2013 Life In Los Banos by Merced Sun-Star

Offering only the best!

WESTHILL real Estate

• SHORT SALE SPECIALISTS • REO SPECIALISTS TOuGh DECISIONS hONEST ANSwErS whATEvEr yOur rEAL ESTATE, FINANCIAL Or PrOPErTy MANAGEMENT NEEDS ArE... wE’rE juST A PhONE CALL AwAy 963 E. Pacheco Blvd • Los Banos

(209) 826-9000 MANAGEMENT

TOM HILL Broker 826-9000, Ext. 24

2519 Blossom St • Dos Palos

(209) 392-2171

DOS PALOS OFFICE

BOB GAUpER Vice-President Property Management 826-9268

LUANNE ANDERSON Realtor 704-5548

GALE EVERMON Realtor 587-2327

LOS BANOS OFFICE

LAwRENcE RALLS Realtor 509-9164

SALLY HURLEY Realtor 769-5200

MARY pEREZ Realtor Hablo Español 408-221-9553

pEGGY GAXIOLA Realtor/Loan Specialist 509-9194

00132079

w EST HILL

TONY MARTINEZ Broker Associate/ Sr. Loan Specialist 769-2234

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 3

Life IINN Los Banos T AB L E OF C ONTE NTS Welcome to Los Banos ...............................................4 Places of Worship .....................................................43 History .......................................................................6 Clubs and Organizations ..........................................44 Chamber of Commerce ...............................................8 Nearby Attractions ...................................................46 Local Government .....................................................23 Santiago’s Police and Fire .........................................................27 store on the corner of Health Treatment Facilities ......................................30 Sixth and I streets Schools .....................................................................32 experiened a fire during Tomato Festival ........................................................34 Los Banos’ past. The Merced County Spring Fair .......................................35 building, Parks .........................................................................36 minus the second story Transportation ..........................................................38 still stands today and is Natural Recreation Areas .........................................39 home to the Life in Los Banos is a publication Los Banos San Joaquin National Cemetery ...............................40 Enterprise. of the Los Banos Enterprise. Sports .......................................................................41 For additional copies, Enterprise file please contact the office at 826-3831. photo Rivalries ....................................................................42

• • • •

order@osecse.com Office Supplies • Copier Supplies Office Furniture • Invoices - Checks - Statements Office Machines • Computer Ribbons • Ink Jet Supplies Laser Supplies

✤ Product Quality ✤ No Minimum Order ✤ Experienced Professionals

OSE Fax (209) 826-9779

826-8751

CUSTOM PRINTING HEADQUARTERS

css@osecse.com • Faxing • Banners • High Speed Color Copies • Yard Signs • Lamination • Self Ink Stamps • Binding Services • Engraved Signs • Custom Printing • Wide Format Color Copies • Letterhead - Envelopes • Business Cards • Forms

On Site Notary Services

•

• Shipping Station

CSS Fax (209) 826-2629

FREE DELIVERY Toll Free 1-800-824-8751

826-2828

1017 I Street • Los Banos

Los Banos • Dos Palos • Gustine • Newman • Santa Nella

00132808

OFFICE SUPPLY HEADQUARTERS

PAGE 4 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos

WELCOME TO LOS BANOS

os Banos is a place that may be familiar to duck hunters, commuters and natives, but could be new to the holder of this directory. Meet Los Banos. A medium-sized city located on Merced County’s west side, “Westside” to locals, in the Central Valley of California. According to the 2010 census, Los Banos has a population of 35,972, and is the fastest growing city in the county. The local elected government is led by four city councilpersons and a mayor who oversee the needs of the city, including such things as police and fire as well as the numerous other needs of citizens. The local school board

The Henry Miller Plaza is a focal point for the City of Los Banos. Gene Lieb/ glieb@los banos enterprise.com

Karole LaCerra- Loan Ofﬁcer Gabriela Mendoza- Assistant 249 W. Pacheco Blvd, Suite C Los Banos, CA 93635

karole.lacerra@academymortgage.com gabriela.mendoza@academymortgage.com

NMLS #176479 | State Lic #CA-DOC 176479 Corp Lic #4170013 | Corp NMLS #3113 Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

00132816

P (209) 829-0105 • C (209) 205-8940 F (866) 289-0896 • Hablo Español

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 5

Life IINN Los Banos oversees the public schools in town and the Merced College District runs and maintains a campus just outside of the city limits for those who seek further education or vocational training. Los Banos has a large number of public parks. Sports and outdoor activities are an important part of life here with many natural recreation areas close by. The schools also have active sports programs of all kinds. An arts council, as well as numerous churches, clubs and organizations are active in Los Banos. These groups cover the gamut of citizen interests. Everything from children’s clubs to active political and religious organizations are represented.

Centrally located Locals like to say that the city of Los Banos is at the crossroads of California and this may well be true. Located a few miles from Interstate 5, (which bisects the state and is the major freeway artery from north to south), Los Banos sits at the busiest intersection in Merced County. Highway 152 which connects Fresno to

San Jose, crosses Highway 165 which ties Turlock and Highway 99 together not far from the center of town making Los Banos a common stop for many travelers as they make their way around the state. Highways 152 and 165 both connect to Interstate 5, which makes Los Banos. General aviation connections are made via Los Banos’ own municipal airport. The local airport sits on more than 100 acres of land and has been operational since the 1920s. The runway is more than 3,800 feet long and 75 feet wide. Aviation fuel is available for purchase and restaurants and shopping are within walking distance.

Culturally diverse Not only does Los Banos sit at the crossroads of California, but in many ways it also sits at the crossroads of a number of cultures. Because of this, residents and visitors are able to attend or participate in a great number of cultural events that include such things as the annual Basque Festival, Portuguese Festas, Mexican quinceaneras, and yearly Oktoberfests, as well as

Swedish, Italian, and NAACP dinners. Some families in town go back several generations, while others came as San Francisco Bay Area commuters during the housing boom. Other celebrations include the Merced County Spring Fair, Tomato Festival and Christmas celebrations that include caroling and a parade down Main Street. The town’s restaurateurs cater to the palettes of residents and visitors. Basque, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and others are all represented. People who want a little less adventure can also easily find barbecue, hamburgers, pizza and plenty of fast food. The downtown includes an all-American diner and a deli as well as an old-fashioned soda fountain that still serves real ice-cream shakes and cherry phosphates alongside grilled sandwiches at its lunch counter. On the following pages you’ll learn more about much of the above as well as many of the other things Los Banos has to offer.

Buying, Selling & Property Management JOE TRINDADE REAlTOR (209) 509-6532 #01492045

OSBY ROSAlES (831) 234-7908 #01434257

PAUl BETTENCOURT SAlES TRAINER/ REAlTOR (831) 212-5326 #01316114

JONATHAN mACIEl lYNNETTE SOUSA PROPERTY mANAGER (831)212-2548 AlDINA mACIEl PROPERTY mANAGER JOHN mACIEl REAl ESTATE BROkER (831)840-3881 FIElD mANAGER (831)840-1360 (831)345-1904

JYNNETTE SOUSA ESCROW mANAGER

FEEL THE ENERGY!

249 W. PACHECO BLVD., SUITE D • LOS BANOS, CA 93635 • (209) 826-7777 • FAX: (209) 826-7779 713 EAST LAKE AVE., WATSONVILLE CA 95076 (831) 763-7777 FAX (831) 722-4601

Se Habla Español

www.aldinarealestate.com • www.aldinapropertymangement.com

00130644

Department of Real Estate #01121286

Fala Portugues

PAGE 6 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos H I S T OR Y

Museum tells tales of Los Banos’ past T he history of Los Banos, like that of the United States, has been written by people of many backgrounds. A group of American Indians known as the Yokut people made their homes in the area in and around Los Banos. Tribes of Yokuts were widely dispersed throughout the San Joaquin Valley; their territory ranged roughly from the delta south of where Bakersfield now stands and from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada to the foothills of the Coast Range. It is generally accepted that the first Europeans to visit the area were Spanish soldiers led by Lt. Gabriel Moraga. Moraga

had come through the area we now know as Pacheco Pass to explore the valley at the direction of the Spanish Governor of California in 1805. The soldiers found the Yokuts in a natural paradise along with great numbers of ducks, geese, cranes, herons, pelicans, curlew, antelope, deer, elk and even grizzly bears making their homes here. Later, between 1808 and 1833, a Franciscan monk from the mission at San Juan Bautista named Padre Felipe Arroyo de la Cuesta made missionary trips to the area to convert local Native Americans. During one of his many trips, he learned of the pools of

water in the rocks at the summit of the mountains near a creek that meandered its way to the valley. The creek became known as, “El Arroyo de Los Banos del Padre Arroyo.” The lengthy name was later shortened to “Los Banos Crick.” The first Europeans to populate Los Banos in large numbers were Italians who came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A bit later, the Portuguese arrived along with the Basques who had migrated from the Pyrenees mountain region between France and Spain. The Basques and Portuguese raised a tremendous number of sheep and made Los Banos one

The Past, Present & Future Ring

of the biggest shepherding towns in the Central Valley. The historic Buffalo Soldiers trail included a stop in Los Banos. The encampment in Los Banos was in the area of Mercey Springs and Overland roads, which is the northeast corner of town. The Buffalo Soldiers, an all-black regiment, routinely rode more than 320 miles in 15 days from the Presidio to Sequoia and Yosemite national parks, which until 1914 were under Army management. The soldiers patrolled the backcountry, built roads and trails, fought fires and undertook other work later assigned to park rangers. The hats that

“ Your hometown dr ug store” Serving Los Banos for 50+ years

We Are Here For Your Present, Looking Forward To Serving You In The Future!

PEARSON’S JEWELERS 928 6th Street 209-826-1026

BRILLIANCE YOU DESERVE®

00132598

EXPERT JEWELRY & WATCH REPAIR

• Prescription - Specialists

HealthMart

• Fountain Lunch Counter

PHARMACY

LOS BANOS DRUG CO.

DEPENDABLE DRUGGISTS 601 J Street • Los Banos 209.826.5834 fax 209.826.2686

• Greeting Cards • Cosmetics - Daily Specials Pharmacist: Mel Hartsoch

“We Deliver”

00132063

We Have Been Here For Your Past,

• Full Service Pharmacy

We accept all Medicare Part D insurances

Life IINN Los Banos park rangers wear are a vestige of the Army connection. The most well-known European to make a mark on this area arrived in the United States in 1850 with less than $10 in his pocket. The German immigrant’s name was Henry Miller. When Miller first arrived, he worked for a time as a butcher and perceived that a better grade of cattle would be beneficial to Californians. To make a long story short, Miller acquired a vast amount of land and built himself an enormous cattle empire. Miller was also responsible for being the first to introduce the crops of cotton, rice and alfalfa to the valley. He also was largely responsible for motivating the railroad to bring a line into the area. In 1873, The Post Office Department decided to establish a post office at the pioneer trading post. The name of the creek, Los Banos was the name given to the post office and shortly thereafter, the name was adopted by the stage station as well. Henry Miller formally founded the town of Los Banos in 1890. Miller’s empire had spread and so Miller was able to spend money and effort to make the town a better place to live. He graveled the streets, set out hundreds of shade trees along the sidewalks and laid out a park. When Miller died in 1916, he owned nearly a million acres of land in the San Joaquin Valley. Los Banos, rich in farmland, attracted the immigration of people of Mexican descent as migration to the United States spiked in the early 1900s, trailed off after 1930 and rose consistently since the 1960s. According to the 2010 census, people of Hispanic or Latino origin are 64.9 percent of the population of Los Banos. Progress and growth continued in and around Los

Sorry:

PAGE 7

Banos during the 20th century. A branch of the California aqueduct was built close by, as well as Interstate 5. On August 18, 1962, President John F. Kennedy and California Governor Edmund G. (Pat) Brown, Sr., detonated explosive charges to ceremonially break ground for construction of a reservoir with a capacity of more than 2 million acre-feet. The San Luis Reservoir remains the largest off-stream reservoir in the United States and is a critical part of California’s water delivery infrastructure. The 1980s and 1990s brought another kind of “immigrant” to Los Banos — commuters. With housing prices in the San Francisco Bay Area soaring, (particularly in the southern area known as Silicon Valley), many families who wanted homes could not afford to buy anything close to San Jose so many looked eastward — toward Los Banos. Thousands of families purchased homes in Los Banos for a quarter of the price of homes near where they worked. Now, many thousands of super-commuters travel highway 152 on a daily basis. The commuter population makes their way through the same Pacheco Pass that Lt. Gabriel Moraga did more than 200 years ago as they make a 200 mile round trip to their jobs in the South Bay. Some even travel as far as San Francisco. The Milliken Museum is packed with historical artifacts, original documents, ephemera and exhibits. It is a good start for anyone interested in local history. The museum is open for visitors from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. There is no charge to visit, but donations are accepted and local history books can be purchased from the curators. For more information, call the museum at (209) 826-5505.

EvErything iS dEliciouS!

hot City bbQ & roadhouSe Ribs Pulled Pork Tri-tip & Chicken Our Salads are the Bomb! Announcing Killer SteaKS every Night Prime rib Friday Night

h 6th Street, Los Bano t u o S s 1313

Open

days

a week

Friday & Saturday

00130646

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

11:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Sunday

Noon- 7:00 PM Tel: 209-826-4300

www.hotcitybbq.co/

PAGE 8 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos C H A MB E R OF C OMME R C E

Group advocates for business, community thing from accounting and auto repair to window washing. Individuals and businesses (whether they are Chamber members or not) can call the Chamber offices at (209) 826-2495 to receive help locating a local business that specializes in whatever goods or services they may be seeking. The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors consists of volunteers from within its membership. Under the board’s direction, the Chamber works closely with government agencies to ensure business and commerce issues are addressed and local business owners are given a voice. The Chamber of Commerce also has other programs. One seeks to warn shopkeepers of potential dangers to their business, such as crimes that have been committed nearby or scams they should protect themselves against. These warn-

Board of Supervisors

Networking Traditionally, the Chamber holds a mixer at a local business once a month. These mixers are open to the public. The purpose is to give business owners an opportunity to network and establish connections with fellow Chamber members. Chamber mixers almost always involve plenty of food and drink as well as raffle prizes which are donated by members. The intent of the mixers is in part to create a comfortable atmosphere in which to socialize and learn more about other local businesses. The mixers are also a

Reader’s Choice Best Restaurant 1998 to 2012

• Daily Specials • • Baja Salmon • • Lobster • • Bistec ala Mexicana • • New York Steak • & More!

Jerry O’Banion

Supervisor, District 5

Fajita Buffet Prime Rib Steak Fajitas Chile Colorado Enchiladas

Featuring our own unique dining patio, Flat screen T.V.s, tall pub tables in the best bar in town!

1460 E. Pacheco • Los Banos 826-4041

00132078

County Administration Bldg. 2222 M Street Merced, California 95340 (209) 385-7366 (209) 726-7977 Fax dist5@co.merced.ca.us

ings are often distributed in the form of email blasts. Other programs include things like making sure that members are updated to some extent on laws, regulations and employee signage that may be required.

Online reservations from Web site: www.espanas.com

00132059

he Los Banos Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in life in Los Banos. Its value to the community goes far beyond that of being an advocate of business interests. The Chamber is a pivotal player in many of the festivals, celebrations and other community events that many Los Banosans know and love. The group was first incorporated as a business organization in 1930 and has been actively working with the city on business-related issues ever since. The Chamber’s primary mission is to help local businesses with governmental and regulatory issues. It also helps match the needs of those seeking particular goods and services with Chamber member’s business offerings. The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce consists of more than 400 member businesses that are involved with every-

JANUARY 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ LIFE IN LOS BANOS â&#x20AC;˘

PAGE 9

Life IINN Los Banos great place to network, make connections and generally get business leaders connected and talking.

