Letters: Polio anywhere is a threat everywhere
In a time when many have forgotten the threat of infectious diseases like polio, I feel a duty as a Rotary member to remind the public that polio anywhere is a threat everywhere. I have a personal story about polio that happened to my oldest brother and another man who was my roommate in college. […]
Letters: Support for Melanie Barker
I am writing to offer my full and enthusiastic support for Melanie Barker as District 5 Supervisor. I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the kind of leadership our community truly needs leadership rooted in service, integrity, and a genuine commitment to people and Melanie embodies all of that and more. In my work […]
Opinion: U.S. not among happiest nations
Our country is in political turmoil and at least some economic distress. Tentacles from the war with Iran are reaching out and touching families, many of which are struggling to make their paychecks stretch. Probably some people are also dealing with a moral crisis, wondering if the lives lost in the war are worth some […]
Letters: You should know…
If you are contemplating endorsement of a candidate for Madera County Supervisor, District 5, I want to make sure you are aware of Melanie Barker’s extensive leadership experience. Melanie Barker (SRS, AHWD, C2EX, RENE) serves California, Hawaii, and Guam as the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2026 Region 13 Regional Vice President. She is the broker-owner […]
Letters: Re: Arrogance of ignorance
The “arrogance of ignorance” is how Mr. Wieland started his letter, and meant it for Republicans, but it fits Democrats much better. I know he is trying to pin this war with Iran on President Trump, but that war really started some 47 years ago. Trump is trying to ensure that we will finish this […]
Letters: Are aquatic facilities adequate?
I grew up in Madera, spending many summer days at what we knew as “Swimming Pool Park.” While I no longer live in the city, I still follow local news and care deeply about Madera’s future. Recent news regarding the continued closure of Centennial Pool prompts a vital question: Are Madera’s aquatic facilities adequate for […]
Charla de Libros: Baldacci, ‘Nash Falls’
David Baldacci ha escrito más de cincuenta exitosas novelas de misterio. Creo que las he leído todas. Esta es diferente. Como sus otros thrillers, Nash Falls (2025, 424 páginas en formato de tapa dura) tiene personajes interesantes, subtramas perversas y mucha tensión. Y sin embargo, es diferente. El libro se abre con el funeral de Tiberius […]
Opinion: India — a caste census for 2026
This year, India — the world’s most populous country — is conducting the world’s largest census. It is not only doing an official count of its estimated 1.4 million people, but also a count of people who identify as members of specific castes. This is the first time that membership in a caste (a socio-religious […]
Letters: The arrogance of ignorance is killing us
The President of the United States started a war that he can’t justify and apparently can’t win. His unforced error has created an international crisis that he can’t spin. And our former allies, those friendly countries that he has insulted for years, are sitting back and letting him hang from the political petard that he […]
Opinión: IA — juez, jurado y verdugo
“Hemos encontrado al enemigo, y somos nosotros”. — Personaje de cómic, Pogo. Si planeas ver la película de 2026, Mercy, no leas esta columna. La película es ligeramente futurista y nos recuerda que el futuro es ahora. Cuenta con dos papeles protagónicos clave: Chris Pratt, quien interpreta al detective del Departamento de Policía de Los Ángeles […]