Out with the old and in with the new; time to get a new cat calendar out and start 2009. </p><p>I am filled with a mix of eager anticipation, anxiety and melancholy, not to mention the emotions of trying to make at least a few of my New Year's resolution last longer than January. </p><p>I can tell I am getting more 'mature' because I am more filled with memory than expectation. The large blank canvas I was given at birth is filling in, but I have a few bright strokes still up my sleeve. On Dec. 28 the oldest man in America died at 112. I could have 42 more years to paint. Somehow that makes me feel better.</p><p>I can't go exploring this new year without giving 2008 some review. I think of those people who did so many great things, the times so memorable, the experiences that added up made this year great, and, at times, sad. </p><p>2008 brought new things, saw some things pass and also presented us with great challenges. 2009 will be a time for all of us to pull together as we have never pulled together before. And I know we can because Los Ba&#241;os is special.</p><p>So come walk with me while I consider the past year in some small measure.</p><p><b>No man is an island</b></p><p>Los Ba&#241;os is not just a plot of ground; its pulse is its citizens. Each unique person gives something to the total town. </p><p>This past year Los Ba&#241;os lost too many of its dear family; too many to list; too painful to recall. I have attended funerals for people of every age, some so painfully young that the mind is hard pressed to understand. Mothers, fathers, spouses, children, friends, we have all lost loved ones this year. </p><p>Our community has joined together over and over in grief, supporting each other through the hard times as families do. Tears flow, we mourn, we remember, and we try to live our life fuller in tribute to those we lost.</p><p>The birth of each new child brought hope and we all beam with pride. Marriages bring romance and promise and the beginning of new legacies. In our family, Lara's marriage to Bryan Olson was a real highlight of the year.</p><p>Graduations aided in the progress of the future; parents smiled, parties were held, diplomas dispersed, other doors opened. Happy moments. Our family is still proud of Amanda's graduating from Fresno State with honors and entering her masters program.</p><p>We have had happy and sad times, and they were interwoven in the days of our lives.</p><p><b>There but for the grace of God</b></p><p>Los Ba&#241;os helped to feed some of its growing homeless and those in need with its rescue mission. Now, temporarily at least, housed on Fourth Street where thousands of meals have been served. I am proud the city gave the mission a check for $25,000 to help get the mission on the road. Manna Ministries, housed at United Methodist Church, and supported by the services of many local churches, provides a warm and welcomed free meal and fellowship weekly. I know they are always happy to receive donations to help with this ongoing humanitarian project. Saint Vincent DePaul and Salvation Army both continued with their outreach, and if you are looking for places to donate your time or funds in this new year, I know they would be most happy to hear from you. </p><p>Once more the Kiwanis held their Community Christmas Eve Dinner, open to all and also delivers to shut-ins. This event is a huge undertaking, but to me, it is Los Ba&#241;os at its best. </p><p>The Los Ba&#241;os Volunteers for Animals spent endless hours last years helping animals less fortunate than your pet. With the increase in foreclosures, there has been a huge increase in the need for assistance; food, warm blankets, your time; all are needed. We are all God's creatures.</p><p><b>Celebrations</b></p><p>We sure know how to party and have a good time. We are one of the few small towns, or any size town, that still has two parades. May Day is as much a part of Los Ba&#241;os as your arm of leg is a part of your body. Our parade, the competitions, the displays, the sheer fun of living in a small town, the food, the music; what more can you wish for and its in our own backyard. We all get to have a mini-vacation each year without going anywhere. I know I don't cook that week. Santa Claus takes the time to visit with his parade every December. Thank you Chamber of Commerce. </p><p>We had our street faires, car shows, and great breakfasts thanks to Rotary. We had our wonderful 'Mother's Day in the Park' with bottomless pancakes thanks to the Kiwanis. </p><p>There was 'Relay For Life,' the 24-hour fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.</p><p>We had a wonderful success with 'Salute to Seniors,' which provided information, food and fun for our valued senior community. For Halloween, thanks to a community of churches, we had a spectacular celebration at Henry Miller Plaza, there were free games, prizes, food and a safe place for the entire family to go.</p><p><b>Come on a my house</b></p><p>Chili's and Target are big deals to me, and I sure am enjoying them and many of the other new business in town. Let's go out and support them so they will stay healthy in the new year. I do really miss some of the businesses we lost last year, some had been a part of Los Ba&#241;os for many years. Gone are Angelo's Shoes, Braelins, formerly Pernetti's Feed Store, Christa's Pets, Brandies, Las Margaritas and Sugar and Spice.</p><p>Our city is largely run on your retail tax dollars. It has become clearly evident recently that our city is facing financial hardship. When you spend your money out of town you are helping another cities budget. For every $100 spent here, $1 goes to our general fund. One dollar is not so much but multiply it with your neighbors' dollars and you can make a real difference. </p><p><b>The challenge</b></p><p>Los Ba&#241;os is being faced with a real challenge. The mayor and City Council and administration cannot do it all. The whole nation is faced with economic hardship. Let's show the nation we are different. Let us be a roll model of our community coming together for others to seek, to emulate. We can do this.</p><p>I have a plan for action called being part of the solution; supporting Los Ba&#241;os, which can involve all citizens, schools, churches, and service groups. Let's pull together and raise the funds as well as volunteer the hours. No blame; just get in the game. Every dollar and every hour can help. Feel empowered, not depressed; feel part of the solution and feel the excitement of not letting a situation manage you, but you managing the situation.</p><p>This is our city our home; our problem. Let's all come together to fix it. Now that is a New Year's resolution! Want to do it? It will take some time, some money, some effort, some coming together instead of arguing, but we can make a difference.</p><p>City Council, we will work with you; clubs, we will work with you; every citizen, and we can all work together and be part of the solution in 2009.</p><p>Let's reach out our hands and roll up our sleeves, and get this show on the road. Happy New Year, and until next time, may all your news be good news.