The Chamber and community activities A great number of the community events that Los Banos residents look forward to every year are either directly sponsored Chamber of Commerce events or are activities that the Chamber has helped to organize, advocate for or advised on. In December, the Chamber of Commerce holds its annual Christmas parade. This popular event features a large number of local clubs, businesses and organizations, as well as the junior high and high school marching bands. Many of the participants put together lighted floats. Others simply march down the parade route with signs and smiles.

Traditionally the parade concludes with the lighting of the Christmas tree in Henry Miller Plaza and caroling by school choirs. In April, the Chamber sponsors a semi-annual street faire that welcomes vendors from throughout California to come and sell goods including art, jewelry, purses, sunglasses and other items. Others set up informational booths about service oriented businesses, politics, and myriad other things. In July, the Chamber of Commerce sponsors the annual fireworks show which lights up at Pacheco High School, paid for by operating a fireworks booth on Pacheco Boulevard. This very popular event is sometimes expanded to include other 4th of July activities such as watermelon eating contests, bucket brigades, bathtub races, and other fun stuff for families.

Charles Guest/cguest@losbanosenterprise.com

Twice a year the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce presents Downtown Street Faires. Each year there is also a pageant for the youth called the Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker Contest. In addition, vendors sometimes sell food or souvenirs such as T-shirts, lighted necklaces and American flags. In October, the Chamber

hosts the Tomato Festival at the Los Banos Fairgrounds. The event celebrates one of the areas most popular crops and features food contests, concerts, food tasting and celebrity cooking demonstrations.

www.bestdreamvacation.com

PAGE 10 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

LO S B A N O S C HAM B E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP ACCOUNTANTS

Joe Cox, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4318

Valentine, James L. - CPA, 507 “J” Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5181

Steve Gomes, 1012 Carolina Drive, Merced CA 95340, (209) 723-1390

Waggle, Stephen L. & Co, Inc., 1120 W. “I” Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6190

AGRICULTURE FARMING Bowles Farming Co., 11609 S. Hereford Road, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3000 Central California Irrigation District, 1335 West I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1421 Grassland Water District, 22759 S. Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5188

AGRICULTURE - SEED DISTRIBUTOR R.C. Sherwood Grain Co., 500 N. Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6006

AGRICULTURE TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS ORGANIZATIONS American Cancer Society-Relay for Life of Los Banos, 2222 W. Shaw Ave. Ste. 201, Fresno CA 93711, (559) 779-8223 American Legion Post 166, 615 E Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0386 Baby’s Nutrition, 928 4th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-1961 Central California Blood Center, 4343 W. Herndon Ave., Fresno CA 93722, (559) 389-5433 CHI, 334 Citrus Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 580-8933 Children’s Movement of Merced County, P.O. Box 3155, Merced CA 95344, (209) 628-1070 Filipino - American Assoc. of Los Banos, 785 Bluff Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-8916

Holt of California, 3440 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4919

Friends of the Los Banos Library, P.O. Box 2343, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6254

Tractor Supply Co., 1131 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-0283

Golden State Gunslingers, P.O. Box 971, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 769-9649

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS INDIVIDUALS

Habitat Westside, P.O. Box 1421, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-0473

Beverly de Parsia, Los Banos CA 93635

Kern Community College District, 2100 Chester Ave, Bakersfield CA 93301

Freda Chounet, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3465 Gwen Partida, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-2473

Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 504, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4318

Los Banos Arts Council, 1105 5th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4126 Los Banos Buffalo Soldiers, 1350 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5103 Los Banos Cemetery District, 16575 South Center Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0882 Los Banos Genealogical Society, 16778 S. Place Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4882 Los Banos Golden Agers Club, P.O. Box 366, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4318 Los Banos High School Sports Boosters Club, P.O Box 615, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6033 Los Banos Kiwanis Club, P.O. Box 380, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1059 Los Banos Lions Club, c/o 1567 Greenwood Way, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-1405 Los Banos QUWF, 501 Ward Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 769-1642 Los Banos Sportmen’s Assoc., P.O. Box 746, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3741 Los Banos Tea Party Patriots, 1350 E.Pacheco Blvd Ste B-240, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 612-6224

Merced County Chamber of Commerce, 860 West 18th Street, Merced CA 95341-1112, (209) 722-3864 Merced County Human Services, 2115 W. Wardrobe Avenue, Merced CA 95341-0112, (209) 385-3000 Merced County Supervisor - Jerry O’Banion, 2222 M Street, Merced CA 95340, (209) 392-6321 Modesto Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 844, Modesto CA 95353, (209) 577-5757

State Senator Anthony Canella, 1640 N. Street, Suite 210, Merced CA 95340, (209) 726-5495 State Senator Jeff Denham, 1640 North N Street, Ste 210, Merced CA 95340, (209) 726-5495 Success Capital, 1420 “F” Street, Second Floor, Modesto CA 95354, (209) 521-9372 The Villages of Los Banos @ Four Seasons, 800 West H Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 544-3422

NAACP - Unit 12AA, P.O. Box 2278, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8992

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service/San Luis NWRC, 7376 S. Wolfsen Road, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3508

New Beginnings Church, 821 W. “L” Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2350

United Way of Merced County, 658 W. Main Street, Merced CA 95340, (209) 383-4242

Oasis Community Center RMA Re-Store, 947 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0444

Valley Crisis Center, 1960 P Street, Los Banos CA 95340, (209) 725-7900

Oasis Community Center, 1005 I Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-0496

Veterans of Foreign Wars #2487, 615 E Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2927

Pacheco Sports Boosters, 404 Fairmont Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 648-6808

Westside Community Foundation, 645 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8864

Rod Runners, P.O. Box 2341, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 704-3539

AUTO - BODY & PAINT

Rotary Club of Los Banos, P.O. Box 19, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 381-6410

A & A Auto Body, 419 Mercey Spring Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6271

Salvation Army, 1231 4th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4945

Fabian’s Auto Body, 1209 Sixth Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0410

Merced Chamber of Commerce, 360 East Yosemite Ave., Merced CA 95340, (209) 384-7092

Soroptimist International of Los Banos, P.O. Box 667, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5648

Rick’s Auto Body, 1339 Place Road, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2446

Merced County Auditor-Controller, 445 “I” Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3714

State Assembly Member Kathleen Galgiani, 806 West 18th Street, Merced CA 95340, (209) 726-5465

Los Banos Tigers Youth Football, 1323 Dove Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9161

We hope to see you at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

www.lbtomatofestival.com

October 5th and 6th At the Los Banos Fairgrounds!

Entertainment Tomato Alley Demonstrations Contests Celebrity Chefs Food Tastings Vendors Arts & Crafts Tomato Patch Kids Fun Zone

If you would like to be a Tomato Festival Team Member or for more information call the Chamber office!

Los Banos Chamber of Commerce 503 J St., Los Banos (209) 826.2495 â&#x20AC;˘ www.losbanos.com

PAGE 12 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

LO S B A N O S C HAM B E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP AUTO - CAR WASH Los Banos Car Wash, 823 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4033

AUTO - FUEL DISTRIBUTORS Windecker, Inc., 904 H Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5658

AUTO - PARTS Napa Auto Parts of Los Banos, 1560 Pacheco Blvd, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5174

AUTO - REPAIR A&A All Pro Auto Repair, 439 Mercey Springs Rd, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6271

Sam’s Tuneup Center, 825 W. Pacheco Blvd, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4221 Tee-Dee-Us Auto Services, 447 Mercey Springs Road, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3622

AUTO - SMOG & REPAIR

Double D Towing, 1559 Place Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4100

BEAUTY SALONS DAY SPAS

Everyday Smog, 820 E.Pacheco Blvd, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 828-9114

Auto Restoration - Hot Rods

Fusion Day Spa, 912 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-9288

AUTO - TIRES & REPAIR

Westside Transmission, 1341 Tanner Rd, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1303

Howard Tire, 205 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1269

Young’s Automotive /Napa Car Care Center, 1117 F Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5191

Les Schwab Tire Center, 1500 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2125

AUTO - REPAIR - & MOBILE SERVICE

Tire World Car Care Center, 1743 E.Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-9433

SMS Auto & Truck Repair Inc., 115 W.G. Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-8761

AUTO - TOWING & RECOVERY Doc’s Tow Service, 2710 E. Pacheco Blvd, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-6677

American Rod & Automotive, 1234 G. Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5434

AUTO - BATTERIES Battery Outlet, 210 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-0323

BEAUTY SALON Sheen Riah, 265 Mercey Springs Rd., Suite L, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-8252 Trendy Salon, 1450 S. Mercey Springs Rd. #102, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1998

Una Bella Salon and Spa, 933 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5372

BETTER BUSINESS PRACTICES Better Business Bureau, 4201 W. Shaw, Ste. 107., Fresno CA 93711, (559) 222-8408

BOOKKEEPING - TAX SERVICES H & R Block, 659 J St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3850 Liberty Tax Services, 526 K St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4991

When everyone forgets how to drive.

Voted Best Insurance Agency 2012!

1001195.1

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company Bloomington, IL

Lots of Amenities! Indoor pool, fitness room and spa • Free Wi-Fi • Free Breakfast • Free Daily Newspaper • Plenty of Parking • Meeting room space available.

When you stay with us, we’ll serve you with our ﬁne brand of western hospitality, good value & friendly people!

00132289

joe@joegutierrezinsurance.com

I’m your agent for that. On those crazy days, just know that I have your back. With my help and the backing of my great team, I’ll have you back on the road and driving happy in no time. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7.

00132294

Joe G. Gutierrez, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0758271 964 J Street Los Banos, CA 93635 Bus: 209-826-4963 Cell: 209-769-7953

20 West Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos

(209)-827-4677

www.vagabondinn.com

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 13

LOS B A N O S C HAMB E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP Marlene M. Freitas Bookkeeping Service, 815 4th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0353

CATERING - FOOD VENDOR

Richard Martorello Bookkeeping, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5553

Catering - Food Vendor Churro’s D.L.T., 310 Sunburst St., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 675-6895

BUSINESS SERVICES CONSULTING

Da Kings Cones, 2051 Dante Ct., Los Banos CA 93635, (510) 708-0140

First On Compliance, P.O. Box 1174, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5103 We Train U-2, 166 N. Bascom Ave, San Jose Ca 95128, (408) 297-1152

CATERING Espana’s Catering, 1460 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4041

CHIROPRACTOR Parolise Chiropractic, 515 J St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9484

CITY GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION City of Los Banos - City Clerk, 520 "J" St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209)827-7000 City of Los Banos - City Manager, 520 "J" St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209)827-7000

City of Los Banos - Fire Dept., 333 7th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-7025 City of Los Banos - Police Dept., 945 5th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7070

CLEANING SERVICES

COMPUTER SERVICES Central Valley Geeks, 924 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3410

CONSULTANT Michael B. Johnson & Assoc., 2061 Mondovi Ct., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 710-8453

JW Professional Janitorial Service, 215 Las Palmas St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 873-0507

Rhonda Lowe Marketing Consultant, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 704-4384

CLOTHING - SPORTS APPAREL

CONTRACTOR ELECTRICAL

Unlimited Pride, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-2800

COINS Thoreson Numismatics, 947 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0777

CONTRACTOR - AIR CONDITIONING All American Plumbing, Heating & Air and Solar, 940 G. St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7400 CEN-CAL AIR INC., 821 4th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8058 Youngs Air Conditioning, 25 West G St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4807

CONTRACTOR CARPENTRY/PLUMBING

l Anthony Gomes Electric Service, P.O. Box 2459, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2444

Pacheco & Sons Plumbing & Carpentry All Service Company, 2806 Egret Lane, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-0222

Switched Electric, P. O. Box 1092, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-0125

WE CAN BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR RIDE. Rick’s Auto Body

Serving the Los Banos area for 37 years!

Free Estimates

• Complete Collision Work • Towing Available • Foreign & Domestic Car Repair • Insurance Work Welcome

isComputerized s e n sis Ge mage Analy

Rick & Tina Bohr, Owners Member of the Califorina Auto Body Association. Automoblie Service Excellence Cerified Technicians

1339 Place Rd. Los Banos

00132065

Da Verification and Repair

209.826.2446

Celebrating 37 Years In Business!

PAGE 14 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

LOS B A N O S C HA MB E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP CONTRACTOR FENCING J V Orta’s Rent-a-Fence Co., 1619 San Juan Rd., Hollister CA 95024, (831) 637-3034

CONTRACTOR GENERAL Farias Construction, Inc., P.O. Box 848, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-1135

CONTRACTOR - SOLAR Real Goods Solar, 3109 N.Miami Ave. #101, Fresno CA 93727, (559) 650-2555

COPY, PRINTING & SHIPPING Copy Shipping Solutions, 1017 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2828

COSMETICS

CONTRACTOR LANDSCAPING

Avon, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2866

D.Nice Enterprise, 564 C. Street Space #1, Los Banos Ca. 93635, (209) 829-2949

Mary Kay Cosmetics Martha Cuevas, 1510 Oasis Lane, Patterson CA 95363, (209) 496-6922

Ronny’s Landscaping, 15901 Badger Flat Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-9858

Moore Bling, 2303 N. Creekside Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (559) 259-7332

CONTRACTOR PAINTING AJ Painting, 21510 Ingomar Grade Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 587-6340 Genesis Painting, 2008 Stanford Ct., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9265 Reece’s Painting, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5214

CONTRACTOR ROOFING Westside Construction, P.O. Box 2437, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1527

CONTRCTOR SECURITY SYSTEMS Analytical Control Systems, 838 5th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-0667 Hoffman Security & Fire, 2301 Aviation Dr., Merced CA 95301, (209) 384-3305

COUNSELING SERVICES - RECOVERY PROGRAMS A New Way Inc., 517 9th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-8216 Westside Transitional Center, 40 West G St., Building 2 Ste A-E, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-6100

CUSTOM SEWING Custom Sewing by Marianna, 14804 Midway Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-1173

DEPARTMENT STORE Costco Wholesale #142, 1445 R St., Merced CA 95340, (209) 381-5601 JCPenney, 951 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5150 Target, 1405 W.Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-2080

Wal Mart Store #2117, 1575 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9655

DJ SERVICE JC’s Star Struck Karaoke & Entertainment Services, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2071

DRY CLEANING Johnnie’s Cleaners, 402 West Pacheco Blvd. Ste. F, LosBanos CA 93635, (209) 826-6575

EMBROIDERY 4Namely U, 838 5th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 534-2513

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Worknet/Merced County Dept of Workforce Investment, 800 7th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-6140

EVENT RENTALS Special Events, 295 S. Vasco Rd., Livermore CA 94551, (925) 605-2900

FABRIC & CRAFTS JMG Fabric & Crafts, 1044 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-1808

FAIRGROUNDS Merced County Fair, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced CA 95341, (209) 722-1506 Merced County Spring Fairgrounds Los Banos, 403 F St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5166

FASHION ACCESSORIES Accessorize It, 927 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 587-1506

FIREWORKS VENDORS Phantom Fireworks, 2777 E. Malaga Ave., Fresno CA 93725, (559) 459-0610

Dazzle Me, 933 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 704-0455

TNT Fireworks, 2945 S. Elm Ave., Fresno CA 93706-5411, (559) 252-5391

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FLOOR COVERING

Charter Merced Home Loans, 888 4th St. Ste B, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5544

Olin’s Floor Covering, 932 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8712

Chase Bank, 550 "K" St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3011 Classic Mortgage Co., 249 West Pacheco Blvd. D & E, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7777 Academy Mortgage Corporation, 249 W. Pacheco Blvd. # C, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-0105 Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union, 1450 S. Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-8010 Primerica Financial Services, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-2153 Rabobank, N.A., 1451 West Pacheco Blvd., Ste H, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-8494 Wells Fargo Bank, 461 "J" St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5172 Westamerica Bank, 953 West Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7760

FINANCIAL SERVICES INVESTMENTS Los Banos Gravel Co. Inc., 549 Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5141

FLORIST Los Banos Flower Shop, 624 K St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5668

FOOD PROCESSING Ingomar Packing Co., P.O. Box 1448, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9494

FOOD PROCESSING CHEESE Peluso Cheese, 429 H. St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3744

FOOD PROCESSING PACKING Kagome Foods, Inc., 333 Johnson Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8850 Los Banos Abattoir, P.O. Box 949, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2212 Morning Star Packing Co., 13448 S. Volta Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8000 Ryan-Parreira Almond Co., 21490 S. Ortigalita Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0272

Bringing State of the Art Healthcare to Merced County (209) 564-5000 333 Mercy Avenue Merced, CA 95340 mercymercedcares.org

The new seven-story medical center, with 186 licensed beds, features private rooms and state-of-the-art technology throughout. Next to the medical center is the Mercy Medical Pavilion which features outpatient surgery, lab, imaging and the Dignity Health Medical Group.

Mercy Medical Pavilion (209) 564-5000 Dignity Health Medical Group (209) 564-3700 Mercy Outpatient Center (209) 564-5000 • Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation • Endoscopy Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center (209) 564-3600 • Medical & Radiation Oncology

00132596

Mercy Medical Center

PAGE 16 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

LOS B A N O S C HA MB E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, 16524 Center Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4242

FURNITURE V&S Furniture, 1024 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-1609

FURMITURE CONSIGNMENT The Farm House, 1001 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4200

FURNITURE ELECTRONICS Aarons Sales & Leasing, 2160 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4411

GENERAL MERCHANDISE J and M Merchandise, 2924 Paradise Rd., Modesto CA 95358, (209) 566-1369

GIFTS- NOVELTIES Gold Canyon Candles Body - Home, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 587-5033 Scentsy By Victoria A. Ferreira, 489 Heather Creek Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 489-5730 The Country Duck, 1009 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3935

GOLF COURSE Stevinson Ranch Golf Club, 200 N. Van Clief, Stevinson CA 95374, (209) 664-6450

GUNS & AMMO Central Valley Firearms, 840 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6282

GYMS - FITNESS American Kenpo Karate Academy, 2130 E. Pacheco Blvd. # A, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-8696 Crossfit Valleyview, 1220 E. St. Ste. F, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3300

GLASS SHOPS RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Diamond Gemnastics, 444 Santa Rita Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1116

The Glass Shop, 1414 Paradise Ln., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1224

Donna Mendes’ Positive Changes, 1005 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0800

In-Shape City, 2240 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4400

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Jamin Gymnastics, 444 Santa Rita Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1116

Pleasures for You & Spa Pleasures, 1350 East Pacheco Blvd. #186, Los Banos CA 93635, (888) 469-5557

Los Banos Fitness & Racquet Club, 1520 Racquet Club Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6011

HEALTH SERVICES CLINIC

Mile High Karate, 2360 Fallbrook Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-8635

Family Health Medical Center, 1045 5th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4747 Golden Valley Health

Center Clinic, 821 Texas HEALTH SERVICES GUIDANCE COUNSELING Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1045

Mary Jean Whitehurst M.SC., 1125-G 5th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 704-1979

Pinnacle Healthcare, 285 Mercey Springs Rd. Suite A, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-0444

HANDYMAN SERVICES Reno T Enterprises, Inc., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 752-9564

Rooney’s Liquor Full Service Liquor Store - Since 1963

Buy Your Lottery & Lotto Here, You Could BE the

Next Big Winner!! 310 West Pacheco Blvd.

209-826-3981 Visa • Mastercard • ATM

COLDEST BEER IN THE TOWN!

00132077

FUNERAL SERVICES

PAGE 17

LOS B A N O S C HAM B E R OF C O M M ERC E M EMB E R S H I P HEALTH SERVICES - DENTISTS Golden Valley Health Dental Center, 725 West I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1094 Soares, Steven, DDS, 910 J St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2026 William K. Rapp Jr. DDS, 820 Iowa St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9176

HEALTH SERVICES - DIALYSIS Davita Los Banos Dialysis, 60 G St., Suite D, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2787

HEALTH SERVICES - HOSPITAL Memorial Hospital Los Banos, 520 West I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 572-5909

HEALTH SERVICES - OPTOMETRIST Soares, Trajan J., O.D., 1028 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1434

HEALTH SERVICES - PHARMACY Los Banos Drug Co., 601 J St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5834

HEALTH SERVICES - PHYSICAL THERAPY

Soares Lumber & Fence, 1218 D Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-0700

Sport & Rehab Physical Therapy, 312 West J St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-6178

Sorensen’s True Value, 402 Washington St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2001

HEALTH SERVICES - REHAB

HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTERS CONCRETE

Los Banos Nursing & Rehab, 931 Idaho Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2038

HEALTH SERVICES - SENIOR CARE Hinds Hospice, West 16th St., Merced CA 95340, (209) 383-3123 Westside Elderly Care, 656 Santa Barbara, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 509-5140

HEALTH SERVICES - SLEEP CENTER California Sleep Center, 3389 G St. Suite B, Merced Ca 95340, (209) 384-9400

Triangle Rock Products, 22101 West Sunset Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5066

HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTERS - PAINT Sherwin - Williams Paint Co., 2260 E. Pacheco Blvd. # C, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 509-3900

HOTELS, MOTELS & CAMPING Americas Best Value Inn, 330 West Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5002

HEALTH SERVICES - SUPPLEMENTS

Days Inn, 2169 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9690

Health Time, 940 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8503

Hotel Mission De Oro, 13070 S.Hwy 33, Santa Nella CA 95322, (209) 826-4444

HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTERS

Los Banos Motel, Inc., 2509 East Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2700

Home Depot, 1955 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 509-3940

Motel 6, 12733 S. Hwy 33, Santa Nella CA 95322, (209) 826-6644

Your Personal 24 Hour

Plumbing-Heating & Cooling

Immediate Service Team On Time Arrival

Your time and convenience is important. We arrive on time as promised, no waiting...

Friendly - Respectful - Clean & Polite

You are our V.I.P.. and your home is treated to shoe covers at the front door, clean area mats and plenty of clean towels, no mess...

Up-Front Quotes

Know the complete service amount before it begins. Everything is printed out for your approval 1st. No Surprises... (a visual diagnostic must be performed prior)

Superior Service At Competitive Prices Have the piece of mind in knowing that we guarantee to you, our competitive pricing for the same superior service...

Your Total Home Comfort Team

Ask us how you can greatly reduce your Utility bills and increase your total home

Comfort too....

All American

Plumbing-Heating-Air Serving You With Pride

826-7400 940 Street,Los LosBanos, Banos,CA CA 503 G I. Street,

00132282

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

License# 840958

Seniors - Military - Teachers - Police & Fire - Receive 5 % Discount

PAGE 18 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

LO S B A N O S C HAM B E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP Sun Star Inn, 839 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3805 Vagabond Inn Executive, 20 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4677 Economy Inn, 528 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0682

ICE CREAM PARLORS Baskin Robbins, 325 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4265

Winton-Ireland, Strom & Green, 627 E. Canal Dr., Turlock CA 95381, (209) 667-0995

INTERIOR DESIGN DJ’s Draperies & Designs, 638 K St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-8448

JEWELERS Jewelry & Scents, 830 2nd St., Ste. C, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-2189

INSURANCE

Pearson’s Jewelers, 928 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1026

AAA, 919 W.Pacheco Blvd, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-5005

LAWN EQUIPMENT SMALL ENGINE REPAIR

Allstate Insurance Agency, 663 H St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7980

Baker Supplies & Repairs, 1560 E. Pacheco Blvd. Ste.C, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-9252

EFR Insurance Agency, 864 5th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9500 Farmers Insurance Group Terry M. Brown, 963 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9909 Farmers Insurance - David Gould, 1048 6th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0152 M.V.P Insurance Agency, 930 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 710-8735 State Farm Insurance Andrea Brandt, 934 7th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7800 State Farm Insurance Joe Gutierrez, 964 East J St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4963 Western Valley Insurance Associates, 810 West K Street Ste. #A, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5667

LEGAL SERVICES Legal Shield - Ray Walton, 1635 Tumbleweed Way, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-6475

LIQUOR STORE Rooney’s Liquor, 310 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3981

MASSAGE - SPAS Golden Foot Spa, 265 N. Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8898

MINI-STORAGE Los Banos Mini Storage, 800 E. Pacheco Blvd. Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6479 Mercey Springs Mini-Storage, 420 Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3486

Office Supply Express, 1017 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-8751 The Office City, 939 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2326

Dale Carnegie Training, 4629 Pine Valley Circle, Stockton CA 95219, (209) 981-2288

Clark Pest Control, 1370 E. Merced Ave., Merced CA 95340, (209) 826-6051

MOVIE THEATER Premiere Cinemas, 245 North Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (831) 638-1688

PET SERVICES Noah’s Ark Pet Styling, 1450 W. Pacheco Blvd. Ste. 105, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3888

PRINTING Image Masters, 429 Groan Ave., Merced CA 95341, (209) 723-1691 Seeger’s Printing, 210 N. Center St., Turlock CA 95380, (209) 667-2750

PRINTING - SIGNS The Photo Center/Sign Solutions, 1010 6th St. Ste. B, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4455

PRIVATE SECURITY Nighthawk Private Security, 1025 N. Abby St., Fresno CA 93701, (559) 445-1507

PROPANE GAS Amerigas, 3200 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5005 Ferrell Gas, 2658 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4515

MUSEUM

PHOTOGRAPHIC VIDEO SERVICES

RADIO STATIONS

Milliken Museum Society, 905 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5505

Lowery Digital Photo, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-4468

KQLB/KLBS, 401 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0578

PICTURE FRAMING

KUBB Country/Hot 105, 510 W. 19th Street, Merced CA 95340, (209) 383-7900

NEWSPAPERS

LOCKSMITH

The Paper, 830 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1939

Heppner Precision Machine, 1242 G St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6404

C.A.Reding Co., 620 Scenic Dr., Modesto CA 95350, (209) 525-9849

PEST CONTROL

Los Banos Enterprise, 907 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3831

MACHINE SHOP

OFFICE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT

MOTIVATION TRAINING

Town & Country Liquor, 1248 E. Pacheco Blvd. Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3951

Anderson Lock & Key, P.O. Box 2317, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2590

Mobile Notary Public Ludwig Knoester, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 769-6965

NOTARY SERVICES A. Cardoza Notary Public, 864 5th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 606-4686 E.T.L. Notary Services, 615 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (408) 605-0182

The Frame Shop, 502 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3259

POSTAL - SHIPPING SERVICES The UPS Store, 1350 E.Pacheco Blvd. Ste. B, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3055 U.S. Post Office, 1135 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2591

REAL ESTATE - AGENTS Christine Kinsley Prudential California Realty, 931 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4924 Geneva Brett-Century 21 M&M, 1155 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 587-0573 Heather Pacheco Prudential California Realty, 931 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4924

$20,000 to Help Our Earth ROnnys would like to join our community to become more GREEn by planting 150 FREE trees within Los Banos

To participate in this FREE TREE RAFFLE register online at www.ronnysinc.com

209

827-9858 **Names will be chosen randomly before 2013 year ending. Homeowners must accept the responsibility of watering the tree and Ronnys Inc is not responsible for treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survival Trees will be installed within 1 year. $20,00000 based on 150 15 gallon trees at $13000 each. Including tree ties, tree stakes, compost, fertilizer and labor. (Not including irrigation or any repairs.)

00132082

ronnysinc.com

PAGE 20 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

LO S B A N O S C HAM B E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP Jeanette King-Century 21 M&M, 1155 E.Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3500

Rita Erickson - Century 21 M&M, 1155 E.Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 829-7626

Kim Ribeiro - Coldwell Banker, 645 Pacheco Bvld., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 769-0696

Roger Cervantes - Century 21 M&M, 1155 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 564-2910

Maria Pina - Coldwell Banker, 645 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1826

Sandie Perry - Prundential California Realty, 931 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-1296

Maria Sanchez - Paradise Realty, 1125 5th Street Suite F., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3801

Yolanda Ordunez - Century 21 M&M, 1155 East Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 606-4527

Michelle Cutler -Century 21 M&M, 1155 East Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-0675

REAL ESTATE COMMERICAL PROPERTIES

Nancy Soares - Prudential California Realty, 931 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4924

Sterling Commercial Properties, 3151 Airway Ave. Ste. F 207, Costa Mesa CA 92626, (714) 760-9910

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS

REAL ESTATE - HOME INSPECTION

Anderson Homes, 1198 Oatgrass Way, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9600

RMH Home Inspections, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 704-5303

Pacifico Sol Inc., P.O. Box 1028, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2546

REAL ESTATE MULTIPLE LISTINGS

Ranchwood Homes, 923 East Pacheco Blvd #C, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6200

Metrolist Services, Inc., 1164 W. National Drive, Ste. 60, Sacramento CA 95834, (888) 898-9788

Stonecreek Properties, 1851 Airway Dr. Ste. E, Hollister CA 95023, (831) 630-1853

REAL ESTATE OFFICES

REAL ESTATE -ESCROW TITLE COMPANY TransCounty Title, 925 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0804

Aldina Real Estate Co., 249 W. Pacheco Blvd., Ste. D, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7777 Blossom Valley Realty J.R. Souza, 524 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1600

Borelli Real Estate Services, 1350 B Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 485-9273 Century 21 M&M Associates, 1155 East Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3500 Coldwell Banker - Kaljian & Associates, 645 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1826 DLP Real Estate Inc., 265 Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0248 Mission Village Realty, 822 7th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5337 Paradise Realty, 1125 4th Street Ste. F, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3801 Prudential California Realty, 931 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4924

Germino AmArAl & JordAn Attorneys At Law Serving The Area Since 1930

Veterinary Clinic

Civil Litigation • Contract Disputes • Employment Law

Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic

Estate Planning • Wills • Probate • Living Trusts • Conservatorship • Guardianship

First Saturday of every month

9am-2pm • Walk-in basis General Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8am - 7pm Friday: 8am - 6pm Saturday: 8am - 2pm Our Philosophy is “Early Detection” Call for an appointment!

1900 East Pacheco Blvd. Los Baños • 209.826.5860

00132291

Dr. David Simmons,D.V.M. Dr. Rachel Mason, D.V.M.

