While a sad turn of events has put a dark cloud over the Gustine Chamber Dinner-Dance, organizers certainly deserve a huge round on applause for putting together such a successful event. With over 275 in attendance, I believe it was one of the best that they have hosted.

A few years back, Judi Gandy and crew came up with the idea to have tables decorated by sponsors. The theme of the event dictates the table top decorations and then the centerpieces are raffled off with proceeds going to the chamber. The first year I think I remember that they may have been a total of ten tables decorated. This year, there were at least 25 different tables and tickets were sold out.

The chamber honors individuals throughout the community who have contributed to the betterment of Gustine and its citizens as well as to our entire West Side area. Their trick is to honor well known individuals who will certainly draw a crowd to their event. Well that they did! Don’t get me wrong, every recipient was very well-deserving! I have seen all of the recipients in action and they don’t know anything but service to their community – it’s pretty amazing to have so many dedicated individuals living in our area!

In my amazement of this event and the number of people who attend, I have to wonder why Newman Chamber can’t quite get a crowd going at their annual dinner. What a difference four miles can make!

All of our West Side communities, from the Westley-Grayson area all the way to Santa Nella, can benefit from well organized Chambers of Commerce or merchants associations. It is imperative for the residents of our areas to know what kinds of businesses and services are offered by local merchants as well as letting city officials know how their decisions can effect the way business is being done in their communities. With that being said, I have often wondered if a “regional” chamber of commerce might not be a bad idea for the West Side. There is always more power in numbers and having a regional membership base may provide a stronger foundation. Then again, we are talking about our small communities who couldn’t have a unified school district so I’m not sure the chamber could do much better – but it is still food for thought.

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The arrest of Gustine Police Chief Kris Anderson on suspicion of drunk driving, is a prime example of how one decision can quickly change the course of your life.

He cannot go back and second guess why he decided to drive to his home in Livermore instead of staying in Gustine until morning – the damage has been done and he has to live with his choice.

The course that the council and other city officials must take is now in their hands and they must proceed with their investigation with caution and determination.

No city official is above the law, particularly the chief of police. It is in my opinion that the chief of police should set an example for all other officers to follow.

When choosing the law enforcement field, an individual has chosen a course to follow of setting an example of abiding by the laws of this country. It is a double-edged sword, in that they are human as well and like to enjoy an evening but they did take an oath.

With this pending charge, Chief Anderson’s ability to lead his department has now been put to question. How can he reprimand those he is supposed to lead after this? How can the community of Gustine have faith in their chief of police after this?

These questions, and so many more, can only be answered by the council officials who have been elected into office by the community. They must do what they believe is the right thing for Gustine.

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One tough lady!!! That is my description of Rose Teixeira of Newman who has spent the last six months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities due to complications from a cat bite. Pretty unbelievable that such a small and fluffy animal could raise so much havoc on someone’s body – but it did.

The incident started when a neighborhood cat, that Rose had often fed and petted many times before, bit her for no apparent reason. Rose applied topical ointment to the bite and wrapped it up but she knew something was wrong when her hand became red and swollen. She was taken to the emergency room of a Modesto hospital and administered drugs to combat the infection. The drugs, unfortunately, were the wrong ones and attacked her immune system instead. Her health went spiraling downward very quickly and other symptoms began to appear as her vital organs started shutting down. Many times her family was unsure if she would even survive. She suffered a stroke and lost her mobility as well as coordination and developed symptoms of heart disease.

After months in English Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Modesto, and with the love of her family and friends, Rose has made an incredible recovery.

She is now home and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit with her this week. Hers is a story of sheer determination and I, for one, am so proud of her and her amazing journey. I cannot believe what she had to endure but she is grateful to be back at home in Newman and in the comforts of her own home.

The moral of this story, go ahead and love those cute little cats, but don’t leave their bites untreated – it could prove to be fatal.

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