theranchos · • probate conservatorships, governed by the california probate code, may be of the...

The PRSRT STDECRU.S. POSTAGE PAIDMADERA, CA.PERMIT NO. 61

Volume 13 Issue 4 2017 The Official Publication of Southeastern Madera County 50¢

RanchosIndependent

In This Issue Editorial • Page 5 / Aunt Jean’s Ranchos Recipes • Page 8Classifieds • 8 / Fun Pages • Pages 22 & 23

Click on “Local News” at

By Randy Bailey

The 2016-2017 Madera CountyGrand Jury has issued a final report on aninvestigation it conducted into the opera-tion of the Public Guardian/Conserva-tor/Public Administrator Office. The lastGrand Jury inquiry into the PublicGuardian was 2005-2006. The GrandJury’s objective was to learn of the serv-ices provided, the clientele served and thestructure and staffing of the department.

The Public Guardian Director is alsothe Madera County Social Services De-partment Director. The Grand Jury inter-viewed the Director on Oct. 28, 2016 andthe Chief Deputy Public Guardian on Jan.9 and 27, 2017. The Grand Jury reviewedorganizational charts, the Policy and Pro-cedure Manual, budget proposals, rele-vant California statutes and client profiledata.

The Public Guardian serves some ofthe most vulnerable residents in theCounty and is charged with ensuring thefinancial and personal safety of personsunable to care for themselves. When theMadera County Superior Court deter-mines there is no able person to providecare, the Public Guardian is ordered to actas conservator of the person, the estate orconservator of person and estate.

When the Grand Jury investigatessomething, it begins by ascertaining thefacts regarding the subject to be investi-gated. Next it makes findings based onthose facts and finally makes recommen-dations to the Madera County Board ofSupervisors about the investigation basedon those findings.

The FactsThese are the facts the Grand Jury

discovered about the office of the PublicGuardian:

• The Madera County Social Serv-ices Director is also Director of the Pub-lic Guardian Office

• Prior to mid-fiscal year 2009-2010the Public Guardian was a separate de-partment headed by a director with thetitle of Public Guardian

• Oversight for the operation of thePublic Guardian Office was placed underthe Department of Social Services by theBoard of Supervisors midway through

Grand Jury’sFinal Report:

Madera CountyPublic Guardian

Please see JURY on P. 4

By Randy Bailey

alifornia’s northern Sierra Nevada mountains have madehistory this winter by becoming the wettest winter in almost

100 years of weather monitoring. As of Thursday, April 13, 89.7inches of precipitation has been recorded since October 2016from eight different stations in the northern Sierra, according tothe California Depart-ment of Water Re-sources. The previousrecord was in 1982-83with a total of 88.5inches for the same timeperiod. Gov. JerryBrown, responding tothe news, declared Cali-fornia’s drought offi-cially over for allcounties except Fresno,Kings, Tulare andTuolumne. Thedrought’s impact ongroundwater levels inthose counties has cre-ated a need for contin-ued emergency drinkingwater. Gov. Brown saidin a statement, “Thisdrought emergency isover, but the nextdrought could be around the corner. Conservation must remaina way of life.”

The large amount of water stored in the Sierra Nevadamountains is crucial because it forms a significant source ofwater for the rest of the state. But the Sierra Nevada numbersare not the only ones exceeding expectations. The San Joaquinindex is poised to break its record as well. Representing an areacovering five stations, the San Joaquin index numbers are veryclose to its 1982-83record. With sixmonths left to go inCalifornia’s “wateryear,” there is stillroom for evengreater numbers,however from hereon out the statedoesn’t historically see much more additional water.

Defining DroughtThe California Water Science Center, under the auspices of

the United States Geological Survey, defines drought as “… aperiod of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-re-lated problems.” The water-related problems begin as a dry pe-riod usually from lack of rainfall that ultimately impacts the flowof streams and rivers, lake and reservoir levels, and the depth towater in wells. If these conditions continue and water-supplyproblems develop, the dry period can become a drought.

The impacts of drought include water quality degradation,land subsidence (sinking ground) and a decline of surface andgroundwater levels. Groundwater provides drinking water for alarge portion of the population and supplies business and indus-tries, and is used extensively for irrigation. Surface water is mon-itored to understand this resource and the California WaterScience Center uses a network of more than 500 “streamgages”

to collect real-time data on surface water across the state.Is the Drought Over?

Governor Brown seems to think so, but what about the sci-entists at the California Water Science Center? The Centerstates that the answer requires consideration of California'sthree primary sources of water: surface water, snowpack andgroundwater.

Surface Water:The majority of Califor-nia's major reservoirshave been filled in2016-2017 to above-historic levels. TheUSGS streamgage net-work also shows themajority of streamshave been at or aboveaverage for most of thelast four months, indi-cating that the State’srivers, creeks, lakes andreservoirs are in goodcondition.

Snowpack: TheSierra Nevada snowpacksupplies an average ofabout 30 percent of Cal-ifornia's water. As ofApril 1, 2017, statewidesnowpack in the North-

ern, Central, and Southern Sierra is 164 percent of normal andit’s been determined the snowpack water content is approxi-mately 183 percent of average.

Groundwater: Groundwater aquifers recover much moreslowly than surface water. With heavy rain, surface water canrecover in a few days; recharging an aquifer often takes years oreven decades. Add to that the fact that groundwater systems havebeen depleted for long periods from which they have not recov-

ered. Worst casescenarios includesubsidence and per-manent loss of stor-age, water qualitydegradation andseawater intrusion.Long-term impactson groundwater

have not been remedied by short-term weather. If groundwaterrecovery is even possible, it will likely take many years to ac-complish.

Is the drought over? California’s long-term outlook fordrought can be better assessed in the coming months. Signifi-cant snowmelt typically begins April 1, producing runoff thatrecharges groundwater and reservoirs, and at 164 percent ofaverage this snowpack signifies that runoff will likely be aboveaverage. A slow, steady rise in spring and summer tempera-tures will be the key to optimally recharge aquifers and reser-voirs. The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Centerseasonal drought outlook for March 16 - June 30, 2017 showscontinued drought in areas of Southern and Central CoastalCalifornia likely to persist throughout those dates, but the one-month precipitation outlook for April 2017 suggests averageprecipitation for most of California and above average precip-itation for parts of Northern California.

C

The three keys to killing a drought: 1. Surface water 2. Snowpack 3. Groundwater

www.The Ranchos.com

The 27th AnnualFlatlanders Dayis Almost Here!

The Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce wouldlike to welcome the newest member to the

Madera Ranchos business family

New Members

Jason PierceFarmers Insurance

Golden

Valley

Chamber

2017 Flatlander’s DayParade Day: Saturday,May 13, 2017 • $10 Entry FeeGroup Individual Business

Parade begins at 10 a.m. sharp!Registration of entries begins at 8:30 a.m.

Parade route: Ave. 12 from Topper to KensingtonThe undersigned entrant and all participants agree to abideby all parade rules, follow the directions of parade officialsand agree to release parade officials from any and allresponsibility from loss, damage, and/or injury to any

person or property as a result of participation in the parade.

Group or Business NameIndividual Entry orResponsible Person’s Name

Address:

Theme of Entry:

Will youngsters walk with the entry? Yes NoApprox. number of participants Approx. length ft.EntryCategory (selectONEmostcloselysuitingyourentry):Horses (Single) Horses (Group) Explain:Band/Music Name:Floats (Non-profit) Name:Floats (Business) Name:Floats (Other) Name:Children’s Groups Name:Dance Groups Name:Single Entry (Children) Name:Single Entry (Adult) Name:Novelty Name:Addtional information:

Phone:

Bring, fax or mail this form by May 5 to: Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce37167 Ave. 12 Ste. 5C • Madera, CA 93636 • Fax 645-4002 • Call 645-4001

Flatlanders is sponsored by the Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ranchos Kiwanis and Friends of the Ranchos Library.

Signature: Date:

4/17

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The Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce would love to see you at our nextmeeting, always the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., 37167 Ave.12 Suite 5C in the Maywood Center. Come join us on April 12 and help planthe 27th Annual Flatlanders Day Parade. Call us at 645-4001.

