The Californian from Salinas, California • 4

August 17, 2005 PAGE ONE Californian Charlene Mae Denner Charlene Mae Denner, 48, of Salinas, passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005, with her loving family by her side. Charlene was born Sept. 13, 1956, in Santa Cruz. She was a carCharlene Mae ing, person Denner and was always the first to help when someone needed it.

She loved to cook, work on all forms of puzzles, go to BINGO and be at all the family gatherings. She graduated early from Pioneer High School in San Jose. She especially loved her grandchildren and dogs. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. Survivors: Parents, Bill and Ursula Denner of Salinas; daughter, Jennifer Padgett of Salinas; brother, Tim Denner of San Jose; loving companion, Roger Moore of Salinas, and Ginger too; grandsons, Tyler, Brandon and Kyle; numerous nieces, nephews and aunts.

Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas. Cremation: Healey Crematory Co.

Arrangements: Healey Mortuary. HOLLISTER Amon Jonathan 'Jon' Hooks Jr. Amon Jonathan "Jon" Hooks 62, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2005, at his home in Hollister. He was born in Arkansas on Sept.

7, 1942. He graduated from Gonzales High School and Hartnell College, along with serving in the Army National Reserve. He retired as a captain in the North Monterey County Fire District. Prior to that he was with the Salinas Rural Fire District. Jon spent his leisure time hunting, fishing, enjoying the outdoors, spending time with his family and grandchildren.

A friend to all, a stranger to none he was always wanting to help in any way he could. Survivors: wife, Gloria of Hollister; children, Joanna Pipitone of Hollister, Susie (Chris) Lizaola of Salinas; mother, Joanna Hooks of Yearington, grandchildren, Jonny and Catie Pipitone, Lauren, Max and Nicholas Lizaola; brothers, Bill Hooks of Groveland, Larry Hooks of Gonzales, Ronny Hooks of Pineville, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts. He was preceded in death by his father, Amon J. Hooks Sr. Services: At Jon's wish, no services are to be held.

Celebration of life: Will be planned in the near future. Memorials: American Cancer Society or donor's favorite charity. Arrangements: GrunnagleAment-Nelson Funeral Home Crematory, Hollister. WE REMEMBER Josephine Vargas Josephine It's been a rough two years for our family, but not as rough as watching her suffer with the disease of cancer that took her away from us. We didn't want to accept the fact that she Josephine was in a betVargas ter place.

It tore our heart into pieces. She is that missing link in our chain that made it that much shorter. She always kept the spirits high in our family with her beautiful smile and precious laugh. We will always cherish the great times that we spent together. She will always remain in our heart and soul.

The time will come for us to meet again, till then we love and miss you. Dedicated to you. One love, (Night Nurse) Gregory Issacs Roseann and Naddyia SALINAS Californian. He lived in Salinas since Edward B. Rutledge Edward B.

Rutledge, 83, of Salinas, died Monday, Aug. 15, 2005, following a long, hard battle with prostate cancer. Born in Stockton on Jan. 6, 1922, he was a fourth generation Edward B. Rutledge 1982.

He also lived in Carson City, prior to living in Saratoga. In final resting, he joins his wife of 59 years, Lois B. (Tuttle) Rutledge, who preceded him in death 19 months ago. Ed attended the University of California at Berkeley. In later years, he owned Advanced Metal Spinning in San Jose, the Village Bookstore in Saratoga and The Gateway Motel in Carson City.

He retired in 1982. He was very active for the last 10 years or so in a wide variety of prostate cancer support groups. He was also very active in 1 animal causes. He had so many interests but chief among them were Western Americana, genealogy, astronomy, antiques and his beloved animals. Membership: Baha'i Faith Survivors: Daughter, Gayle R.

Kaye of San Jose; son, Steve Rutledge of Campbell; daughter, Leigh Rutledge of Pueblo, twin brothers, Dave and Hal Rutledge. Memorials: American Cancer Society or Best Friends Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah. Arrangements: The Paul Mortuary of Pacific Grove. SALINAS Gloria G. Williams Gloria G.

Williams, 55, of Salinas, died Monday, Aug. 8, 2005. to Reno. She was a deaconess at Mount Nebo Baptist Church. She loved to fish and barbecue with her family and take outings.

She was an instructor for the Social Services. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Williams, this past Wednesday, Aug. 10. Survivors: Daughters, Gelenda Bosley (Mark) of Santa Clara, Gennetta Ballance of Sacramento; son, Eugene Ballance II of Salinas; sisters, Wilemena Williams of Oakland, Matilda Webb of Fairfield, Elaine Webb of Victorville, Lynn Lyons of Marina; brothers, Bruce Webb and Howard Webb, both of Salinas, and Glenn Webb of Richmond; 15 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: Will be held along with her husband from 1 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 18, at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas. Graveside service: 10 a.m. Friday, Aug.

19, at Mission Memorial Park in Seaside. Arrangements: Healey Mortuary. She was born June 9, 1950 in New Orleans. She was a Salinas resident for 50 years. Gloria loved to travel with her husband and take trips SALINAS Willie Chester Williams Willie Chester Williams, 64, of Salinas, died Wednesday, Aug.

