. This is why I have

reached out to her and several others who do not necessarily share my views. While I have made several phone calls to Mrs. Papetti, she has chosen to return only one, about a week ago when she complained that I referred to her as Ms. Papetti. I apologized both by phone and in an email with an attempt at a little humor.

In response to Mrs. Papetti’s assertion that Prop 218 does not necessitate the two rate system, The attorney member of the CCWW concluded that this was a requirement.

The City attorney’s law firm concurred with the recommendation. I am not qualified to dispute this decision This city needs all the help it can get from willing people whether they are from Downtown and Trilogy. We are one city. I strongly support the WWEF and any volunteer groups who are willing to work for the betterment of our City.

The inference that I read from Mrs. Papetti’s letter that the CCWW. were an elitist group is complete nonsense. Both the CCWW and the WWEF solicited members who have expertise relevant to resolving the City’s specific issues. We have many challenges ahead of us.

It is incumbent on us to attract the right people for

Letters Continued on Page 3

Letters Continued from Page 2 the right job irrespective of pedigree or domicile. If the project was to create an ornamental garden Downtown, I doubt if the skills of the afore mentioned groups would be effective. We would be searching in a different direction for volunteers.

I agree with Mrs. Papetti that there is a large concerns about the way our finances are managed.

Yes, Mrs. Papetti, there are financial questions that need answers. I am a candidate for council because I believe I can achieve more success from the inside looking out, than from the outside looking in. I believe that a optimum rate structure can be achieved by evolution not revolution.

Respectfully Bernard Durman

LETTER TO THE EDITOR, ST. FRANCIS WATERLINE AND PAVING PROJECT Another questionable decision has been forced down our collective throats by your City Council. The St. Francis Waterline and Paving Project was passed at last night’s Council Meeting (4 to 1). It was obvious that their minds were set in stone to approve this project.

Myself and others have tried to have this project delayed, pending more proof of need and important projects of a higher priority. As an example, the best well (#10) in the City needs a filtration system before it can be utilized for quality water. Well #10 is shut down due to the high arsenic levels. The project calls for a complete resurfacing and

paving for St. Francis and Virginia Streets. I agree with the City Engineer that Virginia St. would need resurfacing; however, you can’t convince me that paving a three foot wide trench on St. Francis would cost the same as re-paving the complete extra wide street, even with a dozen or so laterals. I was not successful in either delaying the project or getting them to find a funding source for the paving, other than your Water and Sewer increased Rates. I am sorry Rio Vista! I tried! During the discussion, they did discover a funding source in the Gas Taxes Fund of about $80,000, but the council didn’t want to use that or even a portion of it. This CIP Project only has about $450,000 saved up; so the City plans to borrow the needed funds from the Filtration CIP Fund for arsenic removal. This is just wrong.

There is too much fund borrowing going on.

This needs to be corrected. If an emergency happens to the water system, the City will not have the funds to pay for it and will have to borrow again from some other fund. This $1,000,000 Project will deplete most of the water funds saved to date.

The Contract City Engineer will bill the City Thousands of extra Dollars as he has done for years. The City Engineer even wants to get paid twice for the Contract Public Works Supervisor; he already charges the City

$95,000 a year for. He now wants to bill the City for Project Management and Inspection for about $50,000 to $60,000 for the same person.

This was sold on the excuse that the bids would be lower today due to the poor economy. Well, the economy isn’t going to be robust any time soon. I don’t know what the rush really was for. The eight inch line has served the city for over 50 years. I hope the new twelve inch line doesn’t add too much water to the existing homes it will serve.

Steve Lamb Dear Editor, I am writing to you in regard to two letters, that I have read in the paper regarding the City’s transit and airport coordinator that I believe needs clarification.

I have been the City’s Transit Coordinator since July 1, 2005. I was contract by the former City Manager after a recruitment . The intent of creating this position was to revamp the City’s transit service known as Rio Vista Delta Breeze today.