The 27th Annual Flatlanders Day Parade, spon-sored by the Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce, iscoming Saturday, May 13 beginning at 10 a.m. The an-nual event showcases local groups, businesses and in-dividuals from the Ranchos and beyond. The paradestarts at 10 a.m. sharp and then there’s a food and craftsfair at the Maywood Center sponsored by the Friends ofthe Ranchos Library that will last into the afternoon.Flatlanders Day is always celebrated on the second Sat-urday in May.

An entry form for the parade is found to the rightof this article or you can call the Golden Valley Cham-ber of Commerce at 645-4001 for more information.Applications for booths at the food and crafts fair areavailable through the Ranchos Library. For more in-formation on booths you can call 645-1214 or visit theirwebsite at www.MaderaCountyLibrary.org.


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fiscal year 2009-2010, with the SocialServices Director taking on the additionalrole as Public Guardian

• As of Jan. 23, 2017 the PublicGuardian Office is located at 209 W.Yosemite Avenue, Madera, California andis not housed with Social Services

• The Public Guardian 2015–2016budget shows three permanent positionsfunded and one permanent position un-funded

• The Public Guardian 2016–2017budget shows three permanent positionsfunded (Chief Deputy Public Guardian,Deputy Public Guardian, and Program As-sistant), and one permanent position un-funded. A permanent Office Assistant IIposition is 100 percent funded through theBehavioral Health Department.

• Social Services provides the PublicGuardian with a part-time social workerand a college intern to assist with field vis-its

• The Public Guardian receives refer-rals from other agencies, hospitals and thecourt

• Madera County Counsel representsthe Public Guardian in court

• California Probate Code §§2900–2955 provide the framework for the oper-ation of the Public Guardian in all counties

• Effective Jan. 1, 2008 CaliforniaProbate Code §2923 mandates PublicGuardian caseworkers comply with con-tinuing education requirements as estab-lished by the California State Associationof Public Administrators, PublicGuardians and Public Conservators

• Probate conservatorships, governedby the California Probate Code, may be ofthe person, the estate only, or both the per-son and the estate.

• Lanterman, Petris and Short (LPS )Act conservatorships, governed by Cali-fornia Welfare and Institutions Code§§5350-5372, serve persons with seriousmental disorders or developmental delays

• Since fiscal year 2015-2016 the Be-havioral Health Department has funded afull-time permanent Behavioral HealthCase Manager to handle the PublicGuardian LPS Conservatorships

• The Behavioral Health budget in-cludes funding for a full-time, permanentclerical position in the Public Guardian Of-fice for the 2016-2017 fiscal year

• In Madera County, the PublicGuardian also serves as Public Adminis-trator, managing estates of persons whodie with no will or have no appropriateperson to act as administrator

• The Public Guardian acts as “repre-sentative payee” by providing budgetingand money management services, enablingclients to maintain independent living

• Pursuant to California Probate Code§2942, the Public Guardian shall be paidfrom the estate of the conservatee for rea-sonable expenses incurred in the executionof conservatorships

• California Government Code§27441 authorizes the Public Guardian asthe Public Administrator to collect fees forservices

• California Government Code§27436 authorizes the Public Guardian tocollect fees for “representative payee”services. The Board of Supervisorsadopted a fee schedule (Resolution Num-ber 2011-148) for Public Guardian, PublicAdministrator and “representative payee”services on July 12, 2011

• The Department of Social Serv-ices/Public Guardian/Conservator/Public


JURY cont. from P. 2

Letters

Dear Editor:I just wanted to comment on what

an uplifting story Robin Tucker wroteas a guest editorial. Not many peopleget the importance of “family” any-more. He captured the power of fam-ily as if he was a professional writer.I tip my hat to him for keeping his pri-orities of life in order and to you forfeaturing that piece in your paper.

Thanks for the job you do!

Bobby Kahn, Executive DirectorMadera County Economic DevelopmentCommissionMadera

The Ranchos Independent welcomesyour letters. Whether you’re a fan orsomeone looking for somethingto line the birdcage, we want

to hear from you. The only rules?Sign it, be civil or forget about it.

Send your letters to:email:

[email protected]:

The Ranchos Independent37167 Ave. 12 #5CMadera, CA 93636

fax:559-645-4002

www.The Ranchos.com

The Ranchos Independent is published by Five and Two Publishing.All contents of this publication are copyright 2017, all rights reserved.Reprintingwithout the permission of the

copyright holder is forbidden by law.All articles are submitted as the opinion of the author, who remains solely responsible for the content. The in-

formation gathered for this publication is from sources that are considered to be reliable, but are not guaranteed.Opinions expressed in advertisements or articles remain the opinion of the writer.

Randy Bailey............Publisher/EditorKaren Petryna -- Reporter

Jean Briner -- Columnist, Advertising Sales

RanchosIndependentThe

559-645-0634

37167 Ave. 12, Suite 5C • Madera, CA [email protected]

By Randy Bailey

After Donald Trump was elected pres-ident -- virtually while there was still awarm hand print on the bible -- groups wereforming to “resist” the newly elected presi-dent. Probably no place moved as quicklyas California. California was so motivatedthat in the midst of all the problems we’refacing here, the state decided we HAD tohire Obama’s former attorney general, EricHolder, at a rate of $25,000 permonth to “...assist with legal challenges over everythingfrom immigration to environmental policies...” emanating from the newly elected pres-ident’s administration.

Nice.You know who’s paying Eric don’t

you? That’s right. You and me. AlthoughMadera County voted overwhelmingly forTrump, we’re now being forced to pay tofightTrump. It’s like when amurderer goeson trial: The State vs John Smith.You knowwho “The State” is and pays for the prose-cution, right? It’s us. And if “The State”successfully prosecutes John Smith and getsa conviction, California law says JohnSmith gets an automatic appeal. Who doyou think NOW gets to pay for the defenseof John Smith at his appeal? Right again!WE do. We paid to convict him and nowwe’re paying to get him off. Crazy, huh?You’ll do those kinds of things when it’s notyourmoney being spent.

NowGovernor Brown has successfullypushed his grotesque gasoline tax through

the state legislature -- ostensibly for roadimprovements -- and it awaits his signature.The $52 billion dollar tax begins in No-vember and will last a decade (because tax-ation programs always end when they’resupposed to, right?) and will be generatedby a tax increase of 12 cents per gallon,bringing it to a total of 30 cents. Anothervariable excise tax would be set at 17 cents,the excise tax on diesel would jump 20cents and the sales tax on diesel goes upfour percentage points. We’re always neckand neck with Hawaii when it comes tohighest fuel costs in America but, by God,this should make us Number 1!

Did I fail to mention that included inthis is also a vehicle registration fee in-crease, based on the value of your car, from$25 to $175 annually? With approximately34million vehicles registered in California,you do the math. They don’t miss a trick

Hey, wait a minute. Brown says weneed this tax because our roads are crum-bling due to neglect over the last 23 years,but there’s been a tax on gasoline for the last23 years. What he’s proposing just in-creases the tax.Where did all those road taxdollars go? And in classic governmentalmath fashion, do you know why he claimswe need to raise $52 billion? Becausethere’s a backlog of repair and replacementprojects throughout the state totalling $130billion. Again, you do themath. I’m startingto understand why these people push Com-mon Core mathematics so strongly.

Folks, it’s time to say enough is

You Say You Want a Revolution?

“Part of being arevolutionary

is knowingthat you

don't have toacquiesce to

the tired, oldideas of the

past. ”

Editorial

enough. It’s time to say “Not MY Tax In-crease!” It’s time to resist.

It’s time for a revolution.We live in a state that we don’t get to

have a choice between two parties at elec-tion time.

It’s time for a revolution.We have one-party rule in our assem-

bly, senate and executive branches. EveryRepublican in our state legislature couldstay home and never vote again and the re-sulting legislation would be exactly like it istoday.

It’s time for a revolution.We have the highest tax rate in the na-

tion.It’s time for a revolution.We have the sixth highest energy costs

in the nation.It’s time for a revolution.We don’t have enoughwater storage to

provide for our people, but we’re getting atrain.