10, 2005, at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital. Services: Visitation, 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas.

Graveside services with military honors, 1:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, Gustine. Back to Starts Here School Math ading Reading Moth Reading Educational ion Stuff Inc. You Care 908 SO.

MAIN ST SLNS 422.5044, Readers agree SALINAS George F. Garner George F. Garner, 77, of Salinas, died Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005. He was a veteran of the U.S.

Navy, serving in the Korean conflict. Services: No services are planned. Arrangements: Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel. SALINAS Rafael Rivas Picazo Rafael Rivas Picazo, 42, of Salinas, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005, at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.

Services: Visitation, 1 to 9 p.m. today, Aug. 17, at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas. Service, 10 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 18, at St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 1702 Second Salinas. Burial at Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 768 Abbott Salinas. GREENFIELD Arthur P.

Ruiz Arthur P. Ruiz, 94, of Greenfield, died Sunday, Aug. 14, 2005. Services: Visitation, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug.

18, at Whitehurst-Terry Funeral Home, 395 East Soledad. Rosary, 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Mass, 10 a.m. Friday, Aug.

19, at Holy Trinity Church, 803 Elm Greenfield. Burial follows in Holy Trinity Cemetery. GRASS VALLEY Ilene Ruth Richardson Ilene Ruth Richardson, 92, a longtime resident of Salinas, passed away Friday, Aug. 12, 2005, in Grass Valley. In her later years, she enjoyed ceramics, pinochle and crocheting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, and son, Donald. Memberships: Violet Rebekah's Lodge of Salinas 95945; founding member of the First Christian Church of Salinas. Survivors: Sons, Gerald (Kitty) Richardson of Rough and Ready, Edmund Richardson of Grass Valley; daughter-in-law, Barbara Richardson of Salinas; seven grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren and one greatgreat -grandchild. Services: A private service has been held. Memorials: Hospice of the Foothills, 12391 Nevada' City Highway, Grass Valley, CA 95945-9316.

Arrangements: Lassila Funeral Chapels in Auburn. LOCAL CALENDAR TODAY MONTEREY COUNTY FAIR WINE CHALLENGE, 6 p.m., Turf Club, Monterey County Fair Grounds. Dinner and wine tasting. $50, limited to 100. 372-5863.

TODAY RELAXATION VACATION LUNCHEON, noon to 1:30 p.m., Salinas Golf and Country Club, 475 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas. Featuring Aquablue Skin and Body Spa. Monterey County Women's Connection and Stonecroft Ministries. $15 inclusive. complimentary nursery by reservation.

Marlee, 484-2512, or Joan, 333-1515. TODAY WIDOWED PERSONS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA MONTEREY CHAPTER 19, 11:30 a.m., Rancho Canada Golf Club, Carmel Valley Road. Stephanie Fraser of Volunteer Center of Monterey. $16. Lunch reserve by 6 p.m.

Friday. Information: 620-1927 or 373-7069. TODAY HOLLOW REED TONING GROUP, 7 p.m., Monterey Bay Holistic Center, 330 Reservation Road, Suite E-1, Marina. Donation. 641-0578.

TODAY VNA MENINGCOCAL CLINIC, 1 to 5 p.m., 5 Lower Ragsdale, Ryan Ranch. 372-6668. CRIBBAGE CHALLENGE AT THE COUNTY FAIR, 1 to 8 p.m., Race Place patio, Monterey County Fair. From Page 1A look to Kehoe to develop a project on a public parking lot across from Maya Cinemas and the National Steinbeck Center. "We have the responsibility and obligation to make sure there is the wherewithal to finish the project and not dig a hole and leave it," said Mayor Anna Caballero.

The council was faced with the same decision April 19 when city staff recommended it reject Kehoe's proposal then. City Manager Dave Mora at the last minute changed his recommendation to give the Irish entrepreneur more time, and the council followed suit. This time neither Mora nor the council even hinted at giving Kehoe an extension. "We wanted to see this project," said Councilwoman Gloria De La Rosa. "We had a vision, and it's just not Kehoe arrived at the meeting halfway through a report by Alan Stumpf, redevelopment agency director.

Stumpf said Berkley Inc. hasn't been able to show that it has significant assets or the financial ability to fund the project. The city also has been waiting for Kehoe to identify his development team and close escrow on the Greyhound Bus Terminal property at the intersection of Salinas and Gabilan streets. The property would be required for hotel parking. Stephen Lazar, a commercial lending specialist with First Blackhawk Financial Corp.

in Walnut Creek, took the podium first on behalf of Berkley explaining the long process of getting financial backing for a project of this stature. Kehoe has met with Bank of the West on four occasions in regard to financing the project and San Jose-based Barry Swenson Builder Co. is highly interested in being the contractor, Lazar said. Kehoe said the council can't expect his hotel to be built as fast as Maya Cinemas, which took three years to develop, or the Monterey Street Parking Garage. When Kehoe began selling his concept of pairing condos with a luxurious hotel in downtown Salinas, Caballero cut him off.