In March 2010, I volunteered to manage and coordinate activities of the airport since the City has not had an Airport Manager since 2006 and the City was out of compliance with its grants and assurances. I have experience in Airport management serving as airport manager for Delano for two years. Based on

Camillus 128, Y L I Presents

Fall Fashion Show Saturday October 2, 2010 Time: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM Place: St. Joseph’s Parish Hall 220 S. Fourth Street Salad Luncheon Will Be Served

Fashions from

Judy’s Rio Vista Clothing New Fall Line And Rio Vista Rams Merchandise.

Funds will go towards RVHS Scholarships, Riverview Middle School, D.H. White School and Grand President’s Program, Foster Care Children Cost: $15.00 For Tickets Call Shirley: 374-2105 Liz: 374-5010 Judy’s: 374-7522 374-2303

Presale Only-No Tickets at the Door

Ram’s Merchandise Now On Sale at Judy’s Rio Vista Clothing Company Donation for Each Garment Sold Goes to Booster Club

Store Hours 10:30 - 4:30 Mon - Fri, Closed Sat/Sunday Until August 27th

O N N OW 35 North Front St., Rio Vista, CA 94571 707-374-7522

Featuring

Whole Maine Lobsters, Oysters, Clams, Crabcakes, Prime Rib, Chicken, Pasta & Steaks Music Friday and Saturday Nights Till 1:00 AM

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Karaoke Every Sunday from 1:00 till 4:00

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916-777-4030

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Come in and meet the New Owner Papa John Sares from the Nines @ Trilogy

Dry Cleaning In RioVista?

Bo’s Seevilai with one of her customers Jennifer Spearman Did you know that there was a dry cleaning service in Rio Vista? Bo’s Beauty Salon is also home to Bo’s Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service. Bo Seevilai ran Sudz Laundry in town from 2003 for about 5 years before selling the business. Six months after purchasing Sudz, Seevilai opened Bo’s Beauty Salon.

Now she had two business going on at once. It just so happened that they were about 100 yards from each other. Everyday

she would walk back and forward to each business.

She eventually sold Sudz and still keeps very busy with the dry cleaning and Beauty Salon. Seevilai really does a nice service for the residents of Rio Vista She has a three day turn around if you have your items to her by 4:30 pm.

Seevilai uses a Cleaners in Vacaville, “we will clean just about anything that is made of material or leather,” says Seevilai. “ clothes, bedding, wedding gowns,

St. Joseph Family Festival in the Park Sunday September 12th, 2010

Chicken Bar-b-que to be held in the City Park across from St. Joseph Church Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the Park will be in English & Spanish

Entertainment by Radio Rio 91.5 Chicken Bar-b-que from noon until 4:00 p.m. Cost: $8.00 Adult $4.00 Child AUCTION · GAMES · RAFFLE for $$$$$ There is an auction of donated items. A cake booth run by the YLI that you spin the wheel and win a cake.

Knights of Columbus help with cleaning and flouring the chicken. Beer, wine, soda, ice-tea & water. This is our new Priest for St. Joseph’s – Fr. Sherwin – it will be his first time @ the Festival Any questions call: 707-374-2155 (Church) 707-374-6265 Jeanne Anne Landi - Chairperson

drapes, rugs, pruses and even leather jackets, just call and ask.” “I am a one stop shop, I make you look good at the Salon from head to toe and then you have a clean outfit to put on from the dry cleaners, you can’t go wrong.” says Seevilai. Bo’s Beauty Salon and Dry Cleaning is open from Tues-Sat from 9:30 to 4:30 they are located at 109 S 2nd St. The can be reached at 374-0094.

Letters Continued from Pg 3

my performance, the City Manager used grant funds that our grant writer and I were able to obtain to pay 30% of my salary ($9,000) from the Airport starting July 1. These grant funds can only be used for administration activities and capital improvements. Not to repay back debts.

Transit funds the other 70% of my salary.

As a result, the City Manager revised my employment agreement to include Airport activities. There is no job description on the books for a Transit & Airport Coordinator.

