Pacheco High School

 

There are many features that Pacheco high school has. It has two  gymnasiums, a theatre which seats 380 people, a 17 lane pool, a library which features high tech research and online learning via a wireless network and Ipads. It also has a high tech fitness room called the X arcade which engages with video equipment such as, the use of a stationary bicycle that is attached to an interactive video screen allows a number of location trails to display such as the Appalachian or the Rockies. And finally Pacheco High has a gaming component where students are able to compete with a figure on the screen that require physical action. the faculty at Pacheco were happy to give me a tour of the school and  allowed me to take pictures

On August 16, 2010 Los Banos opened its doors to a new high school. Pacheco High School is the first new high school to open in  Los Banos in over 40 years. The high tech high school has four general “pathways” for students to follow as they prepare for their future.There’s the A-G college pathway which is a college prep approach that prepares students to enter a UC or CSU college program, a culinary arts pathway, an arts and media pathway and there is also an Ag-career pathway for those who intend to be involved in agriculture.

Written by Blanca Lafuente

Sixth Street Diner

     It was a rainy cool Tuesday afternoon, when Blanca, Christina, Greg, and I decided to go to the 6th Street Dinner located in downtown Los Banos off of the 152. It's sort of a "hole in the wall" but well worth the search. I looked around and noticed all the pictures and memorabilia hanging on the walls. The aroma of the food cooking filled the air, which only made me hungrier than I already was. Blanca arrived shortly after I had and ordered a lemonade. We noticed that the tables had advertisements for locally owned businesses. Greg shortly joined us ordered a coke, and Christina came in right after and ordered an iced tea. 

     We looked over the menu, but had a hard time deciding on what to order. The prices for the food were reasonable, especially for the generous portions. Blanca had decided to order the turkey sandwich with fries, Greg ordered the cheeseburger with sweet potato fries, Christina ordered the lasagna with a side of garlic bread, and ordered the classic club with fries. 

 

        It took a while for our food to be ready, but it was worth the wait. We had been warned the food was served in big portions, and I didn't believe it at first. When we got our food we were amazed at the sizes of the food. The meals were a treat for our eyes, noses and watering mouths. I tried to take a bite of my sandwich  but it was difficult. It was slightly dry but tasted good despite of it. The fries  were salt-less but it's great for those who are on a low-sodium diet. Neither one of us could finish our plate of food so we asked for boxes. Seeing neither one of us had any room for dessert, we decided not to order any. The food at the 6th Street Dinner was amazing. I would highly recommend for you to visit this restaurant. I hope to return soon, with a bigger appetite.

Written by Cristian Flores

Romero Visitors Center

       It was a fresh sunny Friday morning when I decided to go to the Romero Visitors Center located at the entrance of the Pacheco Pass off of 152.  It's a bit hard to find, so it really important to pay attention to the road signs. It is really close to the dam. If you had a stressful day or you've been driving too long and need a quiet place to relax, the Romero Visitors Center is the place to be. As soon I drove in I noticed the quietness of the place. I felt so relaxed. There was enough shade for those hot summer days. This place is not a place to relax, but also to learn. 

      When you go inside the building there are different exhibits on wildlife and dams. The information is not only on the local area but also all the dams in the valley and the wildlife around the dams. You have a chance to learn about how and when the dam was constructed. There is also exhibits on how dams work, and what types of dams exist in Claifornia. Other exhibits have the type of fish and animals that can be found in and around the resevoirs and in the deltas. There is also another exhibits that shows the tribes that used to around the reservoirs. 
     There are exhibits that show the time history for dam building and the reasons that lead to building the dams. When ever you have time to spare or just want to get away from the fast lane and take a little trip to the slow lane and visit the Romero Visitors Center.

Written by Cristian Flores

Los Banos Drug CO. (Rexall)

 When you first enter the Los Banos area, you might notice the same corporate stores that are found in nearly every city today. But in Los Banos there is a store on J street which continues to offer quick and friendly service, along with home cooked meals and an Old-fashioned soda fountain. Los Banos Drug Co, or “Rexall’s” is located at 601 Street in the downtown area across from Sixth Street Diner. Although the parking in that area is a little tricky, it is well worth the trip. Having opened in the 1930’s LB Co. still maintains the vintage appears inside and out. With it’s classic neon signs and homey appearance, it welcomes locals and visitors alike.

