History in the Week of Feb. 4
Madera County Historical Society
For more than 40 years the Madera Theater adorned Yosemite Avenue, but by 1993, things had changed. Twenty-five years ago the Madera Downtown Merchants Association was trying to convince the Madera Redevelopment Agency to purchase and renovate the abandoned and deteriorating structure.
25 Years Ago
Week of Feb. 4, 1993
BURSEY IN RUNNNG FOR YOUNG EDUCATOR AWARD — All it took for Jennifer Bursey to succeed was to find her niche. And now that she has discovered her calling, she’s quickly pulling in awards, the latest being named as one of the Jaycees’ five outstanding young educators in the state. Now in her eighth year of teaching, she says, “It’s all coming together at once.” The Howard School teacher was selected by the Jaycees because of her innovative teaching style, relationship with students and parents, involvement in community organizations, and other awards and recognition she has received in her teaching career.
200 MHS STUDENTS STAGE WALKOUT — Two-hundred Madera High School students walked out of their second period classes Tuesday in sympathy with Principal Beau Carter and Vice Principal Perry Harper. Vice Principal Mel Silva said the walk-out lasted about two minutes, and most of the students went back to class when they were told to do so. Some did not, and about 20 three-day suspensions were handed out, Silva said. “The suspensions were fully supported by the district office,” he added. Silva, who is leading Madera High while Carter and Harper are on administrative leave, said that those in charge of the school are trying to run things as smoothly as possible.
MORE THAN 100 TURN OUT TO DONATE BLOOD TO GILL — More than 100 persons turned out to donate blood for Bryan Jason, “B.J.” Gill’s replacement fund. Gill, 13, has Fanconia Anemia Sarcosus, a very rare type of cancer that attacks the bone morrow and necessitates frequent blood transfusions. Madera resident and long-time friend of the Gill family, Janet Seibert, helped coordinate the blood drive. While her living room was full of people registering, her kitchen was functioning as a “juice and cookie station,” so donors could replenish their bodies. Her family room was a rest-stop for donors who found themselves feeling a little drained after their blood was drawn.
HAYNES IS FEATURED SPEAKER AT BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM — Oscar Haynes, nephew of the Rev. Nayman Haynes, will be the featured speaker at the annual Black History Program Sunday at the Madera Community Center at Millview School. The Rev, Nayman Haynes served in many community and religious capacities before his death. Oscar Haynes spent his early childhood years in a small town near Jackson, Mississippi. In the late 1940s he moved to the Fresno area. After graduating from Edison High School in 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Later he graduated from Fresno State University and presently teaches at his alma mater, Edison High.
INMATE WITH TB ISOLATED — A man who was diagnosed with tuberculosis after being admitted to the Madera County Jail, has been isolated from other inmates. Department of Corrections Chief Al Hahn said the chances of the 39-year-old man infecting someone are slim. DOC Medical Manager B.J. Angeli refused to comment on the situation. Hahn said the inmate underwent a routine TB exam, which turned up positive. An X-ray followed and confirmed the results. The inmate has been isolated in the infirmary and is now responding to medication. According to Hahn, the jail has averaged about 30 positive skin tests a month the past year.
50 Years Ago
Week of Feb. 4, 1968
MIGRANT LABOR CAMP FUNDS LOST FOR GOOD — Madera County probably won’t be offered another crack at migrant labor camp funds, according to Frank Rincon, Jr., director of the local War on Poverty. Quoting the chief of Migrant Services for California, Rincon said the state would be very reluctant to enter the controversy over camps and sites in Madera County. The money offered this year will be diverted, Rincon said, to one of the several counties on a waiting list for camp money. The last suggested site for a camp was rejected by the Madera County Planning Commission Monday night and by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning because of public opposition.
MR. AND MRS. ALFREDO PISTORESI CELEBRATE 50TH — The family of Mr. and Mrs. Alfredo Pistoresi hosted a 50th anniversary dinner party for their parents last Saturday night at the Italo-American Club. More than 100 invitations were sent by their children. The couple has four children, 12 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Both Alfredo Pistoresi and the former Dina Giovanetti were born in Italy. After coming to the United States in 1918, they were married and moved to Madera. Pistoresi acquired vineyard acreage, which he farmed in addition to being in the grocery business for 25 years. Coming for the celebration was Alfredo’s sister, Miss Pia Pistoresi.
SCHMITZ PRAISES REAGAN TAX PLAN — Gov. Ronald Reagan’s property relief tax plan could reduce Madera County’s tax rate by 42 cents, according to Supervisor Jack Schmitz. However, Schmitz noted that he and other board members would probably use some of the relief amount to improve services and facilities for county departments such as the library and health departments, which have been “pushed aside” for the past few years in order to meet federal and state mandated programs. The governor’s plan is “exactly” the plan that the Madera County Board has been promoting for two years, said Schmitz.
RINCON ON PROBITIONARY STATUS; SALARY CUT — The Madera County Action Committee flexed its muscles Tuesday night in a vote to return Poverty War Director Frank Rincon to probationary status and cut his pay. The action was taken after a 2 1/2-hour closed door personnel session, during which Rincon was summoned briefly but no other witnesses were called. A dismissal motion was made by Douglas Haynes but gained no second. Rincon replied to the commission that he considers the action a “reprimand,” will accept it, and feels that the members are at last “working together.”
FRESNANS ACCUSED OF USING COUNTY DUMP AT RIPPERDAN — Fresno residents and businesses were accused Tuesday of filling the Madera County Dump at Ripperdan. Supervisor Jack Schmitz said the present dump ground leased by the county for $600 a year may soon become inadequate. More refuse has been deposited there in the last two years, since Fresno supervisors began charging fees for use of its dumpgrounds, than in the prior 10 years, Schmitz said. He charged that some Fresno companies are even dumping loads of tires there. Schmitz said he may propose placing an attendant there to check the residences of those using the dump.