"You sold this council on this concept," Caballero said. "That's not the issue." The mayor reiterated the need for proof of financial backing and to confirm the existence of its Ireland-based parent company, the Berkley Group. Kehoe began to offer the city a route to confirming the status of his company but left the meeting room when he saw Caballero and Mora talking to each other while he was speaking. 'Performance hasn't been there' All of the council members present and some local business people supported the staff's recommendation to terminate negotiations with Kehoe after more than three years. The Salinas Californian's Big Question online poll over the weekend also reflected that sentiment, with 74 percent of 330 votes in favor of dropping Kehoe.

"I just feel that we are being handed promises but unfortunately the performance hasn't been there," said Councilwoman Jyl Lutes. The council also voted unanimously to seek new proposals for project that includes a hotel with at least 100 to 125 guest rooms, recreational amenities and conference rooms. Caballero said she hopes Kehoe will get his development team and financing together and submit a proposal. Also Tuesday, the council voted to allow 40 units in the Brentwood Gardens apartment complex at 425 W. Laurel Drive to become condominiums.

Contact Zachary Stahl at Victim let Beltran in to be evidence in the case. According to Sheriff's Office investigators, Brenden Tsukimura was closing down the Taco Bell shortly before 12:30 a.m. Beltran, who had worked at the same restaurant about six months before, asked his former co-worker if he and a young man with him could use the restaurant's bathroom, deputies have said. The Taco Bell night manager, who also recognized Beltran, agreed the pair could come in. Beltran and his companion then fatally stabbed Brenden and left him in a walk-in freezer before assaulting the manager, who was able to lock himself in his office and call 9-1-1.

"(Insanity) was probably their only defense," Russ Tsukimura said. "It would have been difficult for them to prove (Beltran's) innocence based on that evidence." From Page 1A TO HELP surprise, given what appears Gloria G. Williams If Beltran's insanity plea fails, he faces life in prison without possibility of parole, Burlison said. If he's found to have been insane at the time of the killing, he faces an indefinite term in a state mental hospital instead of prison. Beltran will appear Aug.

31 before Monterey County Superior Court Judge Robert F. Moody to set a trial date on the insanity issue. Beltran's co-defendant, 18- year-old Gabriel Alcaraz, faces the same charges but did not admit to the offenses, Burlison said. Alcaraz will get a date for a preliminary hearing Aug. 31, Burlison said.

A third man wanted in connection with the slaying, Raul Marin Sandoval 19, is still at large. Bail, if he is ever arrested, is set at $1.5 million. Beltran's lawyer, Thomas Worthington, said his client admitted to the charges because it was unlikely evidence would show that he did not commit the crimes. The lawyer said he did not want to Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Raul Marin Sandoval Jr. is asked to call the Monterey County Sheriff's Office at 755-3722 or the sheriff's anonymous tip line at (888) 833-4847.

put Beltran's family through the unnecessary stress of a losing trial. "We expect that the evidence will show that he in fact committed the offenses," Worthington said. In the past three months, he said, Beltran has been examined by a forensic psychologist, a psychiatrist and a medical specialist who tested his brain activity. "All three of them have come to the conclusion that he was psychotic at the time of the offense," Worthington said. "It's a fairly longstanding condition." He said Beltran's psychosis had not been diagnosed before.

Russ Tsukimura, Brenden's father, said Beltran's plea is no Friends run from ride to ride later appearances. Some groups were out as early as 7 a.m. to prep their porkers for the big show at 3 p.m. "After all the work, the best part is seeing old friends and making new ones," said Julie Laughton, 15, of the Salinas High FFA. Laughton was a double winner Tuesday, having IF YOU GO WHAT: The 69th Annual Monterey County Fair I WHEN: Today through Sunday.

WHERE: Monterey County Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. TICKETS: $8 kids (younger than age 6 free). Today is Children's Day. Children under 12 admitted free. I PARKING: $8.

INFORMATION: www.montereycountyfair.com or call 372-5863. NEED A ROOF? COFFEY ROOFING 663-2269 Since 1970 Listed as Coffey Construction Roofing Reroof Specialists All Types, Free Estimates Contact Kimberly Chase at From Page 1A taken first in both the chapter groups' contest and the 210- to 219-pound weight division with her pig Gucci, a Yorkshire cross. In the carnival area, Daniela Jimenez, 11, of Castroville, joined her three sisters, Estela, 10, Jasmin, 7, and Gabby 4, in sprinting from ride to ride. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PREPARE INCOME TAXES FOR SENIORS Training Provided Sponsored by the ALLIANCE ON AGING, INC. Call For Details 831-646-1458 "The Sizzler (ride) is the best because it spins you real fast and makes you dizzy," Daniela said.

Whitehurst Muller Affordability The service you want at a cost that suits you. Simple and economical with no membership fee. Call us for more information or we can come to you. Traditional funeral service mortuary care from Direct Cremation $1,05800 Whitehurst Muller 831-424-2263 41 East Alisal Street Salinas, CA 93901 FD147 Marilyn Thomas, Chapel Director 24 Hour Service Serving all faiths. for services only, additional fees will apply.