Stepping inside, I was surprised to see the the Lunch counter was full with a small line waiting patiently to enjoy the home cooked meals and old-fashioned drinks. Inside the store there is a “gift shop” section filled with memorabilia and interesting items you’d find at most pharmacies. The staff is friendly and helpful, the environment was down to earth and relaxing. Seeing as I’m used to corporate pharmacy’s like wal-mart or target I was happy to find out that LB Co. is a fully functioning pharmacy that also delivers and actually cares about it’s customers, whether it’s prescription or a medicinal concern. Having been open since the 1930’s it was amazing to find there is still some historic feel left in town. 

Korean War Memorial

The front gate sets the tone.  Government property: no sports, partisan gathering, any sort of damaging activities including pets outside the vehicle, boisterous activities, or firearms.  Open 8-5 daily.

Don’t hold up at the gate too long; there’s more to see.  There’s a line of pines down the center divider. Each one has their own plaque and at the end, a dedication stone to the California Submarine Veterans.

Following the road in to the right, there’s a prominent sign five feet from a basin of flowers.  The Blue Star Memorial gives tribute the Armed Forces.  Don’t stop yet; past the road sign and the 30 or so pines, there comes the stone wall.  This feels more like the entrance.

San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery

Through the stone wall, more pines, more plaques, here an (SSN-589) Scorpion.  Flagging down a grounds keeper, there’s a push to check the view from above, “Keep to the left and follow it up and around.”  Atop the hill, high above, the National flag overlooks the land.  There’s Santa Nella, the Reservoir, and Interstate 5 all in arms reach.

A walk around shows that there are two important aspects of the site: to honor our brethren in services past, and to have a resting place for the service men and women in arms.  Had there been a particular individual, the kiosk in the courtyard would search the database, print the information, and refer a location.  The area is paralleled between memorial plaques and the memorial park. 

The grounds are kept like a golf course: lush in color, well maintained, and for visits only.  Take time when visiting as there is much to be missed.  Next to the Administration building is a good place to start.  There are displays of contributions, works along the wall, plaques, and the memorials are kept nearby.

The memorial of the 2,495 men, inscribed on the stone walls, lost during the Korean War stands as a monument to their sacrifice.  War does not quite all.  So, the memorial stands for more.  Addressing the need for National Cemeteries, President Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 Gettysburg Address is on display.  Across the memorial, there is poetry, dedications, and symbolism, and if for nothing else, there is the view.



National Wildlife Refuge

I felt like I was in the jaws of Jurassic Park.  It’s a 5 mile car ride around the perimeter all covered by dirt and gravel.  The drive encircles a large binding fence.  For all I know, it is electrified; although, I ruled that out by the time of the interview.  Driving around, there were two pheasants playing on the gated side.  I took pictures from the car.  The hawk I say flew away when I snapped a picture.  This could have been the same hawk I snapped from the other side, less he flew in the other direction.  The Elks were always to the left.  Halfway around, we hit a fork in the road.  We kept to our circle and met the San Joaquin river basin.  There were spots to stop and fish.  One spot had handicap plaques, with cement walkways and iron railings leading to a fishery.  It was getting late in the evening and no one was fishing.  We were finishing the drive when we reached an observation point.  We got out and walked up the rail to the telescope.  My time was spent reading the boards of local wildlife, and then I peered into the telescope.  But I saw closer animals to the road.  We loaded the car and drove around to where we started, the wildlife refuge’ auto tour.

The day was late, and I didn’t give myself as much time needed, but there was far more than I could cover in a day.  I’d return for the visitor center, hiking trails, and the countless birds that will soon be migrating in.  Everything here is calm, serene!

Surrounding our community are the Federal Reserve’s, the state protected land, and countless duck clubs; all producing and protecting one of the richest and most diverse habitats.

With President Theodore Roosevelt’s love for the outdoors, and his role in conserving the diversity of wildlife with the National Park, many people today can still enjoy nature.

The Wild life preserve protects native wildlife that would otherwise go under with the plow.  The main exhibit of the auto tour, the Tule Elk, almost dropped off within the 1800’s if it wasn't for the preserves. 

The San Luis, San Joaquin preserve is home to many native birds and the resting grounds for many wintering birds.  With its 8,358 acres, these wetlands are home to many pintails, mallards, four types of geese, and the sandhill crane.  The fall and spring venues include the phalaropes, yellowlegs, dowitchers, long-billed curlews, black-bellied plovers, and white-faced ibis.  These birds, and the elk, can be visited by taking the auto tour guide into the wetlands.

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picture taken at the site: San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, Los Banos, Ca
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