Story Tools

Email this story | Print this story

Indexes

Today's Stories

Last 7 Days

Top Blogs

• Lodi's latest fruit

• Galt Boys and Girls Club in danger of closing

• Man faces felony charges in Thornton burglary

• Census Bureau seeks to hire local workers

• Tough times put pinch on Tracy's chamber

• Regional Roundup

November 20th, 2009

• Acampo woman killed

• Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff

• Advocacy groups sue East Bay Municipal Utility District over Pardee expansion

• Regional Roundup

• Galt plans to help residents with energy-efficient projects

• Stable southeast of Lodi approved

• One year after a heart attack, Lodi's Judy Mims thanks rescuers

• National Guard troops return home in time for the holidays

• Real estate market gets on more solid ground

November 19th, 2009

• Lodi Unified School District board votes to cancel summer school for 2010

• Water surges in Mokelumne River yield more salmon

• Lodi City Council will consider redevelopment next June

• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22

• Corrections

• Chase ends in crash

• Operation: Christmas

• Logbook

• Suspect arrested after hiding in fridge

• Galt Joint Union High School Distric hires new superintendent

• Sales tax hike yields dividends: 5 new officers join Galt Police

November 18th, 2009

• Regional Roundup

• Paranormal group conducts second investigation of building

• Congress allocates money for local water projects

• Lodi man finds wife's ashes during police display of stolen property

• Galt City Council rejects study on rent stabilization

• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react

November 17th, 2009

• Clarification

• Lodi Budget and Finance Committee to look into ways to save money on employee benefits

• Regional Roundup

• Decision on summer school expected at tonight's Lodi Unified School District meeting

• Clements gets free water rescue boat

• Redevelopment to be discussed by Lodi City Council again

• Court reinstates death penalty for killer of Lodi grad

• Paying tribute to a Lodian

November 16th, 2009

• Correction

• Public Meetings

• Regional Roundup

• Three members of Lodi-area family fall ill after eating poisonous mushrooms they reportedly found at Lodi Lake

• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi

• Lodi's First Sip event showcases area wineries' latest vintages

• City Council 'triple-dog dared' to ditch cars, use Lodi buses

November 14th, 2009

• Galt school district narrows superintendent search to one

• Regional Roundup

• A first look at 2009 vintages at Lodi's First Sip wine-tasting event

• Watchful neighbor in Lodi helped bust suspected burglars

• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise

• Despite an increase in homeless students, school districts look to bolster enrollment, raise revenue

• New Galt city manager juggles job, family

November 13th, 2009

• What to expect with new homebuyer tax credit

• Lodi Muslim: Local mosque not involved

• Regional Roundup

• Mayor Larry Hansen points out Lodi's economic progress

• First phase of Lockeford park by 2011?

• Lodi veteran recounts close calls in Vietnam

• Burglary suspects are under arrest

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• The country's mess is our fault (155)
• Obama is not a moderate (130)
• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react (67)
• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise (58)
• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22 (48)
• The haves should help the have-nots (30)
• Public health care is a Christian option (27)
• Lodi Flames slim playoff chances vanish in setback to Tracy Bulldogs (25)
• Tokay in, traveling to unbeaten No. 3 Grant for football playoffs (25)
• Nightmares about America's future (23)

ADVERTISEMENT

Thanks to vets, hope for Obama, and a dart for California's politicians

Occasionally enough time elapses between my writings that topics begin to stack up.

This forces me into a course of action only seldom used but widely celebrated among today's tiny attention spans. Please welcome back the combo column.

Thanking veterans

It isn't something you can say too late or too often for that matter. While their holiday has come and gone, every day is a day to pay your respects to veterans at home and abroad.

From those who have passed on to those who have been fortunate enough to live the American dream due to their efforts, I thank you for providing me the opportunity to be inspired, create and be free all my life.

President-elect Obama

If you've read this column or my online blog you'll know how I felt going into the election. Now that a decision has been made I can only cross my fingers and say a prayer for the best.

While he wasn't my choice, Barack Obama continues to speak of how he only wants to unite this country and make it better, valuing American people over their political parties.

If he is in fact being sincere, then I support his quest fully. May president-elect Obama change this country in the right way. I'm not sure this country's citizens could stand another major upset or betrayal.

Arnold's education cuts

Our own state governor wishes to cut funding for California colleges, thus pushing college admission folks to shrink the amount of incoming students.

The governor says the money to pay for the already ailing state deficit needs to come from "somewhere."

Oh, I just had an idea. How about rather than putting a halt on higher education for productive young people, we punish the out of control spenders that put us in this situation in the first place? State suits need their salaries sliced and diced until they turn things around.

I think I speak for everyone when I say we are all sick of paying for Sacramento's mistakes.

And I could have sworn Arnie mentioned that education wasn't going to be on the chopping-block. Interesting.

Speaking of spending

America's economy is in a lot of pain right now. Hearing that Uncle Sam is bailing out those who got in too deep is so inspiring. Not only is our government teaching this generation that fiscal responsibility is only for those who follow through on paying their bills, but with the automakers now also at the back door, I can't wait to hear who else is going to be allowed to stick it to the taxpayer.

Giving thanks

Alright, enough with the politics. Every year my list grows. I am always thinking about it and constantly wondering what tomorrow will add to it. Of course I'm talking about things I am thankful for.

As I grow older I have more to appreciate. It could be as simple as another year under my belt or another breath in my lungs.

But what I am most thankful for this year is staying healthy and lucky during several southern California wildfires that came incredibly close to me. I know of several people who lost their homes and their livelihoods to blazes that came like thieves in the night.

What could have turned out to be a major headache and stressful situation turned out to be an opportunity to help my fellow neighbor. Had it not been for the brave firefighters from all over the country that helped push back the flames, my story could have been a very different one.

Of course, my friends and family are major blessings and I couldn't be who I am today without thanking them.

But most of all, thank you for another wonderful year of readership and allowing me to put my thoughts on your coffee table. It is an honor and privilege to get your e-mail and letters. I truly am humbled knowing that I have a vow of support from my own hometown.

May you be thankful for many wonderful things this Thanksgiving and enjoy your holiday.

Wade Heath of Lodi is a college student studying in Southern California. He can be reached at: reachwade@lycos.com Or visit his online blog at: www.wadewire.blogspot.com.