As we go about our daily lives it is easy to forget we are secure today after more than 7,000 American soldiