The Californian from Salinas, California • 18

I 29, 2002 Californian OBITUARIES PRUNEDALE Gene Gordon Gene Gordon Prunedale, died of day, Aug. 26, 2002, at Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System. He was born Aug. 19, 1934, in Uhrichsville, Ohio. He was a graduate of Manteca High School and recently attended his 50th high school reunion.

He was a co- Biddle Biddle, 68, of cancer Mon- Gene Gordon Biddle editor for the "Collegian" newspaper at Modesto Junior College. He was a 1961 graduate of San Francisco State University and began a 40-year career with Kelly-Moore Paint Co. He enjoyed reading, traveling and camping. He was preceded in death by his father, Les Biddle. Survivors: Wife of 44 years, Fay Biddle; son, Steve (Kathy) Biddle of Pacifica; daughter, Gretchen of Idaho; mother, Mary Biddle of Sutter Creek; sisters, Jane and Susan, both of Sutter Creek; brothers, John of Murphys and Jerry of Tennessee; and six grandchildren.

I Services: Celebration of life: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the family home. Memorials: American Cancer Society, 1184 Monroe Suite 1, Salinas 93906. Arrangements: Monterey Cremation Service, 1915 Ord Grove Seaside.

SALINAS Timothy A. Gattis Timothy A. Gattis, 33, of Salinas, died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, in Salinas. He was born Oct.

3, 1968. He was a lifelong resident of Salinas. He was a self-employed mover. He was preceded in death by his brother, Michael R. Gattis, in September 2001.

Survivors: Mother, Rowena Gattis of Salinas; father, Jerry Gattis of Salinas; stepmother, Beverly of Salinas; brother, Scott Gattis of Salinas; stepgrandfather, Howard Lawson of Salinas; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. i Services: Private family services will be held. Cremation: Under the direction of Healey Crematory Co. in Salinas. SALINAS Josephine E.

Swindle Josephine E. Swindle, 93, of Salinas, died at her Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002, at her home, following a brief illness. She was born Aug. 18, 1909, in Madera and lived in Salinas since 1927.

Before retiring, she was a bookkeeper. Survivors: Several nieces and nephews. Josephine E. Swindle Visitation: 1 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 30, at Struve and Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Salinas. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug.

31, at the Garden of Memories Cemetery Chapel, 768 Abbott St, Salinas. Burial: Will follow the services in the cemetery. Why RENT When you can OWN? Stop feeding the RENT MONSTER! Californian LOCAL NEWS EDITORS Michelle Maitre City editor Mike Nemeth Assistant city editor LOCAL NEWS REPORTERS Glenn Cravens South county, video games Brian Gaylord Business news editor SALINAS SALINAS Elaine Marie Oleas Vanessa Elaine Marie Oleas, 81, of Sali- Forgnone nas, died of natural causes at Pacific Coast Vanessa Care Center on Salinas, 2002, in Monday Aug. 2002. Salinas.

26, She was born She was July 29, 1921, in July 26, Hawthorne, and was and lived long Salinas in Salinas for 18 ident. years. She was a homemaker and enjoyed traveling with the Active Seniors and the Gonza- Elaine Marie Oleas les Recreation Center. She was employed with American Laundry and Wayne's Launderette before retiring. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Oleas, in 1983.

Memberships: The Friendship Club at First Presbyterian Church in Salinas. Survivors: Sons, George Zatko Biloxi, and Paul Oleas of Cupertino; and four grandchildren. 1 Memorial Mass: 11 a.m. Tuesday Sept. 3, at Madonna del Sasso Church, 320 E.

Laurel Drive, Salinas. Cremation: Will be held. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Franciscan Order or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation, 182 El Dorado Monterey 93940. Arrangements: Struve and Laporte Funeral Home, 41 W. San Luis Salinas.

Dorothy E. West Dorothy West, 89, of Carmel, died in her sleep 26, 2002, at the Skyline Nursing Home in Salinas. She was a librarian assistant at the Monterey Institute of International Studies. She was a wonderful mother and friend. Survivors: Two sons, including Gary Parker daughter; Colorado; Theodora ley; and daughters, Michaela Services: held.