Personal Injuries Family Law • All Vehicle Accidents • Divorce • Wrongful Death • Adoptions • Custody Criminal Defense Business Law • All Felonies • LLC • Misdemeanors • Corporations • Partnerships Real Estate Law • Landlord/Tenant • Contracts

826-5024

702 “J” Street • Los Banos 93635

00132595

Los Banos

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 21

LO S B A N O S C HAM B E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP Sloan Realty Inc., 254 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5900 Westhill Real Estate, 963 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2066

Carrington Pointe Apartments, 1985 San Luis, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-6480

The Villa Apartments, 1020 5th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (831) 623-4905

Central Valley Apartments, 1130 D Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9270

Westhill Property Management, 936 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2066

REAL ESTATE PROJECT CONSULTANT

Gerbi Enterprises, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 704-6000

Westwood Apartments, 936-C Idaho St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5339

Anthony R. Whitehurst Consulting, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4001

Heritage Village Apts., 1156 San Luis Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0507

Wolfsen, Larry, 2301 Mission St., Ste. #C2, Santa Cruz CA 95060, (831) 915-1821

REAL ESTATE RENTALS - PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Aldina Property Management, 249 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 826-7777 BLV Enterprises Inc., 13908 Sylvester Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 777-7086

Los Banos Property Management Services, 645 E.Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-5680 Pacheco Village, 2241 Gilbert Gonzalez, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9763

RECYCLING A&S Metals of Los Banos, 2510 Technology Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-1943 Los Banos Recycling, 1237 E.Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 829-2976 Tomra, 1218 G St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-9700

RESTAURANTS

RECREATION - VEHICLE SALES & SERVICE

Black Bear Diner, 955 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2616

Toscano R.V. Center, 2531 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2488

Cecilia’s Market, 455 H St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7135 Chili’s, 1905 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-6502

San Luis Plaza, 8080 N. Palm Ave. Ste. #207, Fresno CA 93711, (559) 449-2424

China Garden Restaurant, 829 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3789 Country Waffles, 845 West Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-0805 Cuchis, 265 Mercey Springs Rd. # L, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-0216 Dennys, 1491 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (510) 490-9717 Eddies Famous Café, 401 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Ca 93635, (206) 826-2379 Espana’s Southwest Bar and Grill, 1460 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635 (209) 826-4041 Hot City BBQ & Steak House, 1313 S. 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (559) 708-8644

AIRSTREAM

Lance

LeAne Santos-Medeiros Ofﬁce Manager

TOSCANO RV CENTER

Marion Santos, Owner

“We are a full service RV dealer. Browse our new and used. RV anc. motor home sales inventory to find a wide variety of new and used travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, folding campers and more, ready for you to buy. We are a proud dealer for motor home manufacturers like Airstream, Forest River, KZ, Pacific, Coachworks and Skyline. Toscano RV Center 2531 E. Pacheco Blvd. Los Banos, CA 93635 (209) 826-2488 Toll free: (877) 485-0190 Website: http://www.toscanory.com

Mon – Fri 8am–6:30pm Sat 8am–5:30pm Sun 9am–5pm Since 1967

Los Banos Chevron 1009 E. Pacheco Blvd. Los Banos, CA 93635

(209) 827-9480 Open 7 days a week, 24 hrs a day Since 1995

00132270

Columbus • Coyote • Durango • Inferno Komfort • Napa • Panther • Powerlite Redwood • Solera • Sportsmen

PAGE 22 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

LO S B A N O S C HAM B E R OF C OMME R C E M E MBE RSHIP Jamba Juice, 1989 E. Pacheco Blvd, Ste. A, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-1480

Wool Growers Restaurant, 609 H St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-4593

Save Mart Supermarket, 1337 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2765

M&M Italian Restaurant & Lounge, 400 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-1666

RV PARKS

SWIMMING POOL SERVICE

Central California Directories, 6770 N. West Ave Ste 101, Fresno CA 93771, (559) 432-0681

Los Banos W/ I-5 KOA, 24845 Gonzaga Rd., Santa Nella CA 95322, (209) 826-5542

Castro’s Pool Service & Repair, 196 Zinfandell Ct., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-5418

Valley Yellow Pages, 5172 Kiernan Ct., Ste. C, Salida CA 95368-8904, (209) 543-1414

SCHOOLS

TAXES - IMMIGRATION SERVICES

TELEVISION

Pierre’s Deli, 933 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5335 Shiners Bar and Grill, 650 I Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-0264 Sixth Street Diner, 925 6th Street, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1128 Starbucks Coffee Company, 1380 Pacheco Blvd, Ste. A, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0382

Merced College-Los Banos, 22240 Highway 152, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 381-6412 Green Valley Charter School /Foundations Public Schools, 1149 B St., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 587-4150 Los Banos Unified School District, 1717 S. 11th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3801

Subway, 1341 E. Pacheco Blvd. # F, Los Banos CA, (209) 826-9297

Merced County Office of Education, 632 W. 13th St., Merced CA 95340, (209) 381-6601

Taco Bell, 1236 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-9951

Our Lady of Fatima School, 1625 Center Ave., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2709

Taco Bell, 1571 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4525

SUPERMARKETS

Time 4 Sushi, 245 W.Pacheco Blvd. Ste. A, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-3410 Wendy’s, 503 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos Ca 93635, (209) 577-6690

State Farm® Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Ofﬁce, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

Andrea Brandt, Agent Insurance Lic. #: 0D77017 934 7th St Los Banos, CA 93635 Bus: 209-826-7800 P045151 4/04

Comcast, 2441 N. Grove Industrial Dr., Fresno CA 93727, (559) 455-4418

TAXI/TRANSPORTATION

T.V. Mas Satellite, 373 Honeybell St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 710-8918

Corona Express Taxi, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-3099

TRAVEL SERVICES

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Cruise One -Margaret Gomes, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2584

ACN Independent Business Owner - Maria Gousano, 1350 E. Pacheco Blvd. #265, Los Banos CA 93635, (925) 399-2125

TRUCKING Botelho Bros. Trucking, 24320 W. Hwy 152, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1203

Pacheco Veterinary

h o s P i t a l

El Tio Super Mercado, 1109 6th St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2426 Food 4 Less, 2200 East Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 829-1300 La Morenita Tortilleria, 705 West H St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-2916

00132286

Tacos Campesinos Restaurant, 651 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4702

Marya Tax & Immigration Services, 1448 Nottingham Circle, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 827-4321

Dr. Je r Colle ry & en M enef ee Comp anio Anim n al

ine Medic & ry surge

1624 E. Pacheco Blvd. • Los Banos • 209-826-3212

00132279

Ming’s Restaurant, 435 W. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3653

TELEPHONE DIRECTORIES

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 23

Life IINN Los Banos C HA M B ER M EM BE R S H I P UTILITIES Allied Waste Services of Los Banos, 409 N. Mercey Springs Rd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-0231 Pacific Gas & Electric, 940 I St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 726-6453

McGuire Bottled Water, 45 West G St., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-5009

WEB DESIGN / PHOTOGRAPHY Memorable Places/Web Design & Photography, 1350 B E. Pacheco Blvd # 250, Los Banos CA 93635

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

WINDOW & SOLAR PANEL CLEANING - SERVICE

Pacheco Veterinary Hospital, 1624 E. Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-3212

In Town Professional Window Cleaning, 1523 St James Dr., Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 675-5358

WATER TREATMENT

WIRELESS PHONE

A-1 Water Quality, 1450 S. Mercey Springs Rd. # 108, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-7310

Verizon, 1363 W. Pacheco Blvd Ste. C, Los Banos CA 93635, (209) 826-1800

LOC A L G OV ERNME NT

Meetings open to the public A

n elected body of five is at the helm of Los Banos — the mayor and four councilmembers make up the Los Banos City Council. The newest face on the dais is Councilwoman Deborah Lewis, who gained a seat in November 2012. Mike Villalta holds the mayoral position. Joining Villalta and Lewis on the dais are Mayor Pro-Tem Elizabeth Stonegrove, and councilmen Tom Faria and Scott Silveira. City Attorney William Vaughn and Acting City Manager Gary Brizzee, who is also chief of the Los Banos Police Department, are present during council meetings. City Council meets to hear citizen input and discuss and address finances and other issues the city faces on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 520 J St. These meetings are open to the public and citizens are encouraged to speak at the public forum for five minutes See GOVERNMENT, Page 26

Mention This Ad for a Free Smoke Detector w/Activation* *Valid until 12/31/13. Visit Us Online at HoﬀmanElectronics.com for More Information

Your house is a system Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Home Performance Contracting

Careful diagnostic testing is the key to cost-effective energy upgrades

ince 1984, when Richard L. Young founded Young’s Air Conditioning, and continuing in 2003 when son’s Richard and Charles took over the family business, Young’sAir Conditioning earned a reputation as the area’s leading provider of energy efficient heating and cooling services. For over a century, the Young family has actively participated in and contributed to numerous community organizations and charities. Their dedication to the community extends to the services they perform, which are carried out with a high standard of work ethics, professional performance, cost effectiveness and exceptional customer service. Young’s Air Conditioning, a “Bryant” factory authorized dealer for heating and cooling systems, knows how important your comfort, health and safety are. They also know that the health of our planet should also be a priority. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 19 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States are caused by the energy used in homes. Your home may produce more than your car! Skyrocketing energy prices have caused utility bills to raise higher and higher, requiring you to choose between your family’s comfort and keeping costs under control. This year Young’s Air Conditioning is partnering with GreenHomes America to perform home performance contracting! GreenHomes America will provide Young’s with systems, procedures, training, and certifications to become a leading provider of home performance contracting services in the area. In the coming years, home performance contracting will become a household term. Home Performance contractors use a comprehensive “house as a system” approach to upgrading the energy systems in existing

homes. A complete battery of diagnostic tests and careful analysis are performed by Certified Building Performance Industry (BPI) Advisors. Young’s Air Conditioning currently has four Certified BPI Advisors on staff. Certified BPI Advisors use the most advanced tools and techniques available to perform comprehensive home energy audits. This holistic approach, and attention to detail, allows Young’s to accurately diagnose the root source of your home’s problems, recommend a solution, and provide dramatic and immediate results including: • A safe, comfortable, and less drafty home • Enhanced indoor air quality to protect your family’s health • Guaranteed energy savings • Increased energy efficiency and environmental protection • Improved home durability and reduced maintenance costs • Increased resale value After fully assessing your home, a Young’s Advisor will assist you in selecting the energy improvements that will be the best investments for your home and family. Solutions are affordable for homeowners of all income levels. Young’s offers flexible and low-interest financing options, as well as help facilitating rebates and tax credits that may be available from local utilities or government agencies. Young’s Air Conditioning, is proud to be partnering with GreenHomes America by doing WHATEVER IT TAKES to meet your home performance needs. Beyond the tangible benefits, like saving money and doing your part for the environment, you will have the peace of mind knowing your house is safe, comfortable, clean and healthy! For more information call Young’s Air Conditioning or visit their website today.

25 West G Street Los Banos, CA 93635 209-826-4807 • www.youngsair.com

TheYoung’sAirConditioningsolutiondoesnotfocusonasinglehomecomponent, but considers how all systems work together efficiently to provide fewer drafts, consistent temperature distribution across all rooms, better humidity control, proper ventilation, and lower utility bills. Call Young’s Air Conditioning today to schedule your home energy assessment.

209-826-4807

00132050

PAGE 26 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos Government Continued from Page 23

Mike Villalta, Mayor of Los Banos, Office term November 2010-November 2012 mike.villalta@losbanos.org (209) 827-7000 Elizabeth Stonegrove, Council Member/Mayor Pro-Tem, Office term November 2012-November 2016 elizabeth.stonegrove@losbanos. org - (209) 827-7000 Tom Faria, Council Member, Office term November 2010-November 2014 tom.faria@losbanos.org (209) 827-7000

Don Hughes Photography

Los Banos City Councilmembers include, left to right, Deborah Lewis, Scott Silveria, Mayor Mike Villalta, Tom Faria and Elizabeth Stonegrove. Citizens who wish to become involved in city government may want to consider becoming a member of one of the advisory commissions that assist the City Council. City Council meetings are broadcast on Comcast channel 96 and can also be found online at the City of Los Banos website, www.losbanos.org, along with upcoming agendas and the minute notes as well as videos from previous council meetings.

Call 827-3789

00132081

Authentic Chinese Cuisine • Specializing in Mandarin & Cantonese Also American Food Dining • Banquets • Beer & Wine • Special Requests Welcome • Food to go…

829 W. Pacheco Blvd. Los Banos

WesternValley.com

Lic#0649647

Business Hours: 11:00 a.m. ~ 9:00 p.m. Closed Tuesday

Deborah Lewis, Council Member, Office term November 2012-November 2016 deborah.lewis@losbanos.org (209) 827-7000

HOME • AUTO • HEALTH FARM • RANCH • AGRIBUSINESS 810 West K Street • Los Banos Allied Insurance

(209) 826-5667

00132818

each at the beginning of most City Council meetings. Elections for the four-year city council seats are held on even-numbered years and are staggered so that only two council seats are up for election on any given cycle. Other public officials include Fire Chief Chet Guintini and Paul Cardoza, who heads the parks and recreation division. William Vaughn of Vaughn Law Offices serves as the city attorney, providing legal counsel for the city. As the director of the city’s public works department, Mark Fachin is responsible for reviewing plans for residential and commercial construction, overseeing street, sewer and water infrastructure projects and managing the Los Banos Airport. The task of persuading people and businesses to follow the many city ordinances is the responsibility of Tammy Allard, the city’s code enforcement officer. Residents with complaints about such things as weed abatement, unsecured abandoned buildings or vehicles on blocks in residential driveways call Allard to report such problems. The city clerk and city treasurer also hold elected positions and serve four-year terms.

Nationwide Agribusiness

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 27

Life IINN Los Banos Scott Silveira, Council Member, Office term November 2010-November 2014 scott.silveira@losbanos.org (209) 827-7000 Lucy Mallonee, City Clerk, Office term November 2010-November 2014 lucy.mallonee@losbanos.org (209) 827-7000 Martha Brazil, City Treasurer, Office term November 2010-November 2014 martha.brazil@losbanos.org (209) 827-7000 Gary Brizzee, Acting City Manager (209) 827-7070, ext 116 William Vaughn, City Attorney (209) 826-3531

Gary Brizzee, Los Banos Chief of Police (209) 827-7070, ext 116 Chet Guintini, Los Banos Fire Chief chet. guintini@losbanos.org (209) 827-7025 Mark Fachin, Director of Public Works mark.fachin@losbanos.org (209) 827-7000 Paul Cardoza, Parks & Recreation Operations Manager & Airport Manager paul.cardoza@losbanos.org - (209) 827-7034 ext.13 Tammy Allard, Code Enforcement Officer (209) 827-7025

P OLI C E A N D FIRE

Departments need public’s help

he Los Banos Police and Fire departments are counting on the public’s help in 2013. In 2004 Los Banosans approved Measure A, a half-cent sales tax that provides funding for emergency services personnel and equipment. In 2009 Measure A, an amendment to Measure P that allows the equipment portion of the funding to be used for salaries, was approved with 82 percent of the vote. Measure A sunsets in January 2014, and with

property and sales tax still feeling the ill-affects of last decade’s housing collapse, both departments are pleading with voters to approve an extension to maintain staffing levels. Los Banos has 37 sworn police officers. Supporting their efforts is the Los Banos Dispatch Center, which serves as the multi-functional public safety answering point for Los Banos. The people in the dispatch center get the proper emergency response rolling after answering a 911 See SAFETY, Page 28

Italian Restaurant & Lounge

400 W. Pacheco Boulevard • Los Banos Photos by Charles Guest

(209) 827-1666 www.mandmitalian.com

00132815

Quality and excellence in both food and service. From pasta and prime rib to sea food, we want our customers to experience a meal that is second to none... at an affordable price!