This is not a classification in the City’s classification plan and this position is solely hourly with no benefits similar to the Recreation

Stephany Mae Bringing Beauty To You And Yours Permanent Makeup Artist Licensed Esthetician Now Offering Eyelash Extentions

Eyebrow Eyeliner Lip Liner Beauty Marks Tattoo Camoflage Nipple Areola 925-642-0669

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Hair Cut Prices Beard Trim - $6.00 Shaves - $12.00 Kids Regular - $12.00

Mens Regular - $12.00 Seniors - 1.00 Off - $11.00 Veterans 1.00 Off - $11.00

Kid’s Butch, Crew, Flat Top - $10.00

707- 430-3354

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Tuesday Through Friday - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday - 9:00 AM to 2:00PM

Site Coordinator, City Engineer and City Attorney positions. There is a job description for Airport Manager, and if there was additional funding to pay for an Airport Manager, solely from the Airport Fund, that job would be advertised. However by filing the position with a coordinator and not a manager the City is saving money and achieving compliance with FAA. I have been through a background check, drug test and been fingerprinted in 2005 and again in 2010, when I accepted the volunteer airport coordinator role, per the City’s volunteer policy. There were no significant issues in my background, that would preclude me from assisting the City. I have no misdemeanors or felonies in my record.

I do not operate any transit buses, nor do I supervise any transit drivers. I manage the transit contract with Storer on behalf of the City. Those that choose to Google me may find misleading information about my previous employment and driving record. As you know anyone can post anything, true or false, on the internet. I would encourage those that are truly interested in my service to talk to me I have been upfront with the City Manager about these matters as they transpired.

As for my employment with South Tahoe Area Transit Authority, I was hired as a planner not an executive leader to manage the system. After discussing the direction of the agency with the Board, the Board chose to eliminate my position to use the salary savings to hire that executive leadership.

I love what I do in the transportation industry and have made great improvements and differences to the places that I have worked over the past 10 years and have

done the same here in Rio Vista and would continue to put my heart and soul into making Rio Vista Delta Breeze and Rio Vista Municipal Airport the best it can be.§ Again, I encourage those that are truly interested on this matter to talk to me or visit www. johnandoh.org for the real story. John Andoh Transit & Airport Coordinator City of Rio Vista Dear Editor Musings from afar. Recently, I have been reading letters to the editor from a City Council candidate, Mr. Lamb. He has made a number of claims for which he has made no substantiation and seems to be “off the wall”. Having followed the council’s action over several years and found its work to be in the best interest of the city, I believe it’s time for people to speak up and not allow such unsubstantiated claims to go unquestioned. For example, in a recent letter to the editor River News Herald (RNH), Mr. Lamb claims “the city manager drew up this rate structure for the water/sewer programs and used incorrect charts, misleading information, and inflated expenses”.

The truth is a computerbased program, provided by a prominent consultant to municipal government, was used to calculate the rates. Pertinent data fed into the model calculated the rates as they had done for many municipal governments in similar situations. A committee (the CCww) composed of individuals with appropriate professional backgrounds developed a program of its own to verify the consultant’s number. In every case, the committee’s calculations verified the rates calculated by the consultant model, oftentimes to the penny.

The RNH quotes Lamb “. . . residents should be concerned with the misappropriation of city

funds. Why are certain funds lacking while other general monies disappear?” It would seem that if money was misappropriated or went missing our auditors would have found such irregularities and would not have given the city a clean bill of health. More claims with no proof.

Mr. Lamb contends the July 28 special meeting for the bridge study had insufficient notice, yet the room was packed. Contrary to his claim, business owners and chamber personnel were heard and listened to. Again, contrary to his assertion, the city’s recommendation was to reject a route around the city but rather retain a central cityapproach to a river crossing. In another letter to the editor of the River News Herald, Lamb claimed, “there was Federal Grant CBG money of $203,000 for the pool project, for handicapped upgrades and to redo the bathrooms, but when asked where the money really is... it’s not really there. Why?” The new aquatic center was designed and built ADA compliant. It is true; a portion of the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG, not CBG) was sought for ADA compliance for the old swimming pool. Since it was not needed, the city asked the controlling state agency for, and was granted permission, to use the $203,000 for other ADA projects.

