Seems impossible, but 2007 is fast fading into the history books, where it will go down as an eventful year on the West Side.

So much happened during the past year, it’s hard to know exactly where to begin.

We saw changes in leadership in several key positions, particularly in Gustine, where the year ends with a different superintendent, police chief and city manager than were on board the last time we rang in a New Year.

New Police Chief Kris Anderson arrived in January.....although his road was a rocky one, as officers in July a vote of no-confidence in their new chief (which was later rescinded).

Across the way at City Hall, the revolving door was spinning in the city manager’s officer, where Roger Wong’s July resignation was followed by the employment of two interim managers – one of whom was  barely on the job when he announced he would be moving on. But Margaret Silveira proved that, sometimes at least, you can go home again. The Gustine High graduate returns to the West Side as the city’s new manager. The council strongly believes – and we agree – that Silveira can bring some long-term stability to the position.

Gustine Unified School District saw change as well, but literally had to go only next door in its search for a replacement when former superintendent Joe Wilimek departed. Assistant Superintendent Gail McWilliams was named his successor, and she appears to have done an outstanding job of stepping into her new responsibilities.

Newman has a new police chief on board as well, after Mike Brady retired last spring. Interim chief Randy Ulibarri’s stay proved to be a little longer than anticipated. He is staying on a while longer after two recruitment campaigns did not produce the right candidate to become Newman’s next police chief.

Sports took center stage in Newman, where the basketball Warriors thrilled their vocal fans with a storybook season and the softball Lady Warriors were nothing less than perfect in claiming the WAC and Section crowns, and being named state champs in their division.

We also said good-bye to many friends, community leaders and familiar figures in 2007.

Some we lost, such as former Newman Mayor James Silveira, helped shape our communities.

Another, young Bailey Rocha, simply captured our hearts.

The year saw triumph and tragedy, and brought stories which ranged from controversial to heart-warming. I have always marveled at how much happens in our “quiet” little communities, and this past year was certainly no exception.

We’ll take a look back at 2007 in next week’s editions, offering a rundown of the year’s top stories and photos, as well as a look at what 2008 may have in store.

• We were surprised, and not altogether thrilled, to see last week’s update email from West Park developer Gerry Kamilos linking his site with a recent story in the West Side Index and Gustine Press-Standard. While we certainly didn’t mind giving Kamilos the opportunity to make his case for West Park during a recent interview (as is only fair) we also don’t care to be part of somebody else’s promotional materials or have our work presented in any way as an endorsement for the controversial project.

Somehow, I don’t recall seeing similar links in previous West Park emails guiding recipients to stories about local opposition to the project, traffic impacts or the other concerns swirling around Kamilos’ plan to redevelop the Crows Landing air base and surrounding properties into a massive inland port and business park....

• If it’s fast approaching Dec. 31, it must be time for New Year’s resolutions.

I haven’t been a big fan of resolutions in the past. Making them is one thing; keeping them is another.

But here are some of mine for the year ahead.....

I will learn to use our new phone system. This might have been one of my resolutions last year as well. But I’m going to keep trying until I get it right.

I will be thankful every day for those I love, and for the many blessings we have.

I will lose 20 pounds. There must have been some sort of mix-up in last year’s resolution memo, so this year I want to emphasize: Lose 20. Not gain 20. This, of course, is not going to happen until after the food-filled holiday season, so it gives me a little time to get into the right frame of mind.

I will try to refrain from using the phrases “thinking outside the box” or “stakeholder” at any time. Let’s just think creatively, and involve everybody who’s interested.

I will not take offense at being asked to order lunch so that we get the senior discount.

I will not forget the value of simple acts of kindness and consideration.

That’s a reasonable, and worthy, list of New Year’s resolutions.....although learning our phone system might just prove to be a little more than I can handle.

Have a safe and happy New Year!!!

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