PAGE 28 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos Safety Continued from Page 27

• Fala Se Portugues • Se Habla Español • House Cleaning & Janitorial Services available

• Commercial Bldgs. • Residential • Carpet & Upholstery • Cars & RV’s

We clean empty Homes (209)

826-8680

We take Visa and Mastercard

www.joescarpetcleaning.net

special weapons and tactics, animal control, school campus enforcement and more. Los Banos also has a trained drug dog, Capone, who is regularly used to ferret out illegal substances in various situations including vehicle stops, school searches, and in other venues as needed. The Los Banos Police Department encourages citizens to become involved in reporting crimes and being proactive in giving the police the information that they need to do an even better job. To that end the police department website (which can be found on the city’s Web page under departments at http://www.losbanos. org/) provides a number of

reporting tools and crime prevention suggestions. Citizens can anonymously report graffiti, abandoned vehicles, and other crimes

The Morning Star

Packing Company

joe Ventura gardening * Lawn Care & Gardening * Edging * Pruning * Shaping * Weeding * Fertilizing * Timers * Sprinkler Repair

call joe at

209-826-8680

www.joeventuragardening.com

13448 Volta Road, Los Banos, Ca 93635

209-826-8000

00132597

joe’s carpet cleaning

Charles Guest/cguest@losbanosenterprise.com

Riggs Ambulance EMS workers and Merced County Firefighters bring an injured patient to a Calstar Helicopter after an accident on Interstate 5 near Los Banos.

00130847

call. The dispatchers send Los Banos police and fire units as well as others including medical or special response units. They also interface with other law enforcement, EMS, and fire organizations at a county and state level when needed. The job of keeping our city safe from crime falls directly on the shoulders of the men and women of the Los Banos Police department. Led by Police Chief Gary Brizzee. Los Banos police officers are tasked with answering diverse calls for service that might, during any given week, include duties ranging from handing out traffic citations to investigating a sexual assault case or a gang-related shooting. The job of being a Los Banos police officer requires flexibility and dedication. Line officers are backed up by other specially trained police officers whose primary jobs are more focused. These include a handful of detectives as well as members of the department who work with the Gang Apprehension/Investigation Team and/or members of the Merced Multi-Agency Narcotic Task Force. Los Banos officers may also be involved with or trained in

online or via the anonymous tip phone line at (209) 827-7070 ext. 288. The Los Banos police website also has many other interesting links including tips on how to deal with barking dogs, information about the Adopt-A -Wall graffiti abatement program, the Los Banos Most Wanted section, as well as crime prevention tips and links to other sites such as the Megan’s Law Web site. The police department is involved in other activities besides those of a strictly law enforcement nature. These include Sober Graduation — a safe alternative for youth to participate in a graduation party, as well as Kops for Kids, the Police Activities League and other programs aimed at making the community a better place to live. See SAFETY, Page 30

K. Devireddy, M.D. Medical Director

Yohannes Gebreegziabher, M.D. Cardiologist

Roy Tabigo-On, M.D. Internal Medicine

Erwin Boco, M.D. Family Medicine

Juan C. Galvez, M.D. Sports Medicine

Brijesh Kadam, M.D. Pediatrics

APEX MEDICAL GROUP INC. Debbie Perry, R.N. Administrator

Vikram Kumar M.D. Pediatrics

Vance Angeles, P.A.-C

April Bariuan, M.D. Pediatrics

Savuth Kem, P.A.-C

Amit Bajaj, M.D. Pediatrics

Health Care For Your Entire Family Yee Xiong, P.A.-C

• Internal Medicine • Pediatrics • Cardiology • Family Practice

Alejandro Magana, P.A.-C

• High Blood Pressure Treatment • Gastro Intestinal Endoscopies

• Sports Medicine

• Diabetes Screening & Treatment

• Women’s Health

• Osteoporosis Testing

• Weight Loss Programs

• Varicose Vein Treatments

• Hospital Care

• Joint Injections

• Asthma & Related Breathing Problems • All Cancer Screening Services • Heart Disease Screening • Physical Exams (DMV, Sports, Annual) Travel Immunization Program • Cardiatric & Vascular Ultrasound

Juliette Tamagni, P.A.-C

Adrian Estorga Manager

Accepting New Patients

We accept most insurance plans, Including MedI-cal, Medicare & Healthy Families Sharon Stevens R.P.T. Manager

Age Defying MeDicAl clinic

311 West I Street, Los Banos, CA, 93635

(209) 826-2222

00132292

Open late extended hours for your convenience! Se Habla español

Barby Lang Manager

Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Laser Hair Removal | Titan·Non-Surgical Face Lift Microlaser Peels | Sun/Age Spots | Botox/Restylane/Obagi Facials & Chemical Peels | Microdermabrasion

311 West I Street. Los Banos

(209) 826·8200 Ashly Ferreira, Esthetician

Se Habla español

Weig loSSHt

Prog

r AM

PAGE 30 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos Continued from Page 28

The Los Banos police department works with other agencies including the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol, probation and different state and federal agencies to create a cohesive law-enforcement presence to protect the citizens in and around Los Banos. The CHP and the Merced County Sheriff’s Department each maintain sub-stations in Los Banos. The Los Banos Fire Department is headed by Chief Chet Guintini and has two stations in town, one on Seventh Street and another on I Street. The department consists of both full-time and volunteer firefighters who are called on day and night to render aid in emergencies ranging from full-blown structure fires with hazardous material involvement to helping to lift people who have fallen from their wheelchairs. The fire department answers numerous calls each day — many of them are medical related. Firefighters often arrive on scene before an ambulance and provide first aid and medical care to those in need. Medical calls can range from simple falls, to heart attacks or even motor vehicle accidents where extractions are needed and where there may be multiple patients with major trauma or even death. The fire department is also prepared and trained to handle other emergencies and disasters such as floods, hazardous material issues, earthquakes, and other dangerous conditions. In order to do so the department operates four fire engines, one reserve engine, one Office of Emergency Services engine, one ladder truck, two rescue units, and a water tender.

As with the police, the city’s fire department works in concert with other agencies in the area to provide outstanding help and protection for those in need. This includes the Merced County Fire Department as well as state agencies like CalFire and others. The Merced County Fire Department is a full-service fire department that provides emergency services to the many square miles of unincorporated areas surrounding Los Banos. The Merced County Fire Department is administered and suppression personnel are provided through a contract with the CalFire. Merced County fire station 71 is located near downtown Los Banos on H Street. Having the county fire station centrally located in such a manner allows county dispatchers who are located in Mariposa to direct county fire personnel to the traffic collisions that happen regularly on highways 5, 165 and 152, which border or cut through the city. For severe fires or vegetation fires that are outside the city limits, CalFire can call up air-support. Specially outfitted fixed wing aircraft as well as helicopters can be brought in to control these fires before the fire grows to a point where it might threaten the city. At times, Merced County and Los Banos Fire department’s personnel will train together. Training together allows members of the departments to get to know each other and makes it easier to work in unison when a real event occurs. The fire departments work closely with the local ambulance service, which provides traditional ground ambulance services as well as Medi-Flight which provides air-ambulance services to get patients to local and even out-of-area hospitals in an expeditious manner.

H E ALTH TR E ATME NT F ACIL ITIES

Get well

os Banos has several health treatment facilities as well as numerous private practice offices. Apex Medical group is slated to finish its expansion this year. Apex is constructing a second building of 8,700 square feet at 311 W. I St. The facility is being constructed next to Apex’s 9,300-squarefoot building to accommodate new hires and allow more patients to be seen. The building is expected to be completed in March. Since July new doctors have joined Apex at a rate of about one per month. Those doctors are Roy Tabigo-On, internal medicine; Erwin Boco, family medicine; Juan Carlos Galvez, sports medicine; and Amit Bajaj and April Bariuan, pediatrics. Los Banos has a number of urgent care physicians, pediatricians, chiropractors, dentists and radiologists. Some of these providers have started businesses in the city within the past few years and others have been around almost as long as most locals can remember. Los Banos also has private FHA, VA, CalPERS, CalSTRS & USDA Rural Housing HomePath® Financing Reﬁnance: FHA Streamline, Rate-Term & Cash out Direct Lender FHA Low FICO Score for 580-639/No Score

acupuncturists, therapeutic massage specialists, physical therapists, dentists, oral hygienists, optometrists and orthodontists. Highly specialized care such as kidney dialysis, addiction recovery, family counseling and other medical or psychological specialties are also available within the city limits. Still other facilities offer aesthetic procedures such as laser hair removal, Botox treatments and photo rejuvenation.

Emergencies and more — Memorial Hospital Memorial Hospital, Los Banos is a community hospital that meets the majority of the city’s residents’ medical and emergency needs including health education programs and charity care. Memorial Hospital provides a full continuum of care that includes 24-Hour emergency care, a Rural Health Clinic, inpatient and outpatient surgery, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics, pediatrics, urology, orthopedic services, gynecology, intensive care services and child development services to patients who qualify. Also

SPECIALIZING IN THE CREDIT CHALLENGED

SuSan “V” FauStino

EXPERIENCE • INTEGRITY• SERVICE

Senior Loan Officer NMLS Id# CA-DOC269245

678.2838 Cell

sfaustino@ephmc.com

Newman 1300 Main Street, 209.862.1717 HomePath is registered trademark of Fannie Mae. Information subject to change without notice. All loans subject to credit approval. NMLS Id#13589. Licensed by www.platinumhomemortgage.com the Dept of Corps under the CA Residential Mortgage Lending Act.

00130848

Safety

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 31

Life IINN Los Banos available at the hospital are laboratory services, a family workers who are injured on birth center, general and limited specialty surgical the job. procedures as well as other specialized care units and Horisons Unlimited more. Health Care, a ChristianCouples who want to start a family may utilize the based nonprofit, opened its family birthing center which has private labor, delivery Los Banos clinic at 1120 W. and recovery suites. Each suite is furnished with special I St. in February of 2010. It birthing beds that improve lumbar support. Also, each offers obstetrics and room has a walk-in shower with bench seating and an pediatric care, podiatry, adjustable, hand-held showerhead. annual physicals, diabetes Memorial Hospital Los Banos also has intensive care and weight loss programs. units for patients who need to be carefully monitored. Urgent care facilities are Memorial Hospital’s Rural Health Clinic is for those also available in Los Banos. whose injuries or illnesses aren’t as serious. Specialists Gene Lieb/glieb@losbanosenterprise.com One such facility is Pinnacle are available at the clinic for ear nose and throat issues, Memorial Hospital Los Banos has been serving Urgent Care which is asthma and respiratory diseases, urology, nutrition, located next to the Prethe Los Banos community since 1966. surgery, as well as female health services. miere Cinemas at 285 N. The Rural Health Clinic is located at 400 W. I St. and Mercey Springs Road, Suite is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Appoint- A. Pinnacle’s staff specializes in urgent care, workers’ compensaments are available by calling (209) 710-6333. tion and occupational medicine and they welcome after-hours and Saturday walk-ins. Pinnacle has on-site x-ray and laboratory Community support for the hospital is expressed regularly services available. It can be reached at (209) 829-0444. For more through the generous gifts. One of the more visible means that many people utilize to support the hospital is by attending the information, visit its website is at www.pinnacleweb.com annual hospital gala where they bid on donated prizes. Los Banos has its share of dentists. Some have private offices More information on Memorial Hospital Los Banos can be and others work in larger dental centers. Almost directly across found at: http://www.memoriallosbanos.org the street from the hospital located on 725 W. I St. is Golden Pinnacle Health Care is at 285 N. Mercey Springs Road, Suite A, Valley Dental center, with nine examination rooms and dental and offers X-ray services, a full slate of family services and treats center. The facility can be reached at (209) 826-1094.

Central Valley Arms Full line of Firearms, Ammunition & Accessories, Optics & More

840 6th Street, Los Banos, CA 93635 Phone 209-826-6282 • Fax 209-826-6233

Email sales@cvarms.com www.CVArms.com

00132594

Like us on Facebook at Central Valley Arms

PAGE 32 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos S C H OOLS R.M. Miano Elementary School 1129 E. B St. (209) 826-3877

ADMINISTRATION Dr. Steven Tietjen, Superintendent, 1717 S. 11th St. (209) 826-3801 ext. 1015

Westside Union Elementary School Librarian Vanessa Rogers, left, assists third grader Charlie Martinez, in August, in cutting the hair of fourth-grade teacher Ron Gamble while fellow fourth-grade teacher Jon Fincher, right, looks on. Six faculty members agreed to have their hair cut after the students scored 807 on STAR.

More options available to students

os Banos became home to Merced County’s first independent Waldorf-inspired public school in 2012 and parents can expect another traditional public school to open this year as educational opportunities expand in the city. Green Valley Charter School celebrated its opening with 75 kindergarteners through third-graders, their parents, city officials and other dignitaries in August. The school’s model is based on the Waldorf education method, which emphasizes arts and crafts, music and embracing the environment. Tisha Blackwood-Freitas,

principal and CEO of the organization that oversees the school, said opening a Waldorfinspired facility was monumental to the San Joaquin Valley. “To be able to offer this curriculum to our community is a valuable addition. You can’t get this anywhere else,” she said the day classes started. Los Banos Unified School District Superintendent Steve Teitjen welcomed Green Valley Charter School. The district rents space to the school at R.M. Miano Elementary School, but Green Valley Charter operates independently. “We’re excited to have a new option available for parents and children in our community,”

Dean Bubar, Assistant Superintendent, 1717 S. 11th St. (209) 826-3801 ext. 1018

Westside Elementary School 659 K St. (209) 827-9390

Paula Mastrangelo, Elem. Area Admin. Edu., 1717 S. 11th St. (209) 826-3801 ext. 1008

Los Banos Junior High School 1750 San Luis St. (209) 826-0867

Merced College Los Banos Campus: Dr. Brenda Latham, Dean, 22240 Highway 152 - (209) 381-6410

Los Banos High School 1966 S. Eleventh St. (209) 826-6033

SCHOOLS

Pacheco High School 200 N. Ward Road (209) 827-4506

Adult School 127 Seventh St. (209) 826-2911

San Luis High School 125 Seventh St. (209) 826-8410

Charleston Elementary School 18463 W. Charleston Road (209) 826-5270

Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School 1625 Center Ave. (209) 826-2709

Henry Miller Elementary School 545 W. L St. (209) 826-3816

Seventh Day Adventist School 404 Overland Ave. (209) 827-4624 or 826-0552

Lorena Falasco Elementary School 310 Overland Ave. (209) 827-5834

Merced College - Los Banos Campus 22240 Highway 152 (209) 826-3495

Los Banos Elementary School 1260 Seventh St. (209) 826-4981

Green Valley Charter School 1149 E. B Street (209) 675-7699

Merced School Employees Federal Credit Union Your Hometown Credit Union

Proudly serving your financial needs since 1954.