Arrangements: Society of San Jose. Dorothy E. West West of Salinas; one sister, Olga Delabar of granddaughter, West of Carmel Valtwo stepgreat-grandAbbie Ann and Rickets, both of Chico. No services will be The Neptune Central California in Bill Wassmuth, activist against hate groups, dies The Associated Press SPOKANE, Wash. Bill Wassmuth, a former Roman Catholic priest who became a leader in the fight against the Aryan Nations and other hate groups, has died.

Wassmuth, 61, died Tuesday in Ellensburg after a lengthy battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, said Eric Ward, of the Northwest Coalition for Human Dignity. Wassmuth founded the coalition after his Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, home was bombed in 1986 by members of Aryan Nations seeking to end his activism. "He touched thousands of people in the Northwest and symbolized the spirit of the Northwest in the fight against bigotry," Ward said Wednesday. ColdweLl BANKeR AMERICAN HOME REALTY GARY DECARLI REALTOR 594-2798 Jerry Jimenez City of Salinas Kelly Nix Police, courts Dave Nordstrand Features, health Larry Parsons County government J. Michael Rivera Education Rachel Zentz Calendars, obituaries Lynn Lynn Forgnone, 16, of died Monday, Aug.

26, a car accident outside born 1986, a liferes- She worked at Bird of Paradise catering and was a student at Salinas High School. As a member of the Carmel Valley Ranchers Days, she was selected to the 2001 Vanessa Lynn Forgone Queens Court. She was a top five finisher at the Region III Championships in Reno in July with her Arabian show horse, Mahogany Jive. She was an accomplished equestrienne and enjoyed showing her horses in English hunter competition and halter. She loved animals, making people laugh and music.

She also was a gifted artist. Memberships: San Benancio Track Team, Carmel Valley Ranchers Days, Arabian Horse Youth Association. Survivors: Parents, Fred and Kathy Forgone of Salinas; sister, Alexis Forgone of Salinas; grandparents, Bob and Ada Brewer of Salinas and Lee and Karen Leonhard of King City; aunts, Sara Herrin of Sonora, Nita Forgone of Philadelphia and Cindy Forgnone of Salinas; uncles, Gerard (Andrea) Forgnone of Salinas and Dan (Kelley) Herrin of Sonora; and cousins. Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. today, Aug.

29, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel, 41 W.

San Luis Salinas. Funeral services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at First Presbyterian Church, 830 Padre Drive, Salinas. Memorial barbecue: The community is invited to a barbecue in Vanessa's honor at Spreckels Park in Spreckels following the services.

Cremation: Following funeral services. Prevention Memorials: of Cruelty Society to for Ani- the mals or the Redwings Horse Children's book author Quail Hawkins dies The Associated Press PACIFIC GROVE Quail Hawkins, the author of several children's books popular in the 1940s, has died. She was 97. Hawkins' nine illustrated books ranged from beginning-to-read picture books to books for young adults. She also was co-author of several other works for children.

While none of her books remain in print, "A Puppy for Keeps" in 1943 and "Mark, Mark, Shut the Door" in 1947 were among her most popular. Hawkins, who died Aug. 16 at a Pacific Grove retirement home, worked at bookstores and publishing houses and encouraged the work of authors like Beverly Cleary and Ursula K. Le Guin. In Cleary's memoir, "My Own Two Feet," she wrote how in 1941 Hawkins hired her to work during the Christmas rush at Sather Gate Book Shop in Berkeley.

She described Hawkins, then the manager of children's books, as "a rapid, omnivorous reader with a retentive memory, a love of books and a passion for persuading others to read them." Judge rejects guest workers' lawsuit BIG THE BIG QUESTION The Californian's Web site, www.californianonline.com, features "The Big Question," an informal reader poll. A new question is introduced each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. MONDAY'S QUESTION: What should Gov. Gray Davis do with Senate Bill 1736, which would require binding arbitration to resolve impasses in farm labor contracts? As of 4:30 p.m. Wednsday, 67 votes had been tallied.