It’s time for a revolution.Are you ready for it?


4/17

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ha rdes t j ob in the wor ld . Youdon’ t ge t pa id , you don ’ t ge ts ick leave and you usua l ly don’ tge t thanked unt i l your k id growsup , moves ou t and i s dea l i ngwi th the i r own l i t t l e g i f t o f sun-sh ine and t an t rums . I t ’ s no t ajob for the weak-wi l led or weak-s tomached . Those who choose totake the respons ib i l i ty se r ious lyand do i t wel l should be revered .Those who leave i t up to t each-e r s and te l ev i s ion to ra i se the i rch i ld r en shou ld be sub j ec t ed topub l i c mock ing and r id i cu l e byrespons ib le paren t s . Bad paren t -ing has un leashed unproduc t ive ,i r r e spons ib l e and en t i t l ed men-aces on soc ie ty by coddl ing andshe l t e r ing and spo i l ing k ids .

For the l i feo f me I ju s tcannot imaginea s i t ua t i onwhe re mymothe r wou ldca l l i n to myp lace o f bus i -ne s s and ye l la t t he peop le Iwork wi th be -cause they d id-n’ t g ive me theschedule I wanted . I cannot p ic -tu re her s to rming in to my of f iceand caus ing a ruckus because Id idn ’ t l i ke the company’ s t imecard sys tem. The very thought ofi t i s lud ic rous , bu t I ’ve had fourd i f f e r en t s i t ua t i ons in the l a s ttwo weeks a lone whe re some-one’s mother has done jus t tha t .

One woman, whose daughte ri s a ca reg ive r fo r our company ,s to rmed in to my of f ice wi th herk id in tow demand ing to knowwhy her “baby’s” pay on her las tcheck wasn’ t r igh t . I t shou ld bepo in t ed ou t t ha t he r “baby”looked to be on the back end ofhe r 20s . I t shou ld a l so bepo in t ed ou t t ha t he r “baby”fa i led to c lock in and out for hersh i f t s and igno red ou r mu l t i p l ea t t emp t s to ge t he r t o come inand co r r ec t he r t ime ca rds . D idshe re spond to ou r ca l l s ? No .Did she ca l l i n be fo r e pay ro l lwas locked to ver i fy her hours?No . So , wha t d id she do? Wel l ,c l ea r l y , she sa t on he r en t i t l ed

Time to Raise Some Adults

l i t t l e backs ide and assumed tha tsomeone e lse would c lean up hermess , and look – he re comesmama . She was s t and ing in myof f ice and making a scene ra therthan te l l ing her prec ious dar l ingtha t here in the rea l wor ld therea re consequences when you neg-lec t your respons ib i l i t i e s .

Th i s woman ac tua l l y de -manded toknow why wewon’ t j u s t payhe r daugh t e rthe same eve ryweek . We l l ,woman whoshou ldn ’ t bes t and ing in myof f i c e ye l l i nga t me whi l eyour lazy , ine f -f ec tua l , no -ac -

coun t daugh t e r s t ands beh indyou s t a r i ng a t he r ce l l phone ,I ’ l l t e l l you . I t ’ s because shedoesn ’ t work the same hour severy week. You see we give ouremp loyees a paycheck in ex -change fo r work , no t j u s t be -cause they ex i s t . Th i s i sn ’ t he ra l lowance ; i t ’ s ca l l ed a job .

Ano the r woman ca l l ed medemanding to know why we werewi thho ld ing her son’s W2. Wel l ,ma ’am, I doub t we a re ac t i ve lywi thho ld ing any th ing . The rea lques t ion i s : Are you ca l l ing meins t ead o f your son? Turns ou t ,he r son had ca l l ed me momen t sbefore and didn’ t l ike my answerso he hung up on me and imme-d i a t e ly wh ined to h i s mommy.He cal led to say he hadn’ t got tenh i s W2 and he th inks i t ’ s be -cause he moved to Phoen ix andi t wen t t o h i s o ld add re s s . D idhe ca l l us and te l l us he moved?No . Did he in i t i a t e a change o f

I f no th ing e l se , can’t wea l l j u s t agree tha t we needto ra i s e adu l t s who have asense o f per sona l re spons i -b i l i ty? Whatever else you dowi th them , l e t ’s j u s t ca l ltha t the base l ine .

Please see GENWHY on P. 7

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Administrator 2016 annual report to theBoard of Supervisors shows the PublicGuardian managed 225 active cases in themonth of July 2016

• On Jan. 8, 2017 the PublicGuardian/Conservator/Public Administratorcase management database showed 243 ac-tive cases: 78 active probate conservator-ships of the person, the estate, or person andestate; 62 LPS conservatorships; and 92“representative payee” clients. Acting asPublic Administrator, six estates of de-ceased individuals were also being handled

• In Madera County, guardianships ofminors are handled by Social Services; con-servatorships of adults are handled by thePublic Guardian

• The Public Guardian has a Policy andProcedure Manual in which most docu-ments are not dated; dated documents arefrom 2010 and 2011.

The FindingsThese are the findings the Grand Jury

made about the office of the PublicGuardian:

• The Chief Deputy Public Guardianoversees the operation of the office andshares casework with the Deputy PublicGuardian

• The Program Assistant functions as“representative payee;” most client referralscome from the Social Security Administration

• The clerical position included in theBehavioral Health budget has not beenposted for hiring as of Feb. 6, 2017. Untilthe hiring process is completed, the Public

Guardian employs a temporary extra-helpperson

• Being under the management of So-cial Services allows the Public Guardian totap into additional resources

• Public Guardian caseworkers are incompliance with certification requirementsas mandated by the continuing educationstatute

• As Public Administrator, the PublicGuardian manages the estates of intestateCounty residents under the supervision ofthe Superior Court, performs heir searches,marshals assets and oversees the distributionof the estate

• Caseworkers diligently search forfamily or others qualified and willing tomanage affairs of those who are unable todo so. The Public Guardian is the agency oflast resort for vulnerable County residents

• Upon the completion of a thorough in-vestigation by the Public Guardian, a hear-ing is set in Superior Court. With theassistance of County Counsel attorneys, thePublic Guardian prepares the legal paper-work that starts the conservatorship processin court

• If a judge finds a person unable to prop-erly care for themselves and/or their finances,and there is no able person to assist, the Pub-lic Guardian is appointed as conservator

• Client fees collected for services areheld in a trust account. A regular account-ing of clients’ funds is made to the court. Anindependent auditor audits the office annu-ally and Social Security audits beneficiar-

address wi th the Pos t Of f ice? No .What exact ly d id you do man? No,s c r a t ch ing you r bu t t and l ook ings tup id doesn’ t coun t .

I t o ld h im we wou ld p roce s sthe r eques t and ge t ano the r W2sen t ou t by t he end o f t he week .Oh no , t ha t ’ s no good , he ha s t oge t h i s t axes done so he needs i tt oday . We l l , s i r , you l i ve i nPhoen ix and I don’ t have a magicwand . Bes ides , we a re p rocess ingpayro l l today and s imply won’ t beab le to ge t the new W2 processedfo r a coup l e o f days . I r emindedhim tha t t axes a re due every yearon Apr i l 15 th . I t ’ s no t a su rpr i se .I t ’ s no t l i ke Eas t e r whe re eachyear i t depends on the cycle of thefu l l moon . I t ’ s t he s ame day ,eve ry yea r . The f ac t t ha t he i sunder the p roverb ia l gun becausehe wai ted un t i l a f ew days be foreTax Day t o pu l l h i s head ou t o f

h i s – we l l , you know – doesn ’ tmean I c an sudden ly bend t hel aws o f phys i c s and man ipu l a t ethe space t ime con t i nuum. I t o ldh im he’s jus t go ing to have to t e l lt he IRS tha t he s c r ewed up andask fo r an ex tens ion . C l ick . Thensudden ly I ’m on t he phone w i thmommy.