This is an example of a city Council candidate conducting a campaign solely through innuendo and unfounded claims in “letters to the editor.” We need Council people with ideas and energy to look for solutions and not focus on the past.

We have what we have and we must deal with it. It seems to me that Mr. Lamb does not display the willingness or the capability to do that.

Frank Reid

Confidential Administrative Assistant Salary $2,872 - $3,491 mo.

Works for the City Manager performing highly confidential administrative / secretarial duties; manages special projects; administers human resources and Workers’ Compensation functions; prepares memos and letters, gathers data and other information, and acts as secretary to the City Council. Must submit a valid typing certificate within 6 months, 50 words per minute. Online tests not accepted. To obtain an application, log onto our website www.riovistacity.com or contact Dawn Bahrenfuss at (707) 374-6451. Final filing date September 13, 2010 at 5 pm.

Real Estate Q&A

By Sam Richards

Richards Real Estate CHINESE SHEETROCK Q. We were all set to finish the sale on our home, just waiting for the appraisal.

When completed, the appraiser came back with a value at the sales price, but conditioned the

value on proving through a licensed contractor that the home contained no Chinese sheetrock. Is this common now since the Florida issue with sheetrock?C.B. Rio Vista A. The Chinese drywall hit Florida in 2005 after the hurricane season made domestic drywall near impossible to obtain.

Within 6 months of completed construction,

Florida homeowners started to notice sulfur odor and began to experience corroded pipes and fouled electric connections. But, grouping all Chinese drywall companies as bad guys would be incorrect since they offer a variety of manufacturers.

Since there was a coincidental market crash and new construction pretty much ground to a halt in 2005, Chinese drywall never had an opportunity to develop traction with a sales network. As to identity of materials used to build a home, I guess you could challenge everything from faucet seals and window caulk to drywall. I don’t think an appraiser should be involved in the construction techniques or materials used as long as the home complies with code; and from there the appraiser is being paid to establish the current value of the home and basic standards of habitability such as no broken windows, floor coverings in place, working HVAC system, working toilets, no evidence of a leaking roof, and a stove that works.

My next thought would be how to identify what kind of sheetrock you have; the brand is textured and painted over, so does the sheetrock have to be removed to prove origin, or would you take samples for a lab? Perhaps you could simply ask the builder where they purchased the sheetrock; but, a supplier could have various resources and could be supplying a variety of manufacturers on 1 delivery. Would that mean every piece of drywall in

the home would have to supply proof of origin? If drywall shows Chinese origin but has not exhibited signs of sulfur or corrosion, does that still make it unacceptable?

Since California mandates a 10 year structural warranty on new homes, it seems a letter from the builder assuring their sheetrock is domestic would be sufficient to appease any appraiser, but I still say the appraiser is stepping in to an area out of their realm of expertise.

The way a home is put together is where your home inspector comes in, and any questions or concerns of construction techniques or materials used would fall to their expert opinion; not an appraiser who is not a contractor.

I’ve always said if you ask my wife the speed limit, she’ll tell you how the road was built; but she never professed to be an expert in paving techniques.

Q. We suffered through a short sale to finally get an approval from the bank who agreed to sell at the price we offered. We received a signed and fully executed contract from the bank and went to the escrow to sign loan papers

and close only to find out at the eleventh hour that the bank has decided they will not sell for the agreed price, they now want $7,000 more! They said if we don’t agree, the deal is off. How can we resolve this? J.P Rio Vista A. Banks don’t sell direct, they use “asset management� companies to process and negotiate the deal;and none of them I have dealt with have a real estate license. Their style of negotiation varies, with themost popular being the “we’ll cancel this deal� style. If they truly execute this price increase demand, then you fall into the legal arena with a breach of contract. They might not even know that, or it could be a bluff; but in any case it will be a delay. If you agree, the appraisal and loan will have to be re-done. If you contest and sue for breech, you could ask for specific performance (to complete the sale), and it could drag on for months.

