There will be other fun activities including a ‘Make Your Own Kite Free’ table and free face painting as well as Pie Eating Contests and Bubble Gum Blowing Contests.  Plus, there will be interesting tables to check out, including nature tables and a ‘sun and wind’ table, as well as free crafts for the kids.  Families are encouraged to bring a kite, hats and/or sunscreen, drinking water, lawn chairs, and a picnic lunch, plus it may be cool and windy or very hot.   ‘Hot Dog Heaven’ from Los Banos will sell inexpensive lunches as well.  Drop by anytime and join the fun.  The only fee is the $5 state park Day Use Fee per Car.

This special recreation event is sponsored by California State Parks and Pacheco State Park’s Fatjo Corporation, and marks the occasion of Pacheco State Park’s Fifteenth Year Anniversary as a state park.  To request a sign language interpreter or other auxiliary aids or services for people with disabilities, contact Jennifer Morgan at (209) 826-1197 at least one week in advance.  For more information, please see:   www.parks.ca.gov/events, and choose Pacheco State Park.

To reach Pacheco State Park, take Highway 152.  The park is located 25 miles east of Gilroy and 22 miles west of Los Banos, at the top of historic Pacheco Pass.  Turn south off of Highway 152 at the “Dinosaur Point” exit, and then turn right, going through the Park gate, down the dirt road into Pacheco State Park.  (The physical address is 38787 Dinosaur Point Road,  Hollister, 95023.)

Clutch is in the TWIN and everything is together…………READY to give the Historic Eagle Field Runway it’s best! Come on out and see IMHO the best TRUstalgia Drag Racing anywhere at the Eagle Field Fresno Dragways Reunion this Saturday. Then on Sunday we get a little contemporary, adding a Christmas Tree. See eaglefielddrags.com for more info.

In any small town or city, there are people of special character that get our attention, some by sight, others by their actions, and some by reputation.  For full article, please purchase a copy of The Paper.

Pictured left to right are: Hunter Vance (24), Coach Mike Davis, James Davis (26), Jonathon Pinto (24), DJ Mello (25), and Jacob Ebner (24)

By Denise Davis
The 5 young shooters shot an overall squad score of 3,855 targets for the season earning the Jr. Championship title of “2012 Central Trap League Jr. Champions”.  For full article, please purchase a copy of The Paper

By Mariann Chew

On March 3rd. Bay Area muscician Ronnie Montrose was found dead in his home in Brisbane.  Raised in San Francisco, Mr. Montrose died at the age of 64.  In 2007 Ronnie Montrose was diagnosed with prostrate cancer, but it was later revealed that he died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound.  He suffered from depression and alcholism most of his life but will always be remembered as an innovative guitarist and an accomplished muscian.  Ronnie Montrose started the influential rock band Montrose, that introduced Sammy Hagar to rock fans in the early 1970′s.  The band was best known for the now classic song “Hard Candy”.  With his other band Gamma, Ronnie Montrose was more avant garde in his heavy rock themed music.  Gamma was not as popular a band as Montrose, but did have quite a few radio hits.   Those that knew Ronnie Montrose say he remains one of the best rock guitarists of all time.  A  concert for Ronnie Montrose “A Celebration of His Life” took place at the Regency Ball Room in San Francisco.  Many of his longtime bandmates and fans were in attendance.  The concert featured Neal Schon, from Journey, Joe Satriani, and Tommy Thayer, from KISS.  Also in attendance were three of the original Montrose band mates, Sammy Hagar, drummer, Denny Carmassi, and bassist Bill Church.  The concert sold out in minutes.  Those that loved Ronnie Montrose feel that even though he had his own personal demons he will always remain one of the best guitarist rock has known.  I would like to thank Gary Plomp for supplying me with most of this information.
If you are an entertainer, an would like to be interviewed for The Rock Zone, please call me at Dutra’s The Paper at (209)826-1939.

John Torres with daughter Susan

June 6, 1921 – May 3, 2012

Ascencion S. Torres, aka John Torres was born in Bakersfield, CA, his family moved to El Nido where John attended local schools.  He began working at 9 years old in the local fields as a laborer.  He entered the U.S. Army in May 1943, serving in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. His military service included in the D Day Invasion at Normandy, and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war years, John moved to Merced where he joined the police reserves in 1948.  Moved to Los Banos in 1954 where he worked as a police officer for the Los Banos Police Department until his retirement in 1976.  John then served 19 years as the Cemetery Manager at the Los Banos District Cemetery.  John was a life member of the VFW Post 2487 and St. Joseph’s parish.
John is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn, his brother Paul Torres; sisters Margaret Torres and Gamecinda Gomez.  He is survived by his Children:  Robert Torres, Susan Torres, and Elaine Amaral all of Los Banos.  Son-in-law Eddie Amaral, Grandchildren Elissa Suzanne and Chester John Amaral.  One sister Juanita Martinez of Los Angeles.
A visitation was held on Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel beginning at 5:00 p.m., a rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m.; A mass was held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.  Burial followed at the Los Banos District Cemetery.  Services were under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel-Los Banos.

Publisher’s Note:
We also extend deepest condolences to the family of John Torres during their time of loss.  This man also brings back memories while working under his guidance in the Police Department while I was a Reserve Officer many years ago.  John’s type of instruction was simple, just also “pay attention to what is going on around you at all times.” This same instruction saved my life one summer evening, and I was most grateful to him at that time, as well as today.  We meet certain individuals throughout our lifetimes, however there are those who leave more of themselves upon us than others.  We are grateful to them, for those memories will remain with us always.

Marie with husband John Coelho

June 8, 1931 – May 4, 2012

Marie Coelho was born on June 8, 1931 in Los Banos, the only child of Peter and Augustine Sallaberry.  She attended local schools and graduated from Los Banos High School in 1950.  Shortly after, she married John R. Coelho, the love of her life.  They had one daughter Celeste (Sally).  She was a very caring person, working all her life to make life better for others.  Her Christian spirit, loving heart and sweet smile will be greatly missed by her family, many friends and all who know her.  She was simply the best!
In her younger years, Marie was an active member of the OLF Mother’s Club and California Women for Agriculture.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Augustine Sallaberry, parents-in-law, Frank and Anna Coelho.  Marie is survived by her husband John R. Coelho; daughter Celeste (Sally) Coelho-Hudson; son-in-law Bailey O. Hudson; nephews, Robert, David and Paul Coelho; nieces,  Vicki Moss, Terri Coelho and Patricia Coelho; numerous great nephews and cousins; and her beloved Border Collie Blackie; and many beloved friends.
Visitation was held Thursday, May 10, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel.  Rosary and mass was held on Friday, May 11, 2012 starting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  Burial followed at the Los Banos District Cemetery.
Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society , Our Lady of Fatima Memorial Fund, New Bethany Foundation or charity of your choice .  Services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel-Los Banos.
Publisher’s Note:
Hearing the news last week of Marie Coehlo’s death saddened this community in many ways,  Marie was always one who listened intently to all who came into her life.  By showing this wonderful trait of hers she also showed kindness, patience, and understanding to all.  Marie worked with people throughout her life, and it did not matter if she was working with an organization, or the public, her place of employment, a school-related event, or family event, she carried on the same mild mannered personality  we came to know, love, and respect.
Many of us had the pleasure of knowing this very kind lady early in our lives, so as we, too grew older, we noticed the qualities Marie carried with her daily.  We extend our deepest condolences to the family on their loss for Marie was indeed quite a very special lady.

Thank you to the Kirschman Family for their recent purchase of a 2012 Ford F150. Pictured here, left to right, Gonzalo Rodriguez/Sales, Jason and Jenell Kirschman with sons Christian and Aston (standing), and Tony Dutra.

Thank you to Sarah and Raul Orozco for their recent purchase of a 2012 Ford Focus. Pictured here, left to right, Craig Prien/Sales, Sarah and Raul Orozco, Barbara Dutra/Business Manager, and Tamara Pfeiffer/D.M.V./Contracts.

On May 5th the students of the Twin Tigers Kung Fu studio marched and performed in the 2012 May Day parade here in Los Banos.  For full article, please purchase a copy of The Paper