I f no th ing e l s e , c an ’ t we a l lj u s t ag r ee t ha t we need t o r a i s eadu l t s who have a s ense o f pe r -sona l r e spons ib i l i t y? Wha teve re l s e you do w i th t hem, l e t ’ s j u s tca l l t ha t t he ba se l i ne . When youtake on the r e spons ib i l i ty o f pa r -en t i ng you shou ld ag ree t o doyour abso lu te bes t no t to tu rn ou tsomeone so i nep t t ha t t hey can ’ tp rope r ly work a t ime c lock , andso en t i t l ed t ha t t hey expec t acompany t o pay t hem s imp ly be -cause they managed to shower andpu t t he i r shoes on t he r i gh t f ee t .We have j u s t go t t o s e t t he ba rh igher than tha t .

GEN WHY cont. from P. 6



/17

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Facebook Food

by Jean Briner

In February 2004, Harvard Col-lege student Mark Zuckerberg andfour fellow students and roommateslaunched the Facebook website. Thefounders had originally limited themembership to Harvard students butlater they expanded to higher educa-tion institutions in the Boston area.Since 2006, anyone 13 years of ageand older has been allowed to becomea registered user of Facebook. Ac-cording to a December 2016 count,there are 1.86 billion active users allover the world.

Do you have a Facebook account?In the beginning, I said I wouldn’thave one, but I finally relented andone of my nieces opened one for me.My only reason for having an accountis to see what family members (that Idon’t get to see very often) are doingand see the little ones who are grow-ing.

I’ve seen some recipes that lookquite yummy andthought I wouldpass them on toyou.

I think mostof you know howI am about any-thing lemon andto top it off adump cake. Thiscan’t be anythingbut good. I haven’t had time to checkthe stores but I feel it might be hardto find key lime pie filling so when Imake it, I will be substituting lemonpie filling.

Key Lime Dump Cake1 box Betty Crocker French

Vanilla Cake Mix2 cans Key Lime pie filling1 stick butter, meltedSpray inside of crock pot with

non-stick cooking sprayEmpty cans of pie filling in bot-

tom of crock pot and spread outevenly.

In medium mixing bowl, combinecake mix and melted butter and stiruntil crumbly. Break up any largepieces into small crumbs with aspoon.

Pour cake-butter crumb mixtureover pie filling, spread out evenly andcover crock pot with lid. Cook onhigh for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours.Serve with whipped cream or icecream.

And who doesn’t like macaroni

and cheese?Fried Mac ‘N Cheese Sticks8 Oz. elbow macaroni4 T butter4 T flour2 C milk1 tsp. salt½ tsp. pepper2 C sharp cheddar cheese, shred-

ded2 C flour4 eggs2 C bread crumbsOil for fryingBring 3 quarts of water to a boil

and cook the macaroni. Stir occa-sionally for 7 minutes or until aldente. Drain and set aside.

In a sauce pan over medium lowheat, melt buttercompletely andwhisk in theflour for twominutes to createa light roux.

Add milkslowly to theroux and seasonwith salt andpepper. Stir con-

stantly until the sauce fully thickens.Gradually add cheese to the sauceuntil fully combined. Add cookedpasta to cheese sauce and stir untileach piece of pasta is coated. Re-move mac ‘n cheese from the heatand pour onto a parchment lined bak-ing sheet. Spread evenly and put infreezer and freeze for two hours.

Cut mac ‘n cheese into sticks.Batter sticks in flour, then beatenegg, and then bread crumbs. Preheatoil to 375 F. Fry sticks for 2 to 3 min-utes or until golden brown. Drain onpaper towels.

My great niece Jesi thinks Ger-man Chocolate Cake is about the bestcake ever. When I saw this recipe Ithought, “This one is for you Jesi.”

German Chocolate Cake CookiesChocolate Cookies2 sticks butter, softened1 C light brown sugar1 C granulated sugar2 tsp. vanilla

Please see RECIPE on P. 9


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2 large eggs, beaten2 ¼ C all-purpose flour½ C unsweetened cocoa powder1 tsp. baking soda

Pinch of saltGerman Chocolate Frosting1 C evaporated milk1 C sugar3 egg yolks½ C butter1 tsp. vanilla1 ⅓ C shredded coconut

1 C chopped pecans¼ C chocolate candy coating

melted for drizzle (optional)Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line

baking sheets with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl with a stand

mixer or hand mixer, blend the butter,brown sugar and granulated sugar,vanilla and eggs. In a medium bowl,stir together the flour, cocoa, bakingsoda and salt. Gradually add the flourmixture into the butter mixture andblend until combined.

Drop the dough by tablespoonful

onto the prepared baking sheets, 12cookies per sheet. Bake 8 to 10 min-utes. Cool on a baking rack.

German Chocolate FrostingAdd evaporated milk, sugar, egg

yolks, butter and vanilla to a large panand place on stovetop over mediumheat. Stir so that it becomes well com-bined. Continue stirring until thickenedwhich will take 11 to 12 minutes. Oncethickened remove from heat and addcoconut and pecans. Beat until thickenough to spread. Spread frosting overcooled cookies. (A note from Aunt Jeanin this case, the voice of experience:Do NOT have the burner on too highand stir constantly, this mixture is eas-ily scorched!)

Optional – Drizzle with meltedcandy coating and let set up.

This one is for you Randy – no garlic!Chicken Fried Steak4 (½ pound) beef cube steaks2 C. all-purpose flour2 tsp. baking powder1 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. black pepper¾ tsp salt1 ½ C. buttermilk1 egg1 T hot pepper sauce (optional)3 C. peanut oil¼ C. all- purpose flour

4 C. milkKosher salt and ground black pep-

per to taste.Preheat oven to 200 degrees.Pound the steaks to about ¼ inch

thickness.Place 2 cups of flour in a pie pan.

In a separate pie pan stir together thebaking powder, baking soda, salt andpepper. Stir in the buttermilk, egg andhot sauce to the baking powder mix-ture. Heat the oil in a deep frying skil-let to 325 degrees. Dredge each steakfirst in the flour, then in the batter, andagain in the flour. Fry the steaks untilgolden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side.Place fried steaks on a plate with papertowels to drain. Once they havedrained, place the steaks onto a sheetpan that is lined with a cooling rack.Place the steaks in the oven. Drain thefat from the skillet, reserving ¼ cup ofthe oil and as much of the solid rem-nants as possible. Return the skillet tomedium-low heat with the reserved oil.Whisk the remaining flour into the oil.Scrape the bottom of the pan with aspatula to get any of the remnants up,stir in the milk over medium heat andbring the gravy to a simmer. Cook untilthick, 6 to 7 minutes. Season withkosher salt and pepper. Spoon over thesteaks to serve.

RECIPE cont. from P. 8


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What Difference Does It Make?

I love my husband. I have lots of rea-sons, but one is that he cleans the filter onmyblow dryer. It’s one of those little mainte-nance things that doesn’t take a lot of histime, but could potentially (worst case sce-nario) save my hair from catching on fire. Iappreciate that.

There are lots of thingswe do that aren’tparticularly arduous, but if left undone canhave dramatic ef-fects. If you neglectspending 15-20min-utes at Jiffy Lubeevery few months,you might need anew car engine. Ifyou neglect dailydental hygienehabits, you mightend up with toothpain and big dentalbills. Changing thebatteries in your smoke alarm is fast andeasy, but if neglected it could be a matter oflife and death.

Today I’ve chosen a few tips that, whenapplied, will have positive consequences.I’m not going to suggest that being organ-ized will save your life, but it will enhanceit. Here are a few ways to start:

Make your bed. Yes, every day. It’s afast and easy (1 1/2 minutes) way to create alittle order. It gives you a sense of control andsets the tone for the rest of the room. In addi-tion to all that, theNational SleepFoundationconducted a survey and found that thosewhomake their beds are 19 percentmore likely tosay they regularly get a good night’s sleep.Amade-up bed creates a more restful environ-ment. Probably a touch more romantic too.

Process the mail. Again, daily is best.Once you let a couple days go by, it’s likeleaving a few clothes on the chair in yourbedroom: they invite more. Be ruthless asyou remove anything that doesn’t fit the cri-teria of something you need to file, take ac-

tion on or read.Have containers for each cat-egory. All else goes directly and immedi-ately into recycle or shred. No morefrantically searching through multiple pilesfor important papers, finding uncashedchecks or losing bills. Ahhh, peace of mind.

