Merced Sun-Star

Our View: A gift to last generations Tue - 2:14 AM

Bernard Osher's donation to the California community college system is a historical one.

California business magnate Bernard Osher, now 80 years old, has said he hopes to live long enough to give away his entire fortune. He's well on his way. Business Week magazine last year estimated his net worth at $900 million and his lifetime giving at $805 million.

Now Osher has extended his generosity to California community college students. Osher has pledged $50 million to launch a California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment, the largest gift ever made to a community college system. His commitment is historic and welcome in a number of ways.

Letter: Reject the power grab Tue - 2:14 AM

Editor: I'm writing to express my personal support for state Sen. Jeff Denham, R-Merced. He has been an outstanding representative for Merced County and has stood side by side with us on many different occasions.

Even though state Sen. Don Perata has put a halt to his misguided recall attempt against Denham, we are all still being subjected to this unnecessary and wasteful act because it will remain on our upcoming ballots. We should all keep this recall in perspective and ask why is this happening? Simply, it's taking place because Denham had the courage to not vote on an irresponsible budget. In the end, Denham was right and the power brokers from Oakland and Sacramento were wrong. Thanks to the power brokers, California now faces an estimated $22 billion shortfall.

Letter: Say no to new taxes Tue - 2:14 AM

Editor: I am writing in opposition to the increased fees (taxes) promoted by Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG), and supported by the cities of Atwater, Gustine and Dos Palos.

Rather than propose a reasonable increase in line with the rate of inflation, MCAG proposes increasing fees for building permits by a staggering 226 percent. Since I am not currently in the housing market, this increase does not personally affect me at this time, but I am outraged at the suggestion of such a dramatic and unconscionable increase by any governmental agency.

More Stories
  • Our View: Preservation is right for ranch Mon - 1:45 AM

    Future generations will thank officials, environmentalists for saving hundreds of thousands of beautiful acres.

    It took several years of contentious negotiations, but private landowners, developers and environmental groups have achieved a historic land-use agreement for the 270,000-acre Tejon Ranch.

  • Editorial: Med school faces test this week Mon - 2:54 AM

    Proponents of a school at UC Merced must convince regents

    The campaign to create a Valley medical school will face a significant test Wednesday and Thursday during a University of California Board of Regents meeting at the UCLA campus.

  • Letter: Protest PG&E Mon - 1:45 AM

    Editor: Pacific Gas and Electric has known for several years that many of us use PG&E for our gas and MID for our electrical services. Their company representatives agreed to this system prior to 2001.

  • Letter: Street problems are our own doing Mon - 1:46 AM

    Editor: All of this talk about torn-up streets and bike paths, we have no one to blame except ourselves.

  • Letter: Red Cross seeks youth volunteer Mon - 1:46 AM

    Editor: The American Red Cross Merced/Mariposa Chapter is seeking high school student to help out with our new youth program. Any interested students may call the local chapter and ask to speak with either Marina Holmes or Dina Ruiz for further information.

  • Our view: Budget picture isn't pretty Sat - 2:15 AM

    The governor's proposal cuts more for education than legislative Republicans; Democrats don't have a plan.

    If you want to see the face of California's budget dilemma, look at the public schools. If you do, it will be clear that reducing spending alone will not solve the state's fiscal problem -- unless the governor and legislators want local school districts to make truly draconian cuts.

  • Letter: Jesus had it right Sat - 2:14 AM

    Editor: The recent front-page article on the increased presence of the gay community prompted me to reflect on Jesus’ commandment to “love one another,” not “love just the straight community!” For all the Bible-thumping individuals, remember that Jesus despised the “self-righteous.”

  • Letter: Leave children alone Sat - 2:14 AM

    Editor: I have recently seen several newspaper articles regarding some of my former eighth-grade advanced algebra students. Two of the three, Robert and Daniella, were not only former students of mine but later became an aide and tutor in my classroom. Both great kids!

  • Letter: Our town is in ruins Sat - 2:14 AM

    Editor: It is so frustrating to look around our neighborhood and see it in a steady decline of upkeep including the yard and structural integrity of fences and houses. The property owners (or their renters if stipulated in a renter's contract) should be held accountable for our community neighborhoods turning into ruins.

  • Our View: What was recall about? Fri - 3:37 AM

    Whatever Don Perata's motives to punish Sen. Jeff Denham, make sure to vote no on Election Day.

    From the time it was instigated last summer, the effort to recall state Sen. Jeff Denham has exemplified the worst of partisan politics.

  • Letter: Refuse to pay PG&E Fri - 3:37 AM

    Editor: When I moved into my new home five years ago, I bought stamps and envelopes expecting that I would need them to send checks to Pacific Gas and Electric for electrical service. I have since discovered that they weren’t able to secure the service contract to the subdivision I live in. I think I should be able to bill PG&E for the stamps and envelopes I bought using bad judgment. Oh, wait a minute, now I can just call it an even swap for the $9 a month they are trying to gouge me for.

  • Letter: Perata's sleazy trick Fri - 3:37 AM

    Editor: To all the people that believe in state Sen. Jeff Denham, don't believe in the words of a liberal socialist like Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata.

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