“If men and women are in chains anywhere in the world, then freedom is endangered everywhere.” –– John F. Kennedy At 5:30 a.m. the band began to warm up. Floodlights cast a glow over Victory Field where families from all different backgrounds waited with anticipation, excitement and expectation. Styrofoam cups of steaming coffee helped warm the hands of those standing in the chilly air of 29 Palms. The 2/7 Marines were within minutes of arriving home from the rugged regions of ... View the Post
Colfax entrepreneur known for unique snowboards
Jumping out of a helicopter hovering 120 feet above a snow peaked mountain isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. For snowboard pro and entrepreneur Mike Basich, it’s just one of his many career highlights. “When I did that project I promised myself that I wouldn’t put myself in a position to feel pressured if I didn’t feel right about the conditions,” he explained. “I shot the photo myself.” The amazing self-portrait appeared in Snowboard UK magazine in 2004. “I set the camera on a tripod ... View the Post
Nigerian-born priest rejoices in citizenship
On a crisp February morning, 811 people representing 83 countries gathered in the floor of the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Their backgrounds were varied, but they were unified in a singular goal -- to become citizens of the United States. The process of paperwork and studying for the citizenship test takes at least three years. For many, the task of gaining legal status takes even longer. Among those who, with papers in hand, filed into the historic building was Nigerian-born ... View the Post
Spring brings unexpected change
Spring is the season of change. Trees flaunt their fragrant blooms. Red robins return to hatch their young. The exploding color of dormant daffodil bulbs announces the season’s arrival. Recently I was looking through old articles and ran across the story I wrote a year ago about Father Ambrose’s arrival to serve as pastor of Saint Dominic’s Catholic Church. When asked about his 30 years in the ministry, the Nigerian-born priest replied, “One of the things I have come to know is that ... View the Post
Fathers share message
CORE Academy students received a special message Tuesday. Ed Smart and Ahmar Rivazfar, who have both experienced the nightmare of having a child abducted, stopped at the Colfax school to share their message. Wearing jerseys sporting the slogan “Not One More Child,” the two fathers are riding bicycles across the U.S. in an effort to raise awareness about child safety. Their mission is to keep other families from experiencing the pain they have experienced. In 2002, Smart’s ... View the Post
Home for Christmas
Many people can identify with the beloved loved Christmas song, "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays." For 13-year-old Lisa, her one wish has finally come true. She now has a place to call home. Lisa, who had been in and out of the foster care system for most of her life, was among 109 families participating in National Adoption Day ceremonies on Nov. 17 at the state Capitol. Doug and Nancy Gudeman of Alta are now enjoying the honor of being called Mom and Dad by the youngster ... View the Post