Plan your meals. OK, this is going totake longer than making your bed, but yourbody will thank you. When we wait untilwe’re on our way home, tired and hungry,we’re more apt to choose the packaged andfast foods. Start small with planning for justtwo to three meals per week so you don’tget overwhelmed.Make your grocery list atthe same time and purchase the items you’llneed. Meal planning reduces the “What’sfor dinner?!?” stress and provides an op-portunity for nutritious eating and healthierbodies.

Clean off your desk.Researchers at thePrincetonUniversity Neuroscience Institutepublished a study in the January 2011 issueof The Journal of Neuroscience. The results

showed that clutteris distracting. It in-hibits our ability tofocus. When youwalk into your officeand see your deskcovered with proj-ects, they pull atyour attention andyou get less done.Spend the last 15minutes of each dayputting things away.

An organized desk enhances productivity.Host a social or family event.Weekly,

monthly or at least quarterly have somethinggoing on in your home that forces you to de-clutter. It doesn’t have to be a formal dinner.Prepping regularly for company means theclutter won’t have a chance to build to thepoint of being overwhelming. An orderlyhome creates a welcoming, peaceful envi-ronment for your guests AND,more impor-tantly, for you.

So, what do you want most — a goodnight’s rest, peace ofmind, a healthier body,more productivity or a welcoming, peacefulenvironment? They all sound good, right?Choose one for starters and see what a dif-ference it makes.

ContactOrganized byChoice (becausethings don’t always fall into place) atP.O. Box 26152, Fresno, CA 93729, call559-871-3314 or email [email protected]. You can also visit their web-site at www. organizedbychoice.com.

So, what do you want most — agood night’s rest, peace of mind, ahealthier body, more productivity or awelcoming, peaceful environment?Theyall soundgood, right?Chooseonefor starters and see what a difference itmakes.

Say you saw it in the Ranchos Independent

Golden Valley Baptist Church

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SAY YOU SAW IT INthe Ranchos Independent

www.The Ranchos.com

• Borders• Driveways• Walkways• Patios• Pool Decks• Large & Small Slabs• Stamped Concrete• Stained Concrete

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ies’ accounts• Most of the Public Guardian clients

are poor with negligible estates. Manyhave dementia, are elderly and frail, residein nursing homes and have no family• The number of cases managed by the

Public Guardian increased 8 percent in thefirst six months ofthis fiscal year. ThePublic Guardiancaseload is increas-ing and will likelycontinue to increase• The frame-

work for PublicGuardian policy isthe California Pro-bate Code and theWelfare and Institutions Code• The Public Guardian Policy and Pro-

cedure Manual is out of date. Office pro-cedures for performing tasks change often.Updating written procedures is time con-suming and a drain on resources. Hands-on training takes place as soon as aprocedure changes.

The RecommendationsBased on these facts and findings, the

Grand Jury made the following recom-

mendations to the Madera County Boardof Supervisors:The Madera County Grand Jury rec-

ommended that the Madera County PublicGuardian remain under the managementof the Department of Social Services andthat the Madera County Board of Super-visors fund the current unfunded perma-nent position in the 2017-2018 budget to

add another DeputyPublic Guardian tohandle casework.They also recom-mended that HumanResources completethe recruitmentprocess to fill theclerical positionfunded by Behav-ioral Health in the

2016-2017 budget.The Grand Jury said that the Public

Guardian should review the Policy and Pro-cedure Manual by the end of this 2016-2017 fiscal year and update it as needed anddo the same for the fee schedule for serv-ices.Finally, the Grand Jury recommended

that the Public Guardian staff be com-mended for diligent and compassionatecase management.


... the Grand Jury recom-mended that the Public Guardianstaff be commended for diligentand compassionate case manage-ment.

• "Add dryer sheets to storagetotes along with clothes andshoes." -- M.W. in Iowa• "I do dishes the old-fashioned

way: in the dishpan in the sink. Iput a second dishpan in the othersink and rinse the dishes over it tocatch the water. I then use it toflush the toilet. I can flush at leastthree times a day with the rinsewater. Washing your produce alsotakes a lot of water that you cancatch in the dishpan and use forwatering outdoor plants." -- C.S.R.in Florida• "Instead of using candles dur-

ing a power failure, most hardwarestores and home-improvement cen-ters sell battery-powered lanternsfor $16 to $20, and some last fordays." -- J.P. in New Jersey

© 2017 King Features Synd., Inc.


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By Patti Groh

The Seniors’ Home and Garden Festivalhas come and gone. The weather was such agreat concern to us, but Saturday turned out tobe a beautiful day (with just a few gustywinds). The black clouds started coming overabout 1 p.m. and we really hustled to get thepop-ups downand just got a little bitwetwhenthe rain started.

On thewhole, it was a great Festival.Wehad two long rectangle tables and a card tablejust coveredwith bakedgoods and all of itwassoldout by10:30.TheGardenhadaverygoodday, with lots of people leaving with wagonsfull of plants and trees. If you didn’t make itout, we certainly hope you can make it nextyear. Of course, we have open house the firstSaturday of every month with more bakedgoods, and boutique, Treasure House and thegarden open. I want to thank all the memberswhoworked so hard to put this event togetherand also the Boy Scouts who helped load andpull the wagons of plants.

Before the Festival, I started goingthrough cupboards looking for things I no

longer wanted or needed. These I would do-nate to the Center. There were certainly morethan a few things. Iwent online looking up themarks on some of the items to see what theymight be worth. A rerun of the Andy GriffithShow was playing on my TV in the back-ground and I was looking at a lot of treasuresfrom the 1950s. I really felt like I had goneback in time and there were some really nicememories.

Anewmember in theRanchos/HillsSen-iors is Della Metzler. She is a retired book-keeper who enjoys sewing and is amember ofthe Madera Quilt Guild. Please say hello andwelcome herwhen youmeet her at theCenter.

Hope you had a wonderful Easter. TheCenter had Easter baskets for sale. They werebeautiful and full of lots of goodies. I am surethat next year theywill bemadeand sold again,so don’t forget to come get yours.

Saturday, May 20 will be the day of ourBirthday andAnniversary luncheon. It will beheld at George’s Bar and Grill on Blackstone,just south of Herndon. Please sign up at theCenter. We must let the restaurant know howmany to expect.

We are planning on being in the Flat-landers Day Parade. I hope the weather coop-erates for this event aswell.Everyone is talkingabout the crazyweatherwe’ve had this year. Itis hard to complain about the rain after the dryyears. I’m thankful for every drop of water.

Please remember to pick up the Maynewsletter from the Center or at local busi-nesses. It will let you know the menu for thefoodprogram. Just remember, youmust let theCenter knowyou’re coming thedaybefore andbefore11:30 a.m.Thenewsletterwill alsopro-vide information and reminders of events,meetings, birthdays and anniversaries. Pleaseespecially note the date of the monthly Gen-eral Meeting. It is always the second Tuesdayof themonth at 6:30p.m.Wedidn’t quite havea quorum in April and couldn’t vote on any-thing. Go through and mark the meeting onyour calendar for the whole year so you don’tforget.Also, theplanningmeeting is alwaysonthe fourth Tuesday of themonth at 12:30 p.m.We need everyone’s input to plan upcomingevents.

On Thursday, May 4 at the regularpotluck,weare askingmembers tobringMex-

ican food dishes. Therewill be a sign-up sheetat the Center so we don’t get too many dupli-cates. I’m looking forward to this gastronomicevent (I sure hope that is a real word). I thinkwe are going to try to have a different ethnicthemed dinner at least once a month. If youhave a preference on this, let Joann, Phyllis orVerlaine know.

The tickets for the July 4th raffle are nowavailable. The prizes are four tickets to Dis-neyland (a$628value), a fishing triponShaverLake by Fish Box Charter (a $250 to $375value) and one free large pizza a month for ayear courtesy of the Ranchos Pizza Factory (a$265+ value). We are asking that each mem-ber take three packets of six to sell. You canget your tickets from me, myself and I, PattiGroh, and I can be reached through theCenteror 645-4859.