Phone: 383-5550 or 800-542-2345 x155

merced | atwater | los banos | www.mercedschoolcu.org

00132297

Gene Lieb/glieb@losbanosenterprise.com

Volta Elementary School 24307 W. Ingomar Grade Road (209) 826-2912

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 33

Life IINN Los Banos Tietjen said. “It was easy to support the main drivers of this charter because they brought a real option. It wasn’t one of those charters that just wants to come and take money and put kids on independent study. It’s a charter that’s going to have students engaged in a real curriculum option in a real school.” The school will expand by a grade level each year until it serves kindergarten through eighth grade. Because of that, the school will need a new location in about three years. Students keep the same teacher throughout their time at the school. The school includes four teachers, two assistants and a handful of office staff and administrators. The Los Banos Unified School District used 2012 to plan for its next elementary school. By March the Merced College Board of Trustees approved a $1 million sale of land at the Merced College Los Banos Campus’s former location, 16570 S. Mercey Springs Road. The new school scheduled to be placed on the land will house kindergarten through sixth grades and have about 450

Gene Lieb/glieb@losbanosenterprise.com

A Los Banos High graduate crosses himself and points to the sky after receiving his diploma in May 2012 at Loftin Stadium. students onsite. It will be named Mercey Springs Elementary School and is seen as vital in assisting with the district’s overcrowding problem. The district has a record high 9,851 students and that number is expected to surpass 10,000 by the time Mercey Springs Elementary School opens in August. Heading into 2013 the district is in talks

with the California Department of Transportation about a traffic signal being placed on Mercey Springs Road before the school opens. Caltrans wants the district to pay for it. The district plans on having students from the College Greens area attend the school, thus reducing traffic on Mercey Springs Road from parents taking their children to schools elsewhere in the city. A traffic light could cost the district $500,000 to $600,000 in a time when the school system is hurting financially. Alternatives such as grants and cheaper traffic control methods are slated for discussion in 2013. The district’s seven elementary schools support kindergarten through sixth grade. These are; Los Banos Elementary, Henry Miller Elementary, R.M. Miano Elementary, Charleston Elementary, Lorena Falasco Elementary, Volta Elementary and Westside Union Elementary. Los Banos Junior High is the single junior high school. It supports seventh and eighth graders. Two regular high schools, Los Banos High and Pacheco High support high school grades nine through 12.

We’re Here for You In difﬁcult times, it’s comforting to know you can rely on Whitehurst Funeral Chapel and our 90 years of experience to help you and your family. Visit www.whitehurstfunerals.com to view and sign obituaries We custom make our own line of reasonably priced headstones.

Whitehurst Funeral Chapel 1840 S. Center Los Banos, CA 826-4242

Also in Dos Palos 209-392-3481 Se Habla Español C.A.F.D. #313

00132083

Obituaries • Traditional Services • Cremation Services • Prearrangment Planning

PAGE 34 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos T OM A T O FE S T I V A L

More than 10,000 visit last year’s festival A After a six-year run, the festival dried up in the late 1990s. The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce revived it in 2011, and more than doubled attendance the next year.

After a six-year run, the festival dried up in the late 1990s. The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce revived it in 2011, and more than doubled attendance the next year. Organizers attributed 2012’s success to the new additions and better advertising. The most notable addition in 2012, by all accounts, was the farmers market set up in the heart of all the action. Shelby Mayfield, the manager of Firebaugh-based Lone Willow Ranch, displayed more than 50 types of heirloom tomatoes — with names like Big Tiger, Flammé, Kentucky Beefsteak, Ace 55 and Hawaiian Pineapple — for tasting in front of her produce booth. Her ranch grows tomatoes for the seeds, which she sells online. Mayfield said all of her products, which also includes garlic, beans and livestock, are organic and not genetically modified. Shasky Farms of Le Grand offered its stone fruit and nuts at the market. Tom Shasky, son of owner Jim, said the Tomato Festival works as a promoter for area agriculture. “It’s a good way to bring

Charles Guest/cguest@losbanosenterprise.com

Vendors Edmon Dimla, left, and Richard Rael work to prepare barbecued ribs for visitors to the Los Banos Tomato Festival in October. family together with agriculture,” Shasky said. “Everybody here sees how ag plays a part.” Shasky said farmers markets are always a good source of fresh food as his produce is picked no more than 24 hours before a market. Festival organizers plan competitions for pasta sauce, salsa, Bloody Marys and barbecue. Festivalgoers can participate in judging both the salsa and

barbecue contests. More than 200 vendors will sell fresh produce at the farmers market, fried green tomatoes, hot dogs, shaved ice, kettle corn, pizza and cigars, among other items. Entertainment on both days includes children’s music and performers. For more information, visit www.lbtomatofestival.com or call the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce at (209) 826-2495.

• Fabric • Scrapbooking • Quilting • Crafts • Janome Sewing Machines

00118492

festival that was dormant for several years has come back with a bang in Los Banos. The Los Banos Tomato Festival brings chefs, music, contests and much more entertainment to the Los Banos Fairgrounds, 403 F St., Oct. 5 and 6. Molly Cassidy, a Kagome employee and Los Banos Chamber of Commerce Tomato Festival co-chairperson, said advertising for the destination festival stretches from Fresno to San Jose. She said 10,000 visitors, more than double the previous year, passed through the gates during its two days. Recipes and demonstrations from celebrity chef Ryan Scott, as well as chefs Charlie Baggs and Claudia Pruett, gave scores of onlookers new ways to enjoy the fruit in 2012. Demonstrations included everything from tomato basil and ratatouille to smokey tomato bacon and focaccia pizza. Concerts from country, rock, Western and Latin acts flavor both days. The Latin acts are particularly popular. Tomatoes are big business on the westside of Merced County, but most of the product goes to producers. Cassidy said she would like the festival to educate the public on how important the fruit is to local business and employees. “A lot of people don’t know what Kagome is,” Cassidy said, as an example. “They don’t know how to say it.” Kagome Inc., Morning Star Packing Co. and Ingomar Packing are tomato processors located in Los Banos. The companies can paste and diced tomatoes used by manufacturers like Heinz, Campbell’s Soup and Nestle, to name a few.

1044 6th Street, Downtown Los Banos Jmgcraftsupplies.com • 827-1808

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 35

Life IINN Los Banos M ERCE D C OU NT Y S P R I NG FA I R

Annual fair brings animals, entertainment, food and fun

he town nearly shuts down for five days every spring for the Merced County Spring Fair. The local fair is attended in great numbers by the residents of Los Banos and even larger numbers of visitors. In 2011 more than 70,000 people enjoyed the attractions, exhibits, food and animals that the fair had to offer. The Spring Fair’s roots are sunk deep into the history of Los Banos itself. The town’s founder, Henry Miller, is credited with starting the

tradition by throwing the first “May Day Picnic” where, at his own expense, he supplied food and drink to hundreds of people in honor of the arrival of the railroad in Los Banos. Miller’s annual May Day picnics continued and gained in popularity, and within a few years thousands of people turned out annually to partake in his munificence. After Miller died, the Los Banos Chamber of Commerce decided to continue the May Day Picnic, which eventually morphed into “The See next page

Showing and selling animals is the largest part of the Merced County Spring Fair each year. Charles Guest/ cguest@ losbanos enterprise.com

PAGE 36 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos PARKS

44 parks give residents space to play O ne of the first things many new residents comment on when they move to Los Banos is the number of city parks. Traditionally, when neighborhoods have been built, the city of Los Banos has made certain that space for parks was included in the plans. The city has one of the highest parks-to-population ratios in the Central Valley. Los Banos is a member of Tree City USA and formally recognizes Arbor Day each year — usually in one of the many city parks. On Arbor Day the city celebrates by inviting the community to plant trees together in the newer parks or locations in town that could one day become a city park. The 44 city parks, which are comprised of well in excess of 200 acres of useable recreational space, provide residents with many diverse types of opportunities for all manner of outdoor activities. Some have vast stretches of lawn for picnics and play; others have barbecue facilities and most have playground equipment. Sporting activities are encouraged at Continued from previous page

May Day Fair,” what many locals still call it. Currently, the Spring Fair is operated by Merced County, overseen by fair manager Ron Brandt and guided by a 15-member board of directors. Today, the fair is much more than just a big picnic. Tens of thousands of people visit the fairgrounds during its run each year and they enjoy a dizzying array of things to see and do. From the spinning thrill rides and chances to win trinkets and stuffed animals at the carnival and midway area to the animal auctions, fine art and gardening exhibits. There is something for everyone to see at the Spring Fair. The annual fair is also more than just a chance to indulge in

Ranchwood Park is located on the corner of Stonewood Drive and Driftwood Avenue. Gene Lieb/ glieb@losbanos enterprise.com

many of the parks. Some have basketball hoops while others have soccer goals, baseball diamonds or volleyball nets. Los Banos even has its very own skatepark facilities that are located across from the airport at the Colorado Ball Park. Los Banos’ parks are also regularly used as meeting places for local residents. Many of the churches, clubs and organizations in town utilize the parks for events, company parties, and other get-togethers. Because of its high visibility, one of the

funnel cakes and fun, it is also very serious business. Livestock auctions, which take place at the Spring Fair, bring in substantial sums of money for young people throughout the county — despite the occasional tears shed as youngsters involved in animal husbandry say goodbye to an animal they have raised from a baby. Livestock and other animals and birds are judged and prizes are awarded. Winning such acclaim at the fair can sometimes translate into much higher stud fees and better prices for animals at auction. Animals are not the only things that are up for close inspection and judgment at the fair. There are dozens of other endeavors put up for scrutiny. People enter their best work in categories as diverse as:

more popular venues for organized group activities is Pacheco Park, which was built alongside of busy Pacheco Boulevard at Seventh Street. The park shares this corner with the public library and Loftin Stadium, which is owned by the school district. The Los Banos farmers market utilizes Pacheco Park during weekends in the summer. The annual Tiger Shark’s Mother’s Day in The Park event is held there as well.

woodworking, photography, baking, fine art, food preservation, horticulture, floriculture, clothing, textiles and many others as they compete for the coveted blue ribbons and, of-course, the all-important bragging rights. Though animals, exhibits, food and carnivals are a big part of the fair, many people who come to the Spring Fair do so to enjoy the entertainment that is available to fairgoers. A favorite with the children is the Henry Miller Farm, which includes a petting zoo and interpretive exhibits about farming. Another crowd pleaser is the many grandstand shows which can feature things like truck and tractor pulls, motorcycle racing and the ever-popular destruction derby. Other attendees enjoy the

shows that are put on both by wandering entertainers like jugglers, clowns and a guy named Skip Banks who makes people laugh by engulfing himself in a balloon. Still others enjoy the stage acts such as perennial favorites Tyzen the hypnotist and a tribute band who call themselves Journey Unauthorized. This year the fair is scheduled to run May 1-5. Getting to the Spring Fair is easy, simply turn north on Fourth Street from Highway 152, also called Pacheco Boulevard. Fourth Street ends at the Fairgrounds at 403 F St. For more information about the Merced County Spring Fair, visit www.co.merced.ca.us or call the fairgrounds office at (209) 826-5166.

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 37

Life IINN Los Banos Airport Park 1000 Airport Road Big Page Park 1055 West I St. Catholic Park 1140 Fifth St. Citrus Terrace Park I 226 Citrus Ave. Citrus Terrace Park II 315 N. Second Street City Park 450 Ninth St. College Green Park 1815 College Green Drive Colorado Ball Park 815 Colorado Ave. Cresthills Park 700 Pioneer Road Davis Park 254 Santa Ana St.

Gardens Park I 1540 W. I St. Gardens Park III 900 Daffodil Drive Gardens Park V 1525 Persimmon Way

Neighborhood Park 1538 Mayweed Drive

H.G. Fawcett Canal Side Park 1740 Center Ave.

Oliveria Park 1115 Cardoza Road

Verona Park 2200 Palermo Street

Highway 33 Park 715 Second St.

Orchard Terrace Park 303 Block Sunburst St.

Veteran’s Memorial Park 2300 N. Creekside Drive

Jo Lin Park 295 Ward Road

Pacheco Park 903 Pacheco Blvd.

Village Park 1150 Bellflower

Little Page Park 600 Page Ave.

Presidential Estates Park 1043 Monte Vista Ave.

Vineyard Basin A Park 480 Birchwood Drive

Rancho Dos Amigos Park 2241 San Luis St.

Vineyard Basin B Park 640 Vineyard Drive

Ranchwood Park 515 Stonewood Drive

Vineyard 14 Basin C Park 645 Santa Ana St.

Regency Tot Lot Park 500 Block Addington

Wolfsen Park 1275 I St.

Little League Park 401 Seventh St. LB Ag Sports Complex 700 Mercey Springs Road Los Banos Gardens Park 1540 W. I St. Meadowlands Park I 2600 Wood Duck

Flagpole Park 1301 W. I St.

Meadowlands Park II 2700 Snow Good St.

The Mother’s Day event usually features activities such as bounce houses and a kiddy train ride as well as dozens of booths where arts, crafts, antiques and other gifts can be purchased. Adjacent to Pacheco Park, Loftin Stadium is the setting for many events and activities including all manner of football games and sports events as well as fundraisers. Keeping the parks clean and

free of graffiti is everyone’s responsibility and the city of Los Banos has set up the Adopt-A-Wall program. There is also an online reporting tool to make it easy to report graffiti on the city website at: www.losbanos.org/ index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56 Graffiti reports can also be made by calling (209) 827-7070 ext. 224.

HOME, AUTO, LIFE, BUSINESS and MEXICO INSUrANCE

Ph: 209-826-9909 Lic. #0D35952

www.farmersagent.com/tbrown6

001302080

Terry Brown/Farmers Insurance 963 E. Pacheco Blvd. Ste. B Los Banos, CA 93635 Terry Brown and Hilda Machado-Brown

Skylark Park 648 Meadowlark St.

Meadowlands Park III 2500 S. Fallbrook Ave.

Skylark Park Expansion 700 Block Fairmont Drive Talbott Park 1620 San Luis St.

Regency Park Lot D 556 Rockport Drive

You’ll Love Your Healthy LegsTM Our Speciality Bulging Veins & Spider Veins Radiofrequency Ablation (VNUS Closure) Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT) Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy Spider Vein Laser & Sclerotherapy All Non-surgical Ofﬁce Treatments Most Insurance Accepted Board Certiﬁed - Phlebology

Paul R. Montague, M.D., FAAFP

Full time vein disorder practice since 1997 Serving Central California for over 30 years Staff: Todd, Peggy, Mike, Jan, Luci, Shelia, Kathy & Julie Dr. Montague is honored to have become the ﬁrst board certiﬁed physician in Phlebology in Fresno, Madera, Merced, Kings, Tulare and San Luis Obispo counties.

7335 N. First St. Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93720 (559) 438-2800 • 1-866-576-VEIN

*Model

w w w. c a l i f o r n i a v e i n . n e t

00130647

Ag Sports Complex 700 North Mercey Springs

PAGE 38 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos T R A NS P OR T A T I ON

Get from here to there on The Bus

tilizing “The Bus,” Merced County’s public transportation system, Los Banos residents have access to an inexpensive system that can get them around locally as well as to various other parts of Merced County. The Bus’s operations are centered in Merced and from there The Bus connects to the rest of Merced County including Los Banos, Hilmar, Livingston and Atwater. Several types of bus passes can be purchased locally at the Los Banos Community Center, 645 Seventh Street. A day-pass for The Bus costs $6 and is valid until the last bus departs for the day. Weeklong passes cost $20 and standard 31-day passes cost $45. For persons older than 60 or those who are disabled, The Bus provides a service called Dial-A-Ride, which picks up and drops off individuals at their home or another location of their choosing. Several bus routes run through Los Banos. These include: Route 14, which is the local Los Banos route. Route 14 includes stops at various retail establishments, the library, the cemetery, residential neighborhoods and apartments. Route 10 runs to Dos Palos and includes stops locally at various locations including at Kmart, Memorial Hospital, the county offices, and the Merced College Los Banos Campus. Route 10A shuttles from Los Banos to Dos Palos and then to Merced. It includes stops at the Greyhound Bus Station, County offices and the hospital. Route 10X is the Los Banos to Merced Commuter Express. It stops at the local county offices, makes a single stop in

Enterprise file photo

Detailed route information pertaining to The Bus is available online at: http://www.mercedthebus.com. Dos Palos and then heads to Merced. Los Banos also is home to a Greyhound bus station, which is located at 820 G St. The Greyhound system provides transportation nationwide. For detailed route information and full pricing information log on to The Bus website at: www.mercedthebus.com.