The results: Sign the bill 46.3 percent Veto the bill 41.8 percent Don't know 11.9 percent LOCAL CALENDAR SUMMER GARDEN DAYS, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Bonfante Gardens, Hecker Pass (Highway 152), Gilroy. Reduced rate into park for those who wish to visit gardens and limited rides. Also guest speakers and garden demonstrations. (408) 840-7100, www.bonfantegardens.com.

TODAY I GENERAL PLAN FORUM, 7:30 to a.m., Salinas Community Center, 940 N. Main Salinas. Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce sponsors a forum with business leaders presenting their views on the plan. 424-7611. TODAY PRUNEDALE GRANGE TOWN HALL MEETING, 7 p.m., Prunedale Grange Hall, 17890 Moro Road, Prunedale.

Roadways throughout north Monterey County is the topic of the first in a series of meetings. 663-3021 or 663-1306. FRI. AMERICAN LEGION POST 31, SAL barbecue chicken, 14 W. Laurel Drive, Salinas.

FRI. STRIKE ZONE 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, 18U, 18GOLD, are doing individual pitcher and player try-outs Monday and Friday nights. For more info, call Don Ford at (408) 590-4437. SAT. SALINAS WILDCATS 12U, are having tryouts at North Salinas High School from noon to 2 p.m.

For more info, call Carlos Gonzalez: at 771-1649 or Renie 443- 6632. CALIFORNIA INDIAN MARKET, 10 a.m. to 06 p.m., San Juan Bautista on the Alameda in the San Juan School lot. American Indian and multicultural artists, Aztec dancers, children's peace dance, ethnic foods. $1 donation.

623-2379. SUN. SALINAS WILDCATS 14U AND 16U, are having tryouts at Notre Dame High School. Pitchers and catchers from noon to 1 p.m. and position players from 1 to 3 p.m.

For more info, call Geno Sigala at 753-0366 or 262-1333. MON. AFL-CIO LABOR DAY PICNIC, noon, Lower Delaveage Park, Santa Cruz. Food, beverages, kids' activities. Program at 2 p.m.

features efforts by Dominican Hospital workers to unionize. 633-1869, 728-4922. PUBLIC MEETINGS TODAY MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, 7 p.m., Seaside City Council Chambers, Harcourt Seaside.658-5600; www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us TODAY CLINICA DE SALUD DEL VALLE DE SALINAS BOARD, 6:30 p.m., conference room, administrative office, 440 Airport Salinas. 757-8689, ext. 11.

TODAY MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BOARD, 7 p.m., Seaside City Council Chambers, 440 Harcourt Seaside. 658-5600, www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us. WED. I SALINAS CITIZENS' BICYCLE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, 6:30 p.m., Salinas City Hall, City Manager's conference room, 200 Lincoln Salinas. publish information on government and other agency meetings, send agendas to The Californian newsroom, 123 W.

Alisal Salinas 93901; or by fax at 754-4293; or by e-mail to WAGGIN' TAILS Shelters Salinas Animal Shelter, 144 Hitchcock Road. Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. For information, call 758-7285. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Highway 68 across from Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca. Hours: 11 a.m.

to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adoption fees are $85 for dogs and $65 for cats and include initial vaccinations, microchip, SPCA ID tag, surgery and other extras.

License fees for some jurisdictions are extra. For information, call 422-4721 or www.spcamc.org. Monterey County Animal Shelter, 2840 Fifth Marina (former Fort Ord). Hours: Monday through Saturday, noon to 5:30 p.m. For information, call 384-1396.

Marina Animal Shelter, 3040 Lake Drive, Marina. Hours: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. 384-2528, www.marinaanimalshelter.com.

Give away Two playful young male cats, one orange and one silver, very affectionate. 633-3235. WAGGIN' TAILS is a public service column intended for the free exchange, not the sale, of animals. Notice may be placed free for one publication by calling 754-4260. Items for animals also appear in the classifieds section.

Former 'braceros' sought withheld wages By Deborah Kong The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO In a blow to Mexican laborers who had hoped to claim money they said they were owed for working on American farms and railroads more than 50 years ago, a judge Wednesday granted requests by the United States and Mexican governments and Wells Fargo Bank to dismiss their case. The workers were among more than 300,000 Mexicans who came to the United States between 1942 and 1949 to harvest crops and maintain railroad tracks as guest workers. Called "braceros," after the Spanish word for arm, they came under an agreement between the United States and Mexico aimed at filling labor shortages caused by World War II. Under the agreement, 10 percent of each worker's wage was to be withheld and transferred, via U.S. and Mexican banks, to individual savings funds set up for each bracero.