Tickets are also available at theCenter fora chance to win the beautiful handmade quiltmade and donated by our fellowmember,DotHusted. It is hanging at the SeniorsCenter andthe drawing for it will be in December.

Iwishyouwell andhope to see you at fu-ture Seniors’ events.

Senior Report

Home & Garden Festival Successful, Flatlanders Day Parade/Craft Fair Next

www.The Ranchos.com4/17

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The Bookshelf

ByAmanda Judd

Spring has sprung and our library isbuzzing with activity.We are coming to theclose of April and brining in the month ofMay with great anticipation. This is a verybusy time for the library; it is very exciting.

Saturday, May 13 is the annual Flat-landers Day. There are still some vendorbooths available for theCraft Fair. The Flat-landers Craft Fair will be held in the May-wood ShoppingCenter. If you are interestedin being a vendor, don’t wait until it’s toolate. These spaceswill be filled on afirst come, firstserved basis. Ifyou are interestedin being a vendorplease contact thelibrary. Vendorbooth applica-tions will be sentvia email andthere are someprinted packetsavailable for pick up in the library duringregular operating hours. Remember thatvendors are assigned spaces on a first come,first served basis. Craft Booths are $40 andFood Booths are $60. Payment is requiredat the time the application is submitted.Madera County Environmental Health pro-cedures will be strictly enforced for all foodvendors.

May is also officially “Get CaughtReading Month.” Get Caught Reading is anationwide campaign to remind people of allages how much fun it is to read. It waslaunched in 1999 and is supported by theAssociation of American Publishers. Whatbetter way to celebrate then attending the

Flatlanders Craft Fair, stopping by theFriends of the Ranchos Library Book Saleand stocking up on books.You canmake thecelebration last through the whole year.Grab some books, support your library andsee if you can get caught reading.

Ranchos Librarywould like to extend afriendly reminder that PreSchool StoryTimeis held each Thursday at the Ranchos Li-brary at 11 a.m. Mrs. Maxfield provides awonderful learning experience each weekthat includes stories read aloud, craft/activitytime, snack time and children get to experi-

ence singing anddaily fun facts. Itis an educationalread, play andlearn time thatyou really needto check out.

We havebeen gearing upfor our SummerReading Pro-gram. This yearwe will be

“Reading byDesign.” Our theme is inspiredby the creativity of authors, artists, builders,inventors, architects and everyone whomakes our world a more interesting, livable,accessible and beautiful place.We hope thatit inspires readers to explore their own cre-ativity anddesign newworlds for themselvesand all of us.Weare still taking donations forour Summer Reading Program. The entireprogram is funded by our non-profit organi-zation, Friends of the Ranchos Library, andwedepend on donations and sponsorships tomake this event possible.

As always, the library staff is here tohelp you with any questions you may haveand help you to find that particular book.

Spring’s Here at the Ranchos Library

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Republicans promised to totally repealObamacare but instead offered their ownwatered-down version called the AmericanHealth Care Act (AHCA) which wouldhave kept many of Obamacare’s onerousmandates and added a few of its own.Members of the House of RepresentativesFreedom Caucus refused to vote for thatplan.How dare they do such a thing?How dare they honor the promise – on

which they ran and were elected – to fully

repeal Obamacare?How dare they oppose a bill that

would retain some of Obamacare’s worstprovisions and add a few new ones?How dare they choose their con-

stituents’ best interests over legislationhastily crafted behind closed doors?After Speaker Ryan pulled the AHCA

for lack of a sufficient number of votes, Pres-ident Trump castigated members of the Free-dom Caucus for not being “team players.”To my knowledge, the president and

members of congress did not pledge alle-giance to any political team. Instead theyswore an oath to “support and defend theConstitution of the United States of Amer-ica.” How dare the Freedom Caucus takethat oath seriously? Perhaps because theycan find no constitutional authority for acomplicated health care “system” puttingthe federal government between us and ourmedical and insurance decisions?Now President Trump and House Re-

publicans promise to offer another bill.They have a second chance to get it right.

Will they dare to totally repeal Obamacareand refuse to replace it with more of thesame? I fear not. We were told that the proposed

AHCA was only step one of the repeal andreplace package because it must be passedunder “reconciliation” (a House rule whichis the subject for another day) and thatthere were two more steps to come. Steptwo promised that the Health and HumanServices Secretary (not the written law)would deregulate the marketplace to stabi-lize it, increase choices and lower costs.Step three promised to “Rebuild the HealthCare System.” Sounds like more of thesame to me.Politicians just can’t bring themselves

to relinquish control. To be fair, the proposed AHCA would

have been “better” than Obamacare, but sois an ordinary headache better than a mi-graine. Both hurt, but one is more debili-tating than the other; whether you effect acure or make the condition worse dependson the remedy you try.

This is an unprecedented opportunityto reverse a disaster and reclaim control ofour own health care decisions through freemarket principles, indeed to reclaim ourrights as free citizens. It is too important tobe left to politicians alone. We need to tellthem what we expect and then hold themaccountable. Here are just some questionsI intend to ask my congressman about anyfuture federal health care proposals:What is the constitutional authority for

federal involvement specified in the billand any future steps?Specifically, what will the next steps

include?Will members of congress exempt

themselves in any way from this bill’s pro-visions or from any to come?Does this proposal get the federal gov-

ernment out of health care and return de-cisions to the states and individuals?(Spoiler alert: Probably not.)

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When to Convert the ConverterHello 93636,Recently I received a rash of

93636 residents with emissions fail-ures for which the catalytic converterswhere wrongly identified as the cause.Catalytic converter repairs can reachmany thousands of dollars and a mis-diagnosis can be very costly. I am writ-ing this article so that anyone whofollows this simple procedure willnever become a victim of an incorrectcatalytic converter diagnosis.In theory, catalytic converters

should last the life of the vehicle. Al-though it has no moving parts, it effi-ciently and effectively accelerates thechemical reactions within the con-verter without itself being affected.There is an internal “ceramic structurewash” coated with three different cata-lysts housed inside a steel outer shell.In my opinion, converter failures are asymptom of a cause, but not the causeitself.The job of the converter is to con-

vert harmful pollutants into harmlessgasses before they exit the vehicle’stailpipe. A properly functioning con-verter stores free oxygen. When hy-

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converter failure apart from fuel con-tamination. Both causes stem frompoor vehicle maintenance. Failure tomaintain the engine’s secondary igni-tion system (tune up) is a recipe formisfires. Failure to maintain the en-gine’s fuel system increases the poten-tial for under- or over-fueling. In eithercase, higher emissions are the result.The increased heat developed from theconversion of those emissions canoverheat and destroy the converter.The second cause of converter poi-

soning comes from another emissionsystem: positive crankcase ventilation(PCV). When the engine’s piston ringswear and they lose their sealing capa-bilities, combustion leaks into thecrankcase. The PCV system vents thosecrankcase vapors and other oil vaporsinto the air inlet system. The inlet aircarries those vapors through the cylin-ders and into the exhaust. When the oilvapors coat the catalyst and it is no

Please see HANDS on P. 16


By Igal Treibatch

Against all odds, SEMCU is continuingits good work and has been able to achievesome significant advancement with our pastand present projects.

Last summer, 71 dry wells had beendrilled throughout theSoutheastMaderaarea.The feedback from thehomeowners shows aresounding success. Areas that used to stayflooded longafter the rainshavemostlydried

out while recharging our aquifer. We expectto continue with more drilling at qualifiedsites this summer. A list of qualified sites isstill beingcompoundedsocomeand register.

The work on our grant applications andmanagement is continuing with a new ap-provedgrant inprocess.Thenewgrant is set toreimburse qualified residents of SoutheastMadera$350forwashingmachineswhicharecertified “Energy andWater saving devices.”We are also working with the Department ofWater&Resourcesonallowingustousesomeofthegrantmoneyforqualifieddishwashersaswell.

