The California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) proudly joins communities across the state in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4-8; National Teacher Day on May 5; and California Day of the Teacher on Wednesday May 13. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all educators for their tireless work, creativity, and unwavering commitment to educating future generations. Today and everyday, we thank them for the lasting difference they make in the lives of countless stu

David Baldacci has written some of the most interesting novels that I’ve read, and I’ve read thousands of novels since my teen years. Only a few have kept me up all night because I had to see how they ended. The first, as I recall, was Herman Wouk’s, The Caine Mutiny, which I read when I was 16. I had to work that day at Lucky Stores, where I was a carry-out boy, but that didn’t matter. The book was that good. As I ate my breakfast, I told my mother the story. Then I took a s

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. My brother’s case was only a mild one that left one leg slightly shorter than the other. My college roommate was paralyzed from the waist down. Both cases were before the vaccine was

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 with youth and families throughout Eastern Madera County, I have come to deeply value leaders who not only understand our community, but who actively show u

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 hypothetical gain. Two years ago, I consulted the World Happiness Report, published annually by the World Population Review. Data for the report is gathered on

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 of Summit Real Estate, specializing in residential, land, and property management. Melanie has served at all three lev

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 thing, once and for all, and trying to say “he can’t justify and apparently can’t win” is really a dumb statement.

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 a city of its size, climate, and growth? The municipal pool serving residents today traces its origins to an era when Madera was a town of just a few thousan