Sneezing bees on television will tell you, allergy season is here. Ah-choo! Our famous wind is having a rollicking good time and hair spray sales must be going through the roof. I know that we are not the only ones to lose part of a tree, but that same breeze that sometimes causes minor havoc, also helps to give us cool evenings on these hot summer nights. Summer begins Satuday. Summer is here, get ready to rock 'n' roll, or sweat and stroll, whatever works for you.</p><p><b>Relay for Life continues to give hope and inspiration</b></p><p>The American Cancer Society held its annual 24-hour event the weekend of June 7-8 and once more raised much needed funds, awareness and hope. I personally know how much work goes into putting on this event, so kudos to all. A special tribute to my good friends of many years, DJ Barcellos, who must have a clone making machine for she is everywhere, and ever ready energized bunny, Cookie Rendon. Proof positive that if you want something done, give it to a busy woman. Proud to know both of you.</p><p><b>Birthday balloon </b></p><p>When a stadium is named after your father, and your mother taught half the community, and both were beloved by all, life can be a real challenge. I have known John Loftin for years, and seen him really grow into himself. I like him, so I was glad to hear what a great time he had on his 64th birthday, celebrating it in Las Vegas with his daughter Joanie and her friend, Rosa.</p><p>Happy June birthdays to Martha Garcia, Nancy Barcellos, Georgeann Furtado, Jennifer King, Sara Silva, Julie Souza, Steve Toms, Bonnie Cobarruvias and Danny Foxworthy,</p><p><b>Arts Council offer entertainment</b></p><p>Thanks to the hard working members of the Los Ba&#241;os Arts Council. We have a lot of musical treats coming our way. On July 12 (my Ron's birthday) the Blue Cheese Blues band will perform at 7 p.m. It sounds like you will be in for a fun time. An extra bonus is that the leader of the band, Dennis Calvino, is a native of Los Ba&#241;os. Tickets are just $15, call Gary at 826-0489.</p><p><b>In honor of Frank Cambra </b></p><p>That, for many of you, is all I need to say. Frank, who left us all way too soon, left his mark on the hearts of Los Ba&#241;os. Joe Barcellos tells me that the Los Ba&#241;os Boys Basketball program is putting on a fundraiser June 27 to benefit the Frank Cambra Memorial Scholarship. For just $20 you get a dinner that includes a tri tip, chicken, and rib platter (Yup. You get all three!) topped off with rice, salad, roll, and dessert. All of the food is being donated, prepared, and served by Ryan's restaurant. Thank you Ryan's. The evening will also include a raffle, silent, and live auction. The location is the Los Ba&#241;os High School multi purpose room. To get your tickets call Joe at 769-1874 or Lena Gutierrez at 675-0602. Frank was a wonderful, sensitive man and I hope you will all come out and honor his memory.</p><p><b>Chamber news</b></p><p>This month's Chamber of Commerce Mixer is set for June 19 from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at wonderful Cecilia's Market. Congratulations to the Chambers' new board; President Geneva Brett, First VP John Whala, Second VP Dianne Hambley, Third VP Kathy Ballard, Secretary Jeni Brazil, and treasurer Tara Brennan. </p><p><b>This and that</b></p><p>Happy retirement wishes to eloquent John Spevak, who has done so much for the students of Los Ba&#241;os. May his days all be healthy and happy.</p><p>Congratulations to my friend and super volunteer, Shirley Napolitano, on being recognized as Alumnae of the Year by Merced College. I am fortunate to work with her on various projects and know her level of dedication to anything she is involved with.</p><p>A group of us went to try out our newest Barbecue restaurant Country Cow on Pacheco Boulevard; they give you tons of food. Lets' go out and support our new restaurants, they need us, and we want them all to be successful. Good rule. Keep your tax dollars here where they work for you. Joining me were Vickie Medrano, Cathy Bertao, Mary Glenn, Diana Pfitzer, Pegg Eyerman, Marlene Salha, Cookie Rendon, Patty Alderete and darling Doris Carlucci.</p><p>I Had a nice small surprise celebration for Lara's 40th birthday at Olinda's, who always spoil us. Lara's friend from junior high school, Julie Tippets drove down from Vacaville to surprise her along with Angie Jones, Hester Stiers, Debbie Stevenson, Marcy Fahey, DJ Barcellos, daughters Amanda Gonzales, and Jessica McPherson, and her adopted sister, Helene Mitchell.</p><p><b>Anniversary bells</b></p><p>Happy 60th wedding anniversary to Jim and Annette Cook. Their big day was June13.</p><p>Dave and Yvonne Eagleton anniversary is June 18. Happy anniversary to Jim and Sue Cardoza (I still want your car, Sue).</p><p><b>Alzheimer's update</b></p><p>Just a gentle reminder that the Los Ba&#241;os Alzheimer Support Group meets Wednesday, June 18 at noon at Country Waffles located on Pacheco Boulevard. For more information, call me at 827-0667.</p><p><b>Fitting tribute</b></p><p>Being part of the services for Virginia Contreras was a real honor for me; standing behind the podium gives you a different perspective. One moment you are sitting among the friends and relatives, sharing their grief; next you are standing before them trying to give comfort and make some sense of such a painful moment. Joining me speaking before the reciting of the Rosary were The Rev. Berry (I always want hug him, he is so sweet), Bobby Contreras, Kim Hartsoch of the perfect cheekbones, and a great reading from Virginia's grandson, David Mitchell who did a wonderful job. I am very proud of you David. It was a perfect tribute to a wonderful woman.</p><p><b>The value of no</b></p><p>Part of our family celebration for Lara's birthday was the reading of 40 Reasons We Love Our Mother/Daughter. It was a labor of love for all of us, but one of the things that Jessica listed really impacted me. "Mom says no and sticks to it." Not the kind of wisdom you might expect to hear from a ten-year-old girl. But being able to say no fairly is a real requirement of being a good parent, and few children realize that limitations are good. They keep us safe, healthy, help us to learn, and make us better people. None of us can do whatever we want, whenever we want. Think of it, if everyone drove as fast as they wanted, ate all they wanted until they burst, didn't balance their checkbook to know that, no, they could not afford the BMW. Think of the chaos without the word no. No has become a four-letter word and deserves some positive PR. In city government, as well as in Washington, No is often a word that needs to be said. Use the word wisely, but don't be afraid of it either, so when the time is right, say yes to no, and until next time, may all your news be good news.