Bicycles and pedestrians in Los Banos Redevelopment of Los Banos city streets in recent years, as well as the addition of the “Rail Trail” (formerly a railroad right-of-way) has created more bike routes and widened previously existing bike lines making it safer and more comfortable to travel the city via bicycle. The former rail corridor runs alongside H Street from Second Street to Mercey Springs Road,

and is designed to attract pedestrians and bicyclists to the area. Currently the corridor provides a path with exercise activities, drinking fountains, and benches set up along the way. Another popular path which is available for walking, jogging or bicycling runs from Pioneer Road to Center Avenue along the Central California Irrigation District’s Main Canal. A pedestrian bridge crosses the canal connecting Page Avenue with Bluff Drive. The bridge was designed with the idea of connecting two neighborhoods together providing easier access for Los Banos High School students to get to school. Several local residents whose homes back up to the path have created little gardens or planted decorative foliage which makes the trail look

even nicer and give those who use it something nice to look at. The most direct routes to anywhere in the city are state highways 165 and 152, which cut directly through the city. However, with nearly 20,000 Los Banos residents commuting to work, according to the 2010 Census, in addition to the large number of people traveling to the Bay Area and points throughout the Central Valley, the traffic on these roads is problematic for bicyclists and pedestrians at times. The state is planning a bypass of Highway 152 to alleviate some of the traffic congestion in Los Banos, but it is an expensive project that has been a financial and political football for many years and is not anticipated to be completed anytime soon.

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 39

Life IINN Los Banos N A T UR A L R E C R E A T I ON A R E A S

Department of Fish and Game opens Hunter Check Station

he San Luis National Wildlife Refuge added a $730,000 facility to its mulit-million dollar complex in 2012. The California Department of Fish and Game opened the Hunter Check Station in October. The 1,400-square-foot station will service between 7,700 to 8,400 visitors each season. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife opened a 16,000-square-foot visitor center and office in 2011, and it’s expected to double tourism dollars to the Los Banos area. The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters and Visitors Center, built with $9.8 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money secured in 2009, opened to the public in October after a blessing from representatives of the Southern Sierra Miwok Nation, the land’s original owners. In 2010, more than 1.3 million people visited California refuges, and 100,000 visited the San Luis refuges. Given the refuge’s proximity to major population centers in the Bay Area and elsewhere in the Valley, refuge staff conservatively estimates an average of 150,000 people to visit the center each year. Each visitor to the refuge will spend an average of $62 locally and will generate about $11 in tax revenue, according to a 2007 report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Division of Economics. This is more money brought in to local

165, about six miles north of Highway 152.

Grassland Wildlife Management Area

A guided “Path of the Padres” hike is available each year just outside of Los Banos. restaurants, hotels, gas stations and any other business that can cash in on tourism dollars. The southern end of the center is roughly 5,000 square feet, with several displays of the wetlands’ native plants and animals — the riparian brush rabbit, riparian wood rat, San Joaquin kit fox, Fresno kangaroo rat, blunt-nosed leopard lizard and horned lizard. Each has something to grab, twist or push to make it interactive and appeal to children. A life-sized bronze statue of a tule elk stands outside the main entrance, while the lobby sports a large window across the rear to serve as a place to view living tule elk. The refuge is also home to hundreds of species of birds, including the migratory mallards, pintail and teal, and the perennial pheasant and quail. The center is a less-than-zero energy consumer, meaning the

building produces more energy than it consumes. The building also received a platinum-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification, an internationally recognized rating, based on standards for energy conservation, renewable energy production, water efficiency and others. The Fish and Wildlife Service, now with its own building, expects to save $200,000 per year in office rental fees. The complex represents California’s largest remaining collection of freshwater wetlands, including the 26,800-acre San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, the 10,200-acre Merced National Wildlife Refuge, the 7,000-acre San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge and the Grasslands Wildlife Management Area. The refuge is at 7376 S. Wolfsen Road, off Highway

Just outside of Los Banos is the Grassland Wildlife Management Area. This area is the largest remaining block of wetlands in the central Valley. It is composed of approximately 53,000 acres of state and federal land and 70,000 acres of private wetlands. When the two national wildlife refuges are added to this total, it makes for an impressive total of 160,000 acres. Millions of waterfowl along the pacific flyway utilize this area, including 19 species of ducks and six species of goose. Other species of migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wading birds also call this area home for part of the year and are easy to see at designated points, especially later in the winter months and into early spring. The Grasslands Area has been internationally recognized as a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve and as a Globally Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society and American Bird Conservatory. During the summer and fall period the area is frequented by Clark’s grebe, white-faced ibis, dunlin, long-billed dowitcher, burrowing owls, white-crowned sparrow, Western kingbirds, tree swallows, and yellow-billed magpie. Coyotes are permanent See next page

PAGE 40 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos SAN JOAQUIN NATIONAL CEMETERY IN SANTA NELLA

Museum, memorials honor veterans A

Gene Lieb/glieb@losbanosenterprise.com

Members of the United States Air Force presented the colors in May at the annual Memorial Day cermony at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella.

Continued from previous page

residents to the area as are raccoons, beavers, skunks and mink. Occasionally, if they are lucky enough, visitors may have the chance to spot a deer that has been reintroduced to the wildlife areas. More information about the area and maps of public lands is available from the local offices of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 947 West Pacheco Blvd., Suite C, (209) 826-3508; the California Department of Fish and Game, 18110 W. Henry Miller Road, (209) 826-0463; and the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Four Rivers District, 31426 Gonzaga Road, (209) 826-1196 or (209) 826-1197.

Los Banos Wildlife Area The Los Banos Wildlife Area is the oldest waterfowl refuge in California. The state established this location to manage the

bout 25 minutes west of Los Banos is the final resting place of thousands of veterans from all over California. Approximately 35,000 veterans and their spouses have been interred at San Joaquin National Cemetery at 32053 W. McCabe Road in Santa Nella. In 1989, the Romero Ranch Company donated land to the Department of Veterans Affairs for the creation of the cemetery. The first phase developed 105 acres of land, and was completed in May 1992, giving enough space for the interment of more than 20,000 remains. Along with a small museum on site, the cemetery is home to memorials. The California Korean War Veterans Memorial is made of of 16 individual granite 5-foot monoliths arranged to form a circle. Each monolith contains the names of 2,495 Californians who gave their life

habitat of migratory waterfowl that stay from late summer through the winter. The location is comprised of 6,217 acres of wetland and includes lakes and marsh. The area is popular among duck hunters and dog trainers and is home to thousands of migratory waterfowl from late summer through the winter. Also in the area are Western pond turtles, raccoon, striped skunk, beaver and muskrat.

San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area West of the city, the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is ideal for boating, windsurfing, sailing, camping, picnicking and fishing. The San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is also the home to the little known and even less used San Luis Reservoir

fighting in the Korean War. The 11th Airborne Memorial is a granite and bronze monument that was dedicated in honor of all airborne soldiers. The sculptor was William Porteus, a member of the 511th unit. The museum holds swords from World War II, statues of a veteran at the Vietnam wall, changing of the guard at Arlington’s tomb of the Unknown Soldier and an airborne pilot, among others. Medals and uniforms are also on display, along with patches of many units. The most notable hero buried the cemetery is Medal of Honor recipient and Seaman William Troy of the Navy. Troy served on board the USS Colorado during the capture of Korean forts in the Korean War. On the fourth Monday each month just after the bells toll at 10 a.m., a chaplain, a pastor and a veteran color guard conduct a memorial for those veterans who were buried without fanfare because the family was

Seaplane Base, which is a publicly owned “airport.” The seaplane base, which is regularly subject to gusty wind conditions, sees only about 25 flight operations per year and no overnight moorage is allowed. More commonly, the reservoir and forebay are regularly used as venues for organized sports and other recreational activities including personal watercraft racing and remote controlled model glider operations. Both San Luis Reservoir and the O’Neill Forebay are famous for their striped bass, catfish, sunfish and other warm water fish. A local attorney, Al Whitehurst, once reeled in a mammoth bass weighing 54.5 pounds out of the O’Neill Forebay, a world record for landlocked striped bass. The Los Banos Creek Reservoir covers 620 acres, and has a 12-mile shoreline and also offers fishing.

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 41

Life IINN Los Banos The California Korean War Veterans Memorial is made of of 16 individual granite 5-foot monoliths arranged to form a circle. Each monolith contains the names of 2,495 Californians who gave their life fighting in the Korean War. dealing with health issues, couldn’t be immediately found or couldn’t afford a funeral, among other reasons. A hill with a flagpole at the northern end of the cemetery serves as the graveside service for veterans who were never honored. The national cemetery also holds special services on Memorial Day and Veterans Day every year. These services include the playing of taps, words from guest speakers and often have flyovers. Every December, the seven memorials honoring the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines as well as prisoners of war and those missing in action receive wreaths from national nonprofit Wreaths Across America. Depending on the number of wreaths the nonprofit can afford, the graves of veterans also receive a wreath. The Santa Nella ceremonies attract Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts from around Merced County. The cemetery holds the remains of soldiers from across the county, the Bay Area, Fresno, Sacramento and all over the state. For more information on the cemetery, call (209) 854-2008.

Phillies catcher Emily Lonetree looks for the batter after tagging out a runner at the plate in the first inning of the majors Phillies’ 12-6 win over the Angels at Colorado Park. David Witte/ sports@losbanos enterprise.com

S P OR T S

Just for fun or competitive N early every sport imaginable is available to residents of Los Banos, from youth to high school to adult leagues. For adults, the Los Banos Recreation Department offers adult basketball and softball leagues, as well as open-gym basketball at the Los Banos Community Center. For youth, the Los Banos Tigers offer football in the Tri-County Football League (2012 was the Tigers’ 30th year in operation) and the Los Banos Wildcats compete in the CenCal Junior Football league. The Los Banos Tiger Sharks compete in the Merced County Swim League and saw its run of 18 straight league championships snapped this year. The Los Banos Hydrocats are transitioning to a USA swim club and offer a smaller number of swimmers year-round competition. Summertime also has the Los Banos Little League’s playoffs come to a head — 2012 featured the favorites overcoming double-elimination threats in the title game. The Royals won single-A, the Dodgers won AA, the Giants held on for the AAA win and the Phillies knocked off the defending-champion Giants in the majors. In addition to Police Activities League softball and baseball leagues, the Los Banos Tigers youth softball travel team regularly competes in national competitions. In soccer, several local youth teams are tied

to Livingston club Fuego FC and compete in the NorCal Premier Soccer League, but the local teams will break off in 2013 to form AC Los Banos (the Terremotos). Fuego FC hosted the 17U team from the Club Tijuana Xolos in 2012. The Los Banos fairgrounds host a motocross series in the summer. In high school sports, Los Banos High earned the Western Athletic Conference Athletic Excellence Award for the season year in a row. The award compiles points from the league standings in every sport. LB put together league championships in 2012 in wrestling, boys basketball, boys and girls swimming, girls volleyball, girls water polo, girls cross country and girls tennis, with No. 1 singles player Alexis Barcellos earning the WAC individual championship. The football team came one win short of a league title, but made it to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division 4 semifinals before losing to Escalon in a four-overtime thriller. At Pacheco High School, the boys water polo, girls volleyball and football teams all earned playoff berths for the first time in the fall. For shooting sport, the Los Banos Sportsmen’s Association hosts the Tigers Youth Trap Team, which fields about 60 competitors across all age groups. For general fitness, adult lap-swimming is available at the Pacheco High pool.

PAGE 42 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos

Los Banos players hoist the Morning Star Crosstown Clash trophy following a 10-6 win over Pacheco Nov. 2 at Loftin Stadium. Gene Lieb/ glieb@losbanos enterprise.com

R I V A LR I E S

Crosstown Clash, Westside War keep fans, players on their toes

hen Pacheco High School opened its doors in 2010 with freshmen and sophomores, it opened the window to a new rivalry. The Crosstown Clash between Los Banos High and Pacheco is still in its infancy (Los Banos won the first two meetings between the football teams), but it has already shown itself to be a vibrant one in a 10-6 Los Banos victory on Oct. 26. The difference was a 38-yard Bebeto Robles field goal in the third quarter. Each team’s quarterback notched one touchdown in the game — LB’s Chris Corpuz to running back James Sams, and Pacheco’s Jacob Parks to receiver Adam Perez.

With Los Banos rolling to a 9-1 regular-season record and Pacheco finishing 5-5, the close score gave Los Banos a reality check before the playoffs. The proximity of the schools meant being close in many ways. “(Pacheco coach David) Snapp made a comment in the paper that they were going to bring pressure, and I thought we did a good job of picking it up,” Los Banos coach Dustin Caropreso said after the game. “It’s just having the confidence to play catch. We had guys open. We knew on the back half they have a little bit of a weakness we could pick on, and we tried.” Los Banos already has a fierce rivalry with Dos Palos, 15 miles down the road, that goes back

to 1925. LB’s 43-7 victory this season made it two in a row for the Tigers, but Dos Palos still leads the series 42-26 with six ties. Pacheco also had a shot at Dos Palos this past season, with the Panthers upsetting the Broncos So where does the Pacheco rivalry fit into the Los Banos season? At different ends. The Los Banos-Dos Palos rivalry, known as the Westside War, will always be in the preseason since the schools are in different sections. The Sac-Joaquin Section ranges from Los Banos in the south to areas north of Sacramento, while the Central Section stretches from Dos Palos and Chowchilla in the north to schools south of Bakersfield.

Los Banos and Pacheco are league rivals, with their game always landing on the last week of the regular season — rivalry week. “I look forward to the day when week 10 of the football season is determining the league title,” Pacheco athletic director Charlie Pikas said in 2010, as Pacheco prepared to open its doors. The three also played each other in basketball, with both Los Banos and Pacheco getting the best of Dos Palos in the preseason. Meanwhile, the Tiger Classic preseason tournament gives the Pacheco and Los Banos sophomore and freshman teams — as well as Dos Palos’ JV team — a chance to see each other before league play starts.