But, now I’m dispensing legal advice and I am not an attorney, so you should definitely see one Sam Richards 707-3746491, or visit www. richards-realestate.com

Library News Free Parenting Classes with child care provided “Self care� Tuesday Sept. 14, 10 a.m. - 12 noon at Rio Vista CARE 125 Sacramento Street “Bonding with your child� Wednesday Sept. 29, 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. at the Rio Vista Library in English Thursday Sept. 30, 10:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. at the Rio Vista Library in Spanish “Handling misbehavior� Wednesday Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.

-12:30 p.m. at the Rio Vista Library in English Thursday Oct. 14, 10:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Rio Vista Library in Spanish

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8BML *OT 8FMDPNF 109 S. 2nd St. Open 9:30 to 4:30 Tue-Sat

Serving Rio Vista and the Delta For over 33 years

“KIDS’ SAFETY DAY” On Saturday, August 28th, the Rio Vista Police Department and its VIPS (Volunteers in Police Services) conducted a special “going back to school” event called “Kids’ Safety Day”. The purpose of this event was to band together law enforcement and the community to “keep our kids safe”. Parents brought their children to the police department to be photographed, fingerprinted, and DNA swabbed, and all these items were placed together in a kit for the parents to safe keep at home.

The participants also received a goodie bag filled with a coloring book and other items containing a safety theme, and Jelly Belly Candy.

According to the police department, they felt that the parent participation was excellent with 178 kids in at-

COST EFFECTIVE HEATING AND COOLING SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR HOME OR OFFICE

tendance and processed for ID Kits during the 4 hour event. It was nearly double the number of participants from the 2008 program. Also, as a special safety feature, parents could have their child’s car seat inspected for free by the Solano County Health Services Department.

Over 20 child seats were checked, with 5 seats being replaced with new seats, at no cost to the parents. Each child was also treated to a bag of popcorn, a soda, and ice cream sundae cup before leaving.

This event was sponsored by Lions of Rio Vista, Lira’s Super Market, Coca Cola of Sacramento, and Jelly Belly Candy of Fairfield. Because of the time and energy put forth by the VIPS and other volunteers, this program was such a huge success. This year alone, the VIPS have contributed over 500 hours of volunteer service to the Rio Vista Police Department and to the City of Rio Vista.

Be on the look-out for our website launch on 9/8/10.

Go to: www.riovistabeacon.com All the news and updates at your fingertips, along with social media (Facebook & Twitter). There will be opportunities to promote your business in (6) different areas within in the site. You will also be able to review the actual print publication as well. We’re excited about our new site launch next week –can’t wait!! Thank you The Rio Vista Beacon

ST. BRIGID’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH www.stbrigidsriovista.org P.O. Box 580, Rio Vista, CA 94571 Deacon Susan Reeve 707-374-5734, Deacon Derek Jones 707-374-5372

All who seek Christ are welcome.

We meet at 218 California Street, Community outreach is a priority of this church.

Rio Vista Air

Heating And Cooling Lic# 839824 Please Call us for more information 707-374-5992

Holy Eucharist Every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with refreshments following.

Evening Prayer service is 1st Tuesday at 7 p.m. (707) 374-2667

Delta Pharmacy & Gifts Filling all of your pharmaceutical needs and so much more.

No need to travel out of town for that unique gift for a special someone. Stop by today and see our wide selection of gift items that are perfect for any holiday. We feature a staff that places customer service at the top of the list. We’ll even wrap a gift you purchase at our store FREE! So, shop Delta Pharmacy & Gifts!!!

Free Gift Wrap

with minimum purchase Sale items excluded 407 Main Street, Rio Vista CA 707-374-5135 Hours: Mon-Fri. 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday-Closed

Cairo’s

Handyman Services

Lic. No. 0001967 landscaping Maintenance Household Handyman Custom Sheds Expert Carpentry Fencing Kitchen & Bath Repairs Gutters Cleaned & Repairs Interior Paint / Repairs Cleaning & Hauling

“Need Help Around the Home”

First Congregational Church of Rio Vista welcomes all to celebrate Jesus Sundays at 11:00 a.m.

