The Californian from Salinas, California • 5

CMfornfan Tuesday, November 16, 2010 NEWS REPORT Continued from page 1A Among White's 53 recommendations in the report: Increase general fund reserves, as Salinas had the lowest reserves when compared to 19 similar cities, including Tracy, Visalia and Santa Maria. Complete a five-year budget forecast and assess the effect of the loss of a 12-cent sales tax when Measure expires in 2015. Explore increasing the hotel room tax from lf percent to 13 percent and use the revenue to invest in the city's tourism potential. According to the report, higher Transient and Occupancy Tax would be consistent with cities along Highway 101 between Salinas and San Francisco. Revamp neighborhood services and encourage volunteerism.

Reduce and combine council committees, boards and commissions. Mirroring other cities, create a deputy city manager position to oversee human resources, special assignments and environmental maintenance. Combine Parks and Community, Animal Services, and Library departments to form the new Community Services Department. Develop and implement a retail retention work plan by early 2011. Create an Office of Economic DevelopmentRedevelopment.

Establish a more open process in developing the budget to include more staff input. Complete a citywide cost study of existing fees. Structural review The review of Salinas' government structure began in July, two months after the City Council unanimously approved a framework for department consolidations and other underway and its findings and recommendations may differ from White's report. Donohue said Monday he fully expects an extensive discussion to follow the review's findings and recommendations. "The report may unleash a Pandora's Box of everybody's issue and point of view.

All good. All he said. The mayor added that residents need to consider that Salinas is not the only city hurting from the economic downturn and that its problems did not come overnight. Following the review's findings and recommendations, however, would place the city on a more solid financial ground than other struggling cities, he said. "Over time, we should be optimistic," he said, "that if we do our job right and properly reset the city, better days are ahead for the city as an institution." efficiency methods crafted by the Blue Ribbon Budget Review Committee.

The Blue Ribbon panel was created earlier this year to help put city government on a path to greater efficiency. Salinas grappled with a $12.3 million budget hole this summer. The Blue Ribbon panel and the city agreed to hire a third party to develop a restructuring plan that would be implemented in 2011. When compared, the panel report and White's report agreed in many of their findings and recommendations, including merging various departments as a long-term solution. Other similarities include working with employee groups in reducing special pay, such as higher salaries for academic degrees, freezing step salary increases, and offering "two to three years of fully paid health insurance or equivalent cash payment to encour age retirements or departures that would then allow deletion of those vacated positions." Some differences But some recommendations differ.

The Blue Ribbon committee had proposed reducing management positions citywide and consolidating the Finance and Human Resources. White's review, however, found that instead of a merger, the Finance Department should be renamed the Administrative Services Department and keep Human Resources under the City Manager's Office. White also found that the city does not have "too many managers" that its percentage of supervisors and managers is near the median of the 19 cities Salinas was compared to in the review. "In downsizing there can be an overemphasis on reducing the number of managers," the report says. "Be careful what you wish for it can be argued that it is even more critical to have effective managers with exceptional people skills to redesign functions, streamline processes and achieve high performance with fewer staff." White's review also examined the cost of addressing Salinas' gang violence problem.

The cost of public safety services looms over the city since it represents two-thirds of the city's general fund operating budget. The report recommended the city look into cost reductions, such as adding non-sworn positions in lieu of sworn police officers wherever possible and investing in programs that would mitigate the future need for sworn employees. The report, however, also took into consideration that a Peace Officer's Standards and Training, or POST, analysis of the Police Department is BILLS THAT MAY COME UP IN THE LAME-DUCK CONGRESS CONGRESS Continued from page 1 A For the more than 100 rookies dining and orienting around campus, there was no starker lesson than the spectacle of Rep. Charles Rangel, a once-mighty committee chairman now facing ethics charges four decades after his arrival was supposed to herald the shake-up of an old, corrupt political order. "My reputation 50 years of public service! has to suffer," the New York Democrat cried out before stalking out of his ethics trial.

There were plenty of "Phase One, Nov. 2010. Complete," read one sign. "Phase Two. Nov.

2012. We are watching you." Acutely aware of that, longtime lawmakers began to let change flow through the corridors of power, already heavy with the cold-weather scent of fireplaces ablaze in the Capitol's grand parlors. President Barack Obama, just back from a 10-day trip to the other side of the globe, said he would be ready to talk policy when the Republicans were finished celebrating. He said of his upcoming meeting with congressional leaders: "I'm sure it will be very relaxing." other lessons, pedestrian as well as profound for the new folks: not only how to be an employer, a first for some of them, and how to avoid Washington's ethical traps, but also where to eat, how to vote, how to get to the subway beneath the Capitol, even which elevators to use. As for politics in case any politicians had missed the message of the Nov.