We are in the midst of the Free LowFlowequipment grant distribution.There areshower heads and sink aerators of variouskinds for all of your home connections.Equipment can be picked up at the GoldenValley Chamber of Commerce in the May-

Plans for the Near Future

674-166323338 Ave. 14Madera

DRILLING ANDPUMP SERVICE

Same Day ServiceFamily OwnedSince 1976

4/17

LEGAL NOTICE“MADERA COUNTY HAS DECLARED THAT THE GROWTH

AND ACCUMULATION OF WEEDS IN THE UNINCORPORATEDAREAS OF THE COUNTY POSES A FIRE SAFETY AND PUBLICHEALTH RISK AND THEREFORE HAS DECLARED WEEDS ASEASONAL AND RECURRING NUISANCE. THE RESPONSIBILITYTO ABATE SUCH NUISANCE LIES WITH THE INDIVIDUALPROPERTY OWNER. THIS YEAR THIS NUISANCE MUST BEABATED ON OR BEFORE MAY 1, 2017.”

Due to theweed regrowth and the continual hazard throughout the summerHAZARDABATEMENTMUSTBEMAINTAINEDTHROUGHOUTTHEFIRE SEASON. This may require REDISCING/HAZARD ABATEMENTMORE THANONCE ASWEEDS ANDHAZARDSMAY RETURN.

4/17

woodCenter.SEMCU is looking for candidates who

qualify and would like to get reimbursed about$500 forpast or future installationof thenewap-proved Madera County water meters. We havefunds for 20moreunits still available andwill begiven on a first come basis.

A conference meeting with Golden ValleyUnified School District, SEMCU and all otherassociatedparties regarding theAgricultural,Sci-ence andWaterDemonstrationSchoolAdditionProject took place recently and it looks as if it ismoving forward. The discussions revolvedaround the typeofbuildingsandwhat classroomsand shops they will include. It is looking reallygood.

SEMCU will be meeting with MaderaCounty District 1 Supervisor Brett Frazier towork on several planned recharge basinsthroughoutSoutheastMadera.Theremayalsobe

opportunities to include a small park as part ofsuch basins.

SEMCUwillhaveaboothat theFlatlandersParade where registration can take place andquestionsmaybeanswered.Wearealways look-ing to our community to get involved and workon projects and our sustainable future.Wemeetonly once amonth on the thirdMondayof everymonth at the Ranchos Pizza Factory at 6 p.m.Comeandbe involved, it is your communityandyour voice is important.

Residentscanalsoregistertheirinterestbycon-tacting SEMCUon line at [email protected] bycalling 559-363-9095. You can also stop by theGoldenValleyChamberofCommerceat theMay-woodCenter.

Please call us at 559-363-9095 withany questions or visit our website atwww.semcu.org.

longer in direct contact with the emis-sion gasses, the catalyst process is inter-rupted and the converter is inefficient.(Note: When you check your vehicle’sengine oil level and it's no longer at thefull mark, that missing oil passedthrough the catalytic converter unless itleaked.)

Do-it-yourselfers: only use the cor-rect oil for your vehicle. Also, a goodvehicle maintenance program does notcost, it saves money. Clean, fresh oil ofthe correct viscosity prevents wear,helps maintain the integrity of the en-gine’s internal seals and decreases oilconsumption.

Since the introduction of On BoardDiagnostics II (OBDII) in 1996, cat-alytic converters have pre- and post-oxy-gen sensors. These sensors measure thefree oxygen entering and exiting theconverter. If the converter is storingoxygen properly, the amount of freeoxygen exiting the converter will bemuch lower than the amount entering theconverter. If the pre- and post-converteroxygen sensor output values are similar,it is inferred the converter is not storingoxygen and is therefore inefficient. Ioften use the oxygen sensor’s algorithmto confirm an inefficient converter.

Do-it-yourselfers there is anotherway to diagnosis a defective catalyticconverter and it's something you willhave no problem doing. My preferred di-agnostic procedure to verify a catalyticconverter failure is using a “LambdaCalculator.” The Lambda Calculator isone of the most powerful emissions di-agnostic tools I have in my shop. I usethis method more than any other becauseit's simple, it's extremely accurate and

it's FREE when you go online toSmogStats.com. If you failed an emis-sions test, simply enter the five tailpipegasses (CO2, O2, HC, CO and NO) intothe corresponding calculator box andpush the calculation button. The lambda(air/fuel ratio) and catalytic converter ef-ficiency results will be displayed. If youfailed an emissions test and you were ad-vised to replace your converter, STOP!Use the free calculator and you willNEVER guess and mistakenly replace agood converter.

The most important calculation is thelambda calculation. Here's what you needto know with regard to the lambda calcu-lation: 1.000 means the air to fuel ratio isperfect. Exactly enough oxygen was pro-vided to completely burn all of the fueland no oxygen or fuel was left over toproduce emissions. The closer the lambdacalculation is to 1.000 the more likely thefuel injection system is functioning welland is not the cause of the emissions fail-ure. If the calculation is less than 1.000,an over-fueling condition exists. If thecalculation is greater than 1.000, anunder-fueling condition exists. 0.985means the system is 1.5% rich (.985 +.015 = 1.000). 1.015 means the system is1.5% lean (1.015 - .015 = 1.000) It's justmath. A catalytic converter should not bereplaced if the lambda calculation is notbetween 0.985-1.015. Fix the cause first,not the symptom.

Do-it-yourselfers this is IMPOR-TANT!!! The vehicle’s exhaust systemcan NOT have any leaks. If false oxygenis scavenged into the tailpipe emissionssample, the calculation will be skewedand misleading. Check for exhaust leaksif the oxygen test value was greater the0.50%.

The second calculation available with

HANDS cont. from P. 15 the Lambda Calculator is the catalyticconverter efficiency calculation. It speaksfor itself. Anything below 25% and I'mlikely to recommend a converter replace-ment, but only if the lambda calculationis between 0.985 - 1.015. Hope this helpseveryone. It has never failed me and I useit religiously almost every day.

I'll see you all at the FlatlandersCelebration on Saturday, May 13. I willtake a cut-away converter with its ce-

ramic structure exposed.If you have questions or comments,

I can be reached [email protected] orFacebook me at Complete Car Care.

God Bless America and God Bless93636

Warren ParrASE Master CertifiedSmog Technician License

#EO139887

www.The Ranchos.com

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Alteration Services

Madlin's Alterations - 45 years ex-perience - Tailoring, repairs andleathers. Fast service. NEWHOURS: Monday-Thursday 8-5.36027 Ruth Ave. Call 559-645-4583.

Career Opportunity

Realtors, don’t change careers, addANOTHER one. Your customers areasking about solar, now you can give itto them. Work from your home or of-fice. Add this hot income stream today!Call Alex Shubin at 559-479-0520 oremail [email protected].

Carpet Cleaning

Pinnacle Carpet Care and Uphol-stery - "Dries in hours, not days."BBB A+ rating. Golden ValleyChamber member. Call Bruce todayfor a free estimate. 559-676-0760.

Child Care

Child Care - Susan Ryan Day Care.Newborn to 5 years old. Licensed. Call661-4725 or 706-0424.

Chimney Sweep

Paul the Chimney Sweep Guy- 29years of experience. Wood stove inserts,

©2017 King Features Syndicates, Inc.

ClassifiedExperienced, Responsible, Honest.Fair prices. Call 416-2585.

Recyclables Pick Up

KEEP IT LOCAL - FREE RECY-CLABLE PICKUP - KIDS 4 RECY-CLING offers pickup of all recyclablematerials including paper, plastic,glass, aluminum and cardboard. CallDiana at 999-6832 or 645-1048.Funds support Ranchos communityorganizations and schools.

Solar Energy

Stop paying PG&E. SolarPower byGoodguys, a division of GoodguysTires, Inc., can show you how tosave money with solar energy. Freeestimates. We do it all! Bonded, In-sured and California State Lic.#1021469. Call Alex Shubin at 559-479-0520.

Tractor/Trenching Services

BOBCAT WORK - DRILLING POSTHOLES - Trees - Trenching - Clean Up.TRACTOR WORK Discing - Rototill-ing - Mowing - Scraping - Stump Grind-ing - Roll-off Bins. Call John at908-1066.