All are welcome to Adult Sunday School at 10:00 on Sunday Choir practice at five on Sunday Bible Study at ten on Wednesday Children’s Sunday School at 11:15 Prayer Meetings

Tickets are now on sale for the oldest continuing festival of Rio Vista...TheHarvest Festival. It will be held at the church on Saturday Oct.2. There will be homemade candy, baked goods, crafts and the traditional lamb barbecue. All of Rio Vista and places beyond have gathered for this event for over a hundred years. Come and meet old friends and enjoy the best lamb along with Portuguese beans, salad and all the trimmings.Tickets remain at the same price as last year.

230 Sacramento Street (next door to the Post Office) Office Phone...374 2033 Pastor Ella Ray Toscano

Installations

(707) 718 1202 Cell or (707) 374-2070 Bus E-mail: cairoraul@hotmail.com

Bridge Over Troubled Waters by: Pastor Ella Ray Toscano

Birthdays are important bridges for those who have lived a long life.

Each year beyond ninety seems to be a gift to be shared with others. My aunt turned ninety-nine Tuesday so we traveled once again to Covina to celebrate with her.

She has no enemies because she has outlived them all but she also has outlived most of her friends. However she still has family. I was reminded this weekend of the gifts we can share with complete strangers if they are wrapped in love and respect. God sends us family. My aunt wanted to celebrate her birthday in a coffee shop she has frequented for over fifty years .I had wanted to invite her neighbors but she just wanted family, which consisted of just three people. She left her wheel chair home and walked proudly in the restaurant with her walker as if she were holding court.

After our meal we surprised her with a birthday cake. The intention was to take home the uneaten cake and distribute it to the neighbors but when I started cutting I noticed all eyes of patrons were on us. I asked for plates and began cutting tiny pieces for all of those who were sitting nearby. I was wish-

ing that Jesus were sitting with us in person so he could have multiplied the pieces of the cake to feed everyone…but somehow the cake seemed to be enough for all of those who were in the room.

There were little children who had ninety years ahead of them and others who had lived many years one of whom was in a wheel chair and another beautiful lady was on oxygen. My aunt’s cake seemed to brighten up the room especially when her age was proudly announced. Complete strangers got up from their tables and made their way to my aunt with words more precious than presents. It was an unplanned true celebration.

I was disappointed in the cake because of the garish colors in the decorations.

I had ordered red roses and the cake was decorated with bright ugly orange roses and a dirty gold color. I believe there was some nasty green stuff on it also.

When I cut it the colors stained my hands so I wondered about the ingredients but somehow all the ugliness of the cake disappeared, as people seem to enjoy the cake and marvel at the beauty of my ninety nine year old aunt. Everyone began to talk to one another and even the little children were fascinated by the moment. They loved the cake! In Luke Jesus tells the parable tells of a master who invited his guests and when the banquet was ready he sent his servant to tell them the table was ready It was customary to send a first invitation to announce the event and then a second when it was ready. All who had accepted the first invitation declined the second with some lame excuse. The master then sent his servant to invite the needy people from the streets. Jesus has a lot to say about reaching out to others. Theologically this parable has to do with accepting the invitation from God and then the second one from His Son …but this week I thought of all those who could not come to my Aunt’s celebration. They said they would be there for

her hundredth birthday however. Everyone had a very good excuse but I was disappointed no family could come. However when the cake arrived and we sang happy birthday all of the strangers shared and there was an atmosphere of joy. There were hugs from strangers and words that expressed respect awe and admiration.

Had the family all attended there would not have been cake to share. My aunt is covered in prayer. I know those prayers were heard by God. Surely the Presence of the Lord was in that restaurant. God gave my aunt a party.

Computer Doctor

For PCs, if you are fed up with the Vista Operating System (OS), you might want to buy Windows 7.