2 elections triumphant conservative activists, many of them tea partiers, rallied on the Capitol lawn with signs urging Congress to heed their call for smaller government and greater accountability. cut in Medicare reimbursements if Congress does not act to postpone cuts mandated in a 1997 law. Cays in the military. A defense spending bill has been held up in the Senate by COP opposition to a provision overturning the policy banning openly gay people from serving. Tax extensions.

Popular tax breaks covering such areas as state and local sales taxes, college tuition, research and development have expired. Relief from the alternative minimum tax must also could be considered. Nuclear weapons. The Obama administration is seeking a Senate vote to ratify a START treaty with Russia. Social Security.

Democrats support a $250 benefit for seniors not getting a Social Security COLA raise next year. Unemployment benefits. Democrats want to extend beyond Nov. 30 a program providing benefits for the long-term unemployed. Food safety.

The Senate could take up a bill giving the Food and Drug Administration greater regulatory authority over food safety. Child nutrition. A bill pro viding for healthier school lunches awaits House action. Major legislation that could be considered in the lame-duck session of Congress: Tax cuts. Bush-era tax cuts expire at the end of the year.

President Barack Obama wants to make permanent those cuts affecting couples earning $250,000 or less a year. Republicans want all the cuts to be made permanent. Spending bills. Congress hasn't passed any of the 12 annual spending bills to run the government in the fiscal year that began Oct 1. One option is to pass a stopgap measure postponing final action until next year.

Medicare physician pay ments. Doctors face a sharp OBITUARIES SALINAS ALPINE DEATH NOTICES Ji Alvarez, Maria E. 77, Gonzales, Nov. 12, 2010, Healey Mortuary Crematory www.healeymortuary.com Ferguson, R. Fred 85, Alpine, Sept.

12, 2010 Fry, Alberta 85, Salinas, Nov. 2, 2010 Taganas, Alfredo 90, Salinas, Nov. 12, 2010, Struve and Laporte Funeral Home www.struveandlaporte.com Torres, Sixto H. 79, Salinas, Nov. 12, 2010, Healey Mortuary Crematory www.healeymortuary.com iL Torres Enrique (Josefina) Torres, Romeo and Mario Torres, Jaime (Cecilia) Torres, all of Salinas, and Moises (Isabel) Torres of Texas; sisters, Elia Torres and Margarita Castillo; brothers, Jose, Juan, Leopoldo, and Filiberto Torres; 23 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Jorge A. Padilla. Visitation will be held today, Nov. 16, from 1 to 9 p.m. with Rosary Recital at 7 p.m.

at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 10 a.m.

at St. Mary of the Nativity Church, 424 Towt Salinas. Final Resting Place Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Salinas, Calif. 93907. Arrangements by Healey Mortuary Crematory, www.

healeymortuary.com SALINAS R. Fred Ferguson R. Fred Ferguson, former Salinas Police Chief (1977-1986), passed away Sept. 12, 2010, in Alpine, Calif. Fred was born July 27, 1925, in Redondo Beach and learned to swim at an early age.

Swimming was a joy for him all of his life. At Washington High School in Los Angeles he discovered a new interest, in theatrical makeup. That's how he met Marilu, when he came to her school to make up her Glee Club as Japanese ladies for the opera "The Sixto Torres Sixto H. Torres, 79, of Salinas, passed away Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, in Salinas.

He was born Aug. 5, 1931, in San Luis Potosi, Mexico and had resided in Salinas for the past 40 years. He was a retired farm worker. He is survived by his wife Elida Torres of Salinas; daughters, Celina (Ariel) Padilla and Elida (Ramon) Valenzuela, all of Salinas; sons, Sixto (Imelda) Mikado That began a special relationship tor them that lasted a lifetime. After graduation in 1943, Fred joined the U.S.

Navy for 2 12 years, aboard the aircraft carrier, MILITARY SERVICE The Salinas Californian designates obituaries of military veterans with a flag to honor them for their service. SALINAS Alberta Fry Alberta (Pretty Girl) Fry, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 2, 20 1 0, peacefully with her famly at her side. She was born Feb. 15, 1925 in Salinas and grew up in Santa Rita.

She was the daughter of Alfonso and Ida Duckworth Brune. She is survived by her brother, Chester (Smokey) Brune of San Francisco; daughters, Barbara (Melvyn) Southworth of Prunedale and Carole (Albert) Absher of Chowchilla; six grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was proceded in death by her husband, Stanley and son, Philip. Missed an Obituary? Goto Legacy.com to locate it the USS Cowpens, servicing the torpedoes tor the planes that flew over the Pacific and Japan during WWII. His last six months before discharge were as a Navy fireman on Terminal Island, San Pedro.

And in June of 1946, he and Marilu were married at the Figueroa Christian Church in Los Angeles. They built their first home in Lynwood, doing much of the work themselves, and Fred became a Lynwood Police Officer on July 1, 1950. The next seven years he served the Department as a Patrol Officer, Juvenile Officer, Detective and Sergeant. Continuing to live in Lynwood, Fred spent the following four years serving the Downey Police first as a Sergeant and then as a Lieutenant. In 1962 he was hired by Covina's City Council as their Police Chief.