But many braceros said they never received that money when they returned to Mexico. In March 2001, a group of former braceros who worked in the United States between 1942 and 1949 filed a class-action lawsuit in San Francisco against the U.S. and Mexican governments, Wells Fargo Bank and three Mexican banks. The braceros sought repayment of the money deducted from their paychecks, plus interest. While they did not specify the amount owed, advocates estimated it at $500 million.

On Wednesday, U.S. District Court Judge Charles Breyer concluded the braceros were not entitled to any relief from the Mexican or American governments, or Wells Fargo in a United States court of law. Group claims it has an 'incredibly solid base' From Page 1C Police Officers Association, the Salinas Firefighters Local 1270, the League of United Latin American Citizens and Second Chance, a gang-prevention agency. "It's like we've all died and gone to heaven, because everyone feels the same way," Massie said. "We have an incredibly broad, solid base." The Salinas Union High School District has also taken a stance.

On Tuesday school board members approved a resolution against the utility tax repeal, saying it would hurt students because city libraries, recreation centers and the municipal swimming pool would close. Schools also stand to lose three of the police officers now assigned to district buildings. A silent majority? Dierolf, a Hartnell College trustee who led a petition drive to put the repeal on the Salinas ballot, said the measure's supporters are less vocal but no less strong. "If you want to know who supports us, look at the poll," Dierolf said, citing a telephone survey conducted private company hired by SUHSD. "That poll alone shows that there's support." The survey in July found that 52 percent of respondents in Salinas said they were likely to vote for the repeal.

Members of SOS say the poll was inconclusive and reflects a lack of citizen awareness at that time. Tom Tessier, owner of EMC Lighting in Salinas, said he is a supporter of a tax repeal. Tessier said other cities seem 'For elderly people who don't have big incomes, that $10 can mean a meal. They need every penny they can Tom Tessier tax repeal supporter to manage without a utility tax. "I don't see why we should pay for things that other communities have without having to pay a tax," he said.

"We have the highest cost of living. The last thing we need is another tax." He also said the utility tax hit harder on people with fixed incomes, including older adults. "For elderly people who don't have big incomes, that $10 can mean a meal," Tessier said. "They need every penny they "Michael Sharpe, co-owner of Sharpe's Market and Deli in Salinas, said he also opposes the utility tax. Sharpe said he pays about $221 in utility taxes every two months for his business for electricity alone.

"It's too much," he said. "It's become a nightmare for small businesses." SOS members plan to visit homes on weekends through October, said Don Nucci, an SOS member and representative of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central "We're going to keep walking until we've covered all the territory we feel we need to cover," Nucci said. Storm drainage fees imposed to reduce pollution From Page 1C City officials said the fee, was based partially on Proposition 218 or the Right to Vote on Taxes Act which says voters must approve any new fees. Citing a shortage in general fund money, the City Council had voted to begin collecting a "storm water management utility fee" to reduce pollutants in storm water. Janet Struve Pampuro REALTOR Local Knowledge Fourth Generation Resident John Saar Properties 238-0067 Cell 625-0500 Ext.

114 Office "PROPERTIES PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Green Chief photographer Scott MacDonald Photographer SPORTS Joey Delgado Sports editor FEATURES Sierra Rendon Features editor instituted in June 1999, is an optional user fee and thus exempt from the proposition. City attorney Jim Sanchez could not be reached for comment late Wednesday night. Pasquinelli called the ruling a victory for taxpayers. Where is Father Vincent? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK (Please feel free to attach an additional sheet of paper with more comments) Did a story, headline or other element of today's news cause you concern? Did you see a mistake in today's newspaper? Do you have a story idea? Are there issues, trends, people or situations in your community we should cover? What is your phone number? Scott Faust, managing editor The Californian, P.O. Box 81091, Salinas, CA 93912 Phone: (831) 754-4261 Fax: (831) 754-4293 E-mail:.