It has a short but good history.

After buying a new computer; if they do not supply you with the operating system on CD, use the Back up utility (hit f1 and type in back up and follow the directions) to back up the OS. It probably will take 10 discs. Dell puts the OS in a separate partition these days.

If you ever need to shut down your system by turning off the power, when starting up again, keep hitting f8 until a menu appears. Select safe mode. After you see the desktop appear (showing

your icons and the start icon), shut down the system again (hit the startup icon on the bottom left of your screen). And press the then select shutdown (for Vista), start it up in safe mode (see above) again. Then restart the computer and let it startup regularly. This often does a nice “healing” of your system.

I will be writing hints about computers every week. If you need other help please call me; Woody Woodard, Computer Doctor, 707-416-6067

Quick Sincere Honest Positive Caring Experienced Patient

!!!!!!!!!

NELKIN INSURANCE AGENCY License # 0D34624

Marina Nelkin your professional insurance agent is here for you, and all of your insurance needs.

AUTO * HOME * RENTER * CONDO * LIFE * COMMERCIAL BUSINESS * MOTORCYCLE * BOAT Let’s schedule your vital policy review today!

Special discounts: Good Student * Multi-Car * Auto-Home * Auto-Life * Group Discounts * Retired Special benefits: Original Parts on Auto Repairs * Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage with Umbrella Liability policy * Road Service * Higher Deductibles * Personal Injury * Identity Fraud * American Home Shield Preferred and Higher risk Coverage Protection Available Don’t forget to ask us about VIP package!

Office: 707-438-1744 Cell: 707-758-6255 Don’t delay Start your protection today!

Hablamos Español !" #$%$&'( )* P+,,-$(

!

2220 Boynton Ave. Ste I, Fairfield, CA 94533 Rio Vista resident Evenings/Weekends !

Rio Vista Auto Repair ning

Free Air Conditio Inspection

Rio Vista Sanitation Service

Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair

Complete Auto Repair Since 1967

Ask the Recycling Guy!

ENGINES • CLUTCHES • TRANSMISSIONS TUNE-UPS • OIL CHANGES MUFFLERS • BRAKES

Spring Su mmerLube L u beOil Oil&& F ilter Special Sp e cial Filter

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Cooling System Service

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What items are recyclable?

Rio Vista Sanitation Service will take the following items in your blue recycling container:

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Hours of Operation À Ên Ê Êx*

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PAPER PRODUCTS: Boxes/Packages, Cardboard, Catalogs, Chipboard (cereal boxes, shoe boxes, etc.), Colored Paper, Construction Paper, Copy Paper, Coupons, Egg Cartons (Non‐Styrofoam), Envelopes with Metal Clasps, Junk Mail, Loose Newspaper, Magazines, Manila Folders, Newspaper Inserts, Of8ice Paper, Paper Bags, Paper Packaging, Paper Towel Tubes, Shredded Paper (in plastic bags), Telephone Books, White Paper PLASTIC PRODUCTS: California Redemption Plastic #1‐#7, HDPE #2, Detergent Bottles, 5‐Gallon Buckets, Juice Jugs/Cartons, Milk Jugs/ Cartons, Plastic Bags, Plastic Laundry Baskets, Plastic Water Jugs, Plastic Pot Plants, Rinsed Salad Dressing Bottles, Rinsed Yogurt & Margarine Containers, Shampoo & Bleach Bottles, Soda Bottles, Soft Drink Bottles: PET #1, Toys such as Plastic Tricycles, Water Bottles.

ALL CONTAINERS SHOULD BE RINSED & EMPTIED • NO LIDS ON CONTAINERS. METALS: Aluminum Cans, CLEAN Aluminum Foil, Aluminum Pie Plates CLEAN Food Cans, Pet Food Cans, Steel Cans, Tin Cans GLASS: Glass Jars & Bottles

PLEASE BE GREEN & KEEP YOUR RECYCLABLES CLEAN! For information on what is recyclable, please go to www.riovistadisposal.com