Tractor Work - House Pads, lot level-ing, driveways, trenching, concrete

pellet stoves and fireplaces. Also cleandryer vents. REMEMBER THINKSAFETY, BURN SAFELY! Call 559-908-9332.

Construction

New construction, remodels, room addi-tions, barns and patios.Call 559-970-4476.

F i r ewood

F o r S a l e - S e a s o n e d A l m o n df i r e w o o d . R o u n d o r s p l i t .C a l l 2 5 9 - 7 1 2 2 o r 6 4 5 - 5 5 2 3 .

For Sale

White Whirlpool 28-inch self-cleaningelectric oven - used. Good condition$400. Also have peacock tail feathers $1each. Call 559-312-0891.

Gutter Services

The Gutter Doctor special izing inboth cont inuous and standard raingutters. General Contractor. RepairMaintenance. 12 years working inthe area . **NEW PHONE NUM-BER: 559-908-0759**

Housecleaning

Housecleaning Service - Have yourhouse spring-cleaned all year long.

SUDOKU

©2017 King Features Syndicates, Inc.

work and underground utilities in-stalled. Call 559-970-4476.

Window Cleaning Services

Most windows $5 inside/out -Screen, track, sills included. Removehard water stain on home windows,shower doors and car windows. Cobwebremoval too. Fully insured. Call Nickat 285-1723. Free estimates.

Ask about our SENIOR DISCOUNT!

www.The Ranchos.com

Nancy Watson645-5000

The Ranchos Specialist, Working for “You”

www.nancywatson.net

If you are considering buying or selling a home, call Nancy Watson. She is anexperienced agent who has served the Ranchos with honesty and integrity for 24years. A Ranchos resident since 1977, Nancy is dedicated to serving her clientswith the highest level of care and commitment. Please call Nancy Watson for allof your Real Estate needs. 4/17

ARanchos resident for over 30 years, I am a full-time professional agent workingMadera,Fresno and Clovis. We offer first class service for sellers and buyers. Unable to sell atcurrent prices? We offer full property management and will rent your home for top dol-lar and handle all the details. Call me today! 490-1989 • DRE#: 01323109 4/17

DAVID PARKER, Realtor ®Real Estate Sales - sellers & buyers:www.davidparker.info

Property Management -we can rent your home:

www.parker-properties.info

Real Estate

4/17

• It was beloved poet WilliamWordsworth, best know for helping tolaunch the Romantic age in English litera-ture, who made the following sage obser-vation: "The best portion of a good man's

life is his little, nameless, unrememberedacts of kindness and of love."

• The world's largest bird, the ostrich,may not be able to fly, but that doesn'tmean its wings are useless. As the fastestbird on land, the ostrich uses its wings forbalance while slowing down and makingturns as it runs at speeds of up to 45 mph.

• In 1994, a man named Robert Puelostarted cursing and shouting at employeesin a convenience store. When the employ-

ees (understandably) threatened to call thepolice, the man stole a hot dog and ran out.The police were called, and upon arrival,they discovered Puelo outside the store,unconscious and turning purple. Para-medics were called, but by the time theyarrived, it was too late; the man had chokedto death on his stolen sausage.

• Some gourmets say the most deliciousmeat they've ever eaten is roast monkey.

• Light doesn't always travel at the

speed of light; it has been recorded travel-ing as slow as 38 mph.

• The word "widow" comes from theOld English word "widewe" which comesfrom a Sanskrit term meaning "empty."

• Thought for the Day: "The greatthing about getting older is that you don'tlose all the other ages you've been."

-- Madeleine L'Engle


BRE Lic. #01454566

MariaFotopoulos - Cercone

Real estate is our life!Wemakereal estate dreams a reality.

Cell 559-250-6740 • Office [email protected] •Ranchos resident for more than 30 years!

I’m ready to assist you with all of your real estate needs. Whetheryou’re buying or selling, moving across town or out of state, I’m here

to help. Your housing needs deserve the care of a specialist.

4/17

I can do this for you too!Samantha Phebus

Call me today if you wouldlike to sell your homequickly for top dollar.CalBRE#01823578

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4/17the Ranchos IndependentSAY YOU SAW IT IN


repairENGINE AND OUT-DRIVE REPAIR

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ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Temper your typical Aries urge to charge into a situation and demandanswers. Instead, let the Lamb's gentler self emerge to deal with a problem that requires delicacy.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You are aware of what's going on, so continue to stand by yourearlier decision, nomatter how persuasive the counterargumentsmight be.Money pressures soonwill ease.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) By all means, have fun and enjoy your newly expanded social life.But don't forget that some people are depending on you to keep promises that are very important tothem.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) You need to wait patiently for an answer to a workplace problemand not push for a decision. Remember: Time is on your side. A financial matter needs closerattention.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) You now have information that can influence that decision you plannedto make. But the clever Cat will consult a trusted friend or family member before making a major move.

VIRGO (Augu s t 23 t o Sep t embe r 22 ) Good news: You're finding that more doors areopening for you to show what you can do, and you don't even have to knock very hard to get theattention you're seeking.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your gift for creating order out of chaos will helpyou deal with a sudden rush of responsibilities that would threaten someone less able to balance his orher priorities.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Congratulations. Your energy levels are coming rightback up to normal -- just in time to help you tackle some worthwhile challenges and make someimportant choices.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) The sage Sagittarian should demand a fullexplanation of inconsistencies that might be cropping up in what had seemed to be a straightforwarddeal.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A conflict between obligations to family andto the job can create stressful problems. Best advice: Balance your dual priorities so that one doesn'toutweigh the other.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Don't guess, speculate or gossip about that"mystery" situation at the workplace. Bide your time. An explanation will be forthcoming very soon.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Boredom might be creeping in and causing you to loseinterest in a repeat project. Deal with it by flipping over your usual routine and finding a new way todo an old task.

©2017 King Features Synd., Inc.

You can warm the coldest heart with your lyrical voice andbright smile. You find yourself at home, wherever you are.

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DAVIS PLUMBING • 559-977-6289Lic. #842676


1. THEATER: What was the name of theWicked Witch of the West in the play"Wicked"?2. ANATOMY: Where in the human bodyis the scapula located?3. GEOGRAPHY: How many U.S. statesborder Wyoming?4. LANGUAGE: What is a solidus?5. FOOD&DRINK: Mr. Pibb was createdto compete with what similar-tasting softdrink?6. ENTERTAINMENT:What are the stagenames of the Marx brothers?7. ART: Chartreuse is a combination ofwhich two colors?8. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: What isthe ornamental shaping of plants called?9. HISTORY:What is the oldest college atCambridge University?10. U.S. CITIES: What U.S. city once wasa Spanish settlement called Yerba Buena?

1.Elphaba2.Shoulder3.Six(Montana,SouthDakota,Nebraska,Colorado,UtahandIdaho)

4.Aforwardslashorstroke5.Dr.Pepper6.Chico,Harpo,Groucho,GummoandZeppo

7.Greenandyellow8.Topiary9.Peterhouse10.SanFrancisco

Answers

TRIVIA TESTBy Fifi Rodriguez



www.The Ranchos.com

SSuuppeerr Crossword

Washing Machine certified as:

NEW State Grant Awarded$350* REIMBURSEMENT FOR EACH

Sign up** list for those interested in more information:

1. The Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce37167 Ave. 12 #5C, Madera Ranchos, CA 93636

2. Email: [email protected] heading “Washer Grant Interest”

3. Sign up at the SEMCU booth on Flatlanders Day

“Energy Star Qualified and High Energy Machine”

to residents of South East Madera County

IN ADDITIONFREE Low Flow equipment

is STILL available at the Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce

*Grant monies are awarded to SEMCU, by the Department of Water Resources, (DWR), to help ourcommunity members within the 93636 zip code better manage and conserve our water resources.

(Estimated reimbursement amount based on participation)

For more information Email: [email protected] or Call: (559) 363-9095SEMCU meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at The Pizza Factory

By the Community, For the Community!!!

4/17

**As soon as details are approved with the State we will follow up with those on the lists.

theranchos · • probate conservatorships, governed by the california probate code, may be of the...

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