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 43

Life IINN Los Banos PL A C ES O F W O R S H I P

Many outreach programs offered A s it is currently incorporated, the city of Los Banos covers an area that is about 8 square miles. Packed into that space there are roughly 30 houses of worship. These churches represent many, if not most, Christian denominations. Catholics as well as Protestants and Methodists, Evangelicals, Baptists, Jehovah’s Witness, Anglicans, Lutherans, Mormons and many more comprise the subset of believers who worship in Los Banos. Believers in other faiths may have to travel to attend their respective houses of worship. The closest mosques are the Islamic Center of Merced and the Islamic Center of Modesto. The closest Sikh temple is in Livingston, although there are others in Merced and in Turlock. Jewish temples are located in Modesto and Merced. San Jose is the closest

city for Scientology practitioners. The closest Buddhist temples are in Morgan Hill, San Martin, Modesto or Merced. Churches in Los Banos provide music programs, youth programs, food distribution programs and other ministries of all kinds. Some churches also support outreach programs for residents of all ages. One example of a local outreach is The New Horizon Christian Center on 631 H St. Suite C, which provides free food beginning at 11 a.m. every Tuesday for those whose economic circumstances may require a little bit of help. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church offers such programs as Knights of Columbus and Young Ladies Institute for adults and it also has youth programs. The Knights of Columbus also hold an annual hoop shoot contest where kids can compete and may move on to

Bethel Community Church 827-0797

Day3 Foursquare Church 826-1072

Calvary Baptist Church 826-3682

El Buen Pastor 826-5656

Church of Christ 826-5291

Evangelical Free Church 826-7575

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Los Banos Ward 826-0179

Family Worship Center 826-9443

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mercey Springs Ward 826-0901 Connections Christian Church 826-1015 Crossroads Church 710-8413

Charles Guest/cguest@losbanosenterprise.com

Sister Julia Dias Fonseca of New Bethany holds a candle as Father Robert Gamel looks on during the Mass of Thanksgiving for the gift of St. Francis of Assissi where she would renew her vows of 50 years as a nun. Sister Julia first made her vows as a nun on Oct. 1, 1960. state and national finals. The Catholic Church community and the associated Our Lady of Fatima School also holds many festivals and fundraisers such as their annual Oktoberfest which are open to the public. Sometimes churches in Los Banos will combine forces to put on festivals or other events. One example is the annual Harvest of Fun event that is held on Halloween each year. In 2012, 13 churches set up

booths in the downtown Henry Miller Plaza and invited the community to a free alternative to trick-or-treating. The event included free hotdogs, bounce houses, numerous activities and, of course, lots of candy. Event organizers and church leaders think it will be even bigger in 2013. One church in town, the Westside Community Church,

New Beginnings Church 826-2350

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 826-4246

New Canaan Missionary Baptist Church 826-5912

See next page

St. Joseph’s RCIA 826-6228

New Horizon Christian Center 509-6144

Seventh Day Adventist Church 826-0552

First Baptist Church 826-3780

New Life Community Church of God in Christ 827-1605

United Methodist Church 826-4181

His Hands Extended Mission Chapel 826-6591

Praise Fellowship International 827-1079

Vision Familiar 826-3250

Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 826-4222

Salvation Army 827-4945

Westside Community Church 826-5314

St. Alban’s Anglican Church 826-2812

Word of Life Church UPC 826-6090

Mercey Springs Church of the Nazarene 826-5317

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 826-2474

PAGE 44 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Get involved

racing one’s family lineage, helping in the community, celebrating cultural heritage, working with animals, fighting drug and alcohol abuse, helping the environment, working with children, and honoring our military veterans are but a few of the activities in which Los Banos’ many local clubs and organizations are involved. For those who want to contribute to the community, celebrate their heritage or just make friends, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in Los Banos. From Alcoholics Anonymous to The Young Ladies Institute, there are at least 40 organized clubs in the Los Banos area. Service clubs abound in the city and include Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, Lions and Soroptimists, to name just a few. Each of these clubs is devoted to making the community better through local benevolent giving and workdays, which include such things as library beautification projects, homeless outreach and an annual Christmas Eve

dinner for the needy. A few examples of activities that local clubs were involved with in 2010 include: One local organization, the Los Banos Rotary Club, donated money to have a permanent structure built at the cemetery to replace the aging and torn awnings that were used previously for gravesite services. Los Banos has a very active Habitat for Humanity chapter, which helps build or refurbish houses for less fortunate members of the community. The group holds regular work-days where they invite members of the public to come out and help with the construction of remodeling of homes in neighborhoods throughout the city. The repair of these homes not only helps needy families, but it also helps to revitalize the neighborhoods where the dwellings are located. For the younger generation there is the local Boy and Girl Scout troops, as well as 4-H and FFA organizations in town. By participating in these clubs children can learn about the

environment, outdoor activities, altruism, and agriculture in programs designed just for them. Located near the Los Banos municipal airport, the local animal shelter volunteers work hard to find homes for the less fortunate animals of our community. These devoted people put many hours into feeding, care, and adoption programs. Members of the community

who are interested in helping others also regularly join forces with the police department. The Police Activities League provides young children in Los Banos with organized sporting events including girls softball in the spring, Junior Giants baseball in the summer and flag football in the fall. In addition to programs for the youth, the police department also runs the Volunteers Interacting to Advance Law

Continued from previous page

offers fun and a special Bible study for children through the sixth grade, Westside also offers a youth group for junior high and high school students, as well as the Fireside Chat College Ministry and Children’s Church. Of course, local church outreach is not limited to in-town endeavors. Many churches sponsor or help to support a diverse group of international missionaries who are sent all over the world to bring the word of God as well as practical help to those in

need. Other worldwide mission work includes support of such unique ministries as Campus Crusade for Christ International’s “Jesus Film project” or Samaritan Purse’s “Operation Christmas Child.” Several Los Banos Churches have made Operation Christmas Child a holiday tradition. During the months preceding Christmas, participating parishioners go out shopping with their own money to fill shoe-boxes with items they hope will be of use to children

in foreign countries. Once filled, the shoeboxes are then shipped around the world, particularly during the Christmas season. Many hundreds of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes full of items intended to bring smiles, comfort, or practical solutions to the world’s poor have been sent out from a number of Los Banos Churches. In 2010 Operation Christmas Child boxes made their way into the hands of the needy in places like Asia, Mexico and Haiti.

posts clever and witty phrases on their marquee outside of the church on Mercey Springs Road that grab the attention of Christians and non-Christians alike as they drive down Highway 165. For example, at one point the sign read, “Thanksgiving isn’t about the turkey it’s about the giving.” In addition to its thought-provoking signage, Westside Church offers programs that are similar in scope to other area churches; the Awana Club

Charles Guest/cguest@losbanosenterprise.com

Members of the Boy Scout Troop 85 in Los Banos participate in the Court of Honor in May. During the court of honor three boys were awarded numerous merit badges, two were advanced in rank, one earned his “Totin Chip,” and two were awarded pocket knives by the troop.

JANUARY 2013 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS •

PAGE 45

Life IINN Los Banos Enforcement program. Residents who are interested in helping keep the city safe can volunteer at the local police department to become a part of the program. The VITAL group logged several thousand hours of volunteer work in 2012 and they regularly participate in community events such as the May Day Fair parade, and the Chamber of Commerce Downtown Christmas events. VITAL members also assist the police department by helping out at DUI checkpoints. The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce is a business association that aims to cultivate better relations

among local businesses and also sponsors many of the community events around Los Banos including several parades and the fireworks display on Independence Day. Many of the local clubs and organizations raise funds by having much anticipated fundraisers. Annual events such as Mother’s Day in The Park, the Elks Black Hat Social, the Soroptimists Dickens Christmas Faire, the Rotary Crab Feed, along with various parades and drive-through dinners are usually well attended by the public and bring in the funds critical to helping these organizations thrive.

White doves slip from the hands of the 2012/2013 D.E.S Queens and flit skyward in front of the Los Banos D.E.S. Hall in June 2012 as part of the Trinity Celebration and Holy Ghost Fiesta.

Alcoholics Anonymous Randy G. 752-7185

Druids Circle No. 153 Lucille Latronica 826-3955

Lions Evening Club Keith Groninga 675-1405

Quail Unlimited Bill Collins 826-2873

Al-Anon Family Group Mary A. 262-7185

Elks Lodge Ray Gomes 826-2282

Rotary Club Brenda Latham 381-6410

American Cancer Society 827-4340

Four Rivers Association Jennifer Morgan 826-1196

American Heart Assoc 723-2974

Genealogical Society Josie Bosworth 826-0763

Los Banos Arts Council Gary Wulburn 826-0489 Richard Miller 826-6257 or Dean Young 675-2005 Los Banos Teachers Association Anthony Parreira 826-1700

American Legion Post 166 Alvin Marques 826-2927

Girl Scouts of America Virginia Morris 640-9308

American Red Cross 383-2150

Golden Agers 827-7046 ext. 10 or ext. 11

Memorial Hospital Los Banos Foundation 826-0591 Ext. 276

Basque Club Mary Zabalbeascoa 826-6288

Habitat for Humanity Ned Ryan

Memorial Hosp Volunteer Aux. 826-0591 Ext. 342

Tiger Sharks Wayne Pricolo 769-3301

Boy Scouts of America Adon Barajas 545-6320

Italian Catholic Federation Irene Miano 827-6683

Merced City Alcohol/Drug Abuse 827-2185

VFW Post No. 2487 Alvin Marques 826-2927

Cancer Support Group Carolyn Nazabal 826-0591 ext. 365

Kente Women’s Club Jettie Marshall 826-2516

Mexican-American Social Org Alicia Dicochea 826-1075

VITAL Program Norm Donovan 826-7070 Ext. 141

Cub Scout Pack Adon Barajas 545-6320

Kiwanis Club Chuck Martin 826-2664

Milliken Museum Society June Erreca 826-5668

Weight Watchers 1-800-651-6000

D.E.S. Association John Brotherton 826-5303

Knights of Columbus

Native Daughters Silvia Laurie 826-5703

Young Ladies Institute 826-1315

Delta Kappa Gamma Christy Huff 826-3582

United Latin Amer. Citizens 826-5019

Charles Guest/cguest@losbanosenterprise.com

Los Banos Tigers Youth Football Scott Crist 769-7205 or Bob Zavala 826-9161

Photographer’s Fellowship Club Josie Bosworth 826-0763 Police Activities League Noah Jones 827-0603

Salvation Army 827-4945 San Joaquin Druids Chapter Lucille Latronica 826-3955 Soroptimist Club Sherry Pearson 826-1026 St. Joseph’s Altar Society Loretta Daguerre 826-4169

PAGE 46 • LIFE IN LOS BANOS • JANUARY 2013

Life IINN Los Banos N E A R B Y A T T R A C T I ONS

Los Banos is the perfect location

os Banos is at the crossroads of California. Residents of the city are lucky because Los Banos sits alongside of highways 5, 152, and 156. This makes day-trips to many of California’s most loved attractions convenient and doable. Within a two-hour drive, travelers can find everything from snow covered slopes to warm sandy beaches as well as shopping, cultural and dining opportunities to explore.

Thirty minutes away Within about 30 minutes of Los Banos there are a large number of outdoor venues suitable for hunting, fishing, bird-watching, hiking, boating, sail-boarding, swimming, camping, and picnicking. These venues include the San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area, the Los Banos Reservoir, the Los Banos Wildlife Area, and the San Luis Wildlife Refuge. Gustine’s Antique stores as well as Wolfsen’s Meat & Sausage are also within this range. Wolfsen’s is a local favorite as it features more than 60 different kinds of smoked and fresh sausages. Also within 30 minutes is the Hilmar Cheese Company. Its visitor center is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a free cheese tour where visitors can learn how cheese is made.

Sixty minutes away Within an hour of Los Banos is the Castle Air Museum in Atwater. The museum has a large collection of historic aircraft which includes everything from a B52 bomber to a tiny Vultee BT-13 Valiant. There is also an SR71 Blackbird spy-plane on display. The Gilroy outlets are also within an hour’s drive. The outlets provide die-hard shoppers the opportunity to browse through 145 factory outlet stores ranging from household goods and clothing to electronics and gifts. The Gilroy Gardens theme park offers families the opportunity to share the day together in a botanical and agriculturalthemed amusement park that is devoid of the ultra fast screeching roller-coasters and blaring music. Fresno with its shopping opportunities and the Chaffee Zoo, which hosts 125

Charles Guest / Los Banos Enterprise

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is less than two hours from Los Banos. The aquarium is well-known for its outstanding displays of marine life like these jellies, which were on display at the facility. species of animals, (18 of which are part of the species survival plan that helps to protect some of the world’s rarest animals), is also within a one-hour drive.

Ninety minutes away Within an hour and a half of Los Banos is Monterey with its beaches, tide-pools, fine dining, Cannery Row shopping, and the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Aquarium visitors can view an amazing array of marine life in themed exhibits. Popular with the kids are the sea otters and the penguin exhibits but there are hundreds of other interesting aquatic exhibits to see; from marine birds to kelp forests. The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose has more than 160 rooms that were built during 38 years. The beautiful but bizarre home built by Sarah Winchester (heiress to William Winchester’s estate and 50 percent of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company) and its beautiful gardens are now a tourist attraction. The lore is that Mrs. Winchester was trying to placate the spirits of those gunned down with the weapons made by her husband’s company so she built rooms with secret passages, doorways to nowhere, and macabre stained-glass windows. Also in San Jose is the Shark Tank. Ice hockey fans can catch a game live and whoop it up with some of the most dedicated fans on earth.

Six Flags’ Great America is in Santa Clara between Mountain View and San Jose. Thrill rides, a water park, and stage shows are available. The City of Santa Cruz with its popular Beach Boardwalk and getaway vacation hotels sits on some of the nicer beaches in California. Santa Cruz also offers a unique downtown experience for people watchers. The California Gold Country and the towns of Mariposa and Jamestown are within 91 miles of Los Banos. Highway 49 which cuts through the gold country offers travelers a multitude of antiquing opportunities and photographic subjects like iron-shuttered buildings and wildflowers in an authentic old-west setting. Jamestown’s Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is a must-see for railroad fans. It features one of America’s last working roundhouses. Numerous museums can also be found up and down Highway 49 that feature exhibits from the gold rush days of the 1800s.

Two hours away The Computer History Museum in Mountain View is a must-visit Mecca for geeks and people that grew up playing computer games. The free-admission museum has exhibits that chronicle the onward march of Moore’s law, from mechanical adding machines all the way through computers designed for cold war military use, to Cray supercomputers to Google’s first production server. Yosemite National Park with its amazing granite edifices and picturesque forests and wildlife hardly needs any introduction. A favorite place for hiking, skiing, mountain climbing, rock scrambling, and camping, the park also has fine dining and numerous tours including a Junior Ranger Program for the kids. There several ski areas including Bear Valley and Badger Pass as well as an assortment of snow play areas in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Yosemite national Park available in the winter. San Francisco and Sacramento are a two-hour drive from Los Banos. Each has a multitude of cultural, dining, sight-seeing, and historical activities as well as their own unique attractions for visitors to partake in.

209-826-1826 or KALJIAN & ASSOCIATES 800-788-8632 • Over 28 Years of Experience. • Open 7 Days a Week • Locally Owned and Operated • Fala Portugues • Hablamos Español

Theresa Bartholomew Manager

Cathy Powers

Maria A. Pina

631-3941

704-0821

Kim Ribeiro

769-5388

Judy Perry

769-0696

Rita Calderon

777-1826

509-9192

www.dospalosrealestate.com www.gustinerealestate.com Lena Marshall

761-3441

Independently owned & operated

DRE #00528796

Norma Munoz

675-5353

Jim Tanner

710-7750

Judi Lesslie

564-6259

Carmen Ontiveros

704-1217

645 Pacheco Blvd., Los Banos • www.losbanosrealestate.com

Los Banos Property Management Services LLC. ‘The Way Your Property Is Managed Today Will Determine Its Value Tomorrow”

Los Banos Property Management Services

Los Banos Property Management Services is a full service Property Management Company! Alex Bubar Centrally located and locally owned, Los Banos Property Management Services delivers quality services with a strong knowledge base, integrity and excellence at affordable rates!

645 Pacheco Blvd. Suite C Los Banos CA. 93635 • Office: 209-710-5680 EFax: 877-434-0984 • Email: propertymgtlosbanos@gmail.com • www.losbanospropertymgtservices.com

Los Banos’ Commercial Real Estate Company

Thomas E. Kaljian 826-8864 Owner/Broker

Mike Bryant 261-4715

E s t a t e

Steve Wooten 613-6484

Investment Land & Development 645 Pacheco Blvd. • Los Banos 826-8864

Jarrett Sagouspe 769-7562

Michael Bryant II 675-4650

00132064

R e a l