They made it possible for him to earn his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from USC, and he developed many innovative, progressive police programs for his officers, which benefitted them and the community. After ten years in Covina, Fred became Chief of the Riverside Police Dept. for five years. He worked with an outstanding group of officers, as he'd had in Covina, but the political climate there was difficult, and he moved on to become Salinas' Chief in 1977. Again, a supportive City Council, City Manager and outstanding Police Officers made it possible to implement beneficial programs for the Salinas citizens and community.

He retired after nine years in 1986, at the age of 61 All in all, 35 years in law enforcement, with 24 of them as Chief. And over the retirement years, he received many letters from his former officers, telling him what he, personally, and his leadership meant to them. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilu (Compton); two daughters and sons-in-law, Perry Lynn and Terry Smith of San Clemente, and Sunny and Sean Barrett of El Cajon; four grandchildren, Ryan (and Nicole) Miller of Huntington Beach and Scott Miller of San Clemente, Courtney Barrett of El Cajon and Kelsey Barrett of New York; and two great-grandsons, Oliver and Beckett Miller of Huntington Beach. Celebration of Life was held for Fred at the family home in El Cajon on Sept. 25, with Interment following on Nov.

2. at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, San Diego. On Sunday, Nov. 14, a second Celebration of Life was held for him by friends in Salinas.

For those who would care to, charitable donations may be made in Fred's name to the Alzheimer's Assn. for Research, co Alpine View Lodge, 973 Arnold Way, Alpine, Calif. 91901. GONZALES Alfredo Reginaldo Taganas Alfredo R. Taganas, 90, passed away Friday, Nov.

12, 2010, at his home surrounded by family. Alfredo was born Jan. 1, 1920, in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946 and retired after 21 years of service, settling in Salinas in 1967.

After 15 years of employment as a Lead Cook at Natividad Medical Center, Alfredo enjoyed a second retirement. He was a member of Madonna del Sasso Parish, Angela's Angels, The Filipino American Association, and The Laoaguenian Association. Alfredo was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, and ballroom dancing. He was also an avid fan of TV wrestling and boxing.

Other favorite past times were weekly bingo games and family poker nights. Alfredo cherished family gatherings, especially with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He also loved sharing stories of his Navy adventures. "Al" as he was known by many friends, will be remembered for his cheerful and friendly personality and his great sense of humor. He is survived by his wife Brigida of 67 years; daughter, Florence Lee of Salinas; son, Danny Taganas of Milpitas; daughter, Nanci (Bill) Hatter of Prunedale; daughter-in-law, Marcy Taganas of Salinas; sister, Jenny (Rudy) Ochale of Salinas; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Luisa Taganas; son, Willie Taganas, and sister, Estrella Domingo. The Taganas Family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care he received from the staff at DaVita Dialysis Center, the Ridge Rehabilitation Center, Pacific Coast Care Center, Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, Alliance Home Care, and Touch A Life. We appreciate all the special attention given to Alfredo during his illness. Thank you to all for your kind support and thoughtfulness. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov.

16, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 17, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

at Struve Laporte Chapel, 41 W. San Luis Salinas, Calif. 93901. Rosary and Eulogy will be held Wednesday, Nov. 1 7 at 7 p.m.

at Struve Laporte Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Thursday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. at Madonna del Sasso Parish, 320 E. Laurel Salinas.

Graveside service will follow at Queen of Heaven, 18200 Damian Way, Prunedale. Funeral arrangements by Struve and Laporte Funeral Home. Online condolences to www.struveandlaporte.com p. K'f 1 Mil Maria E. Alvarez Maria E.

Alvarez, 77, of Gonzales, passed away Friday, Nov. 12, 2010, in Salinas. She was born July 18,1933 in Jalisco, Mexico. She is survived by daughters, Martha Flores, Maria Elena Delgado, Beatrice Camacho, Veronica Aragon, Lilia Salazar, Anna Alvarez; sons, Alfredo, Javier, Juan and Oscar Alvarez; 27 grandchildren; 1 1 great-grandchildren; sister, Aurora Flores; and brother, Ruben Flores. She was preceded in death by her husband, Prisciliano Alvarez in Dec.

2007. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 1 7, from 1 to 9 with Rosary Recital at 7 p.m. at Healey Mortuary, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas.

Funeral Mass: Thursday, Nov, 18 at 10 a.m. at Cristo Rcy Catholic Church, 240 Calle Ctbu in Salinas. Final Resting Place at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 850 Abbott Salinas, Calif. 93901. Arrangements by: Healey Mortuary Crematory, www.

healeymorruary.com Invite family and friends from across the country to sign the guest book at Legacy.com BIGM UP FOR TEXT RLERT5 TODFiy RT UUU.THECHLIFORr-IIHr-I.COn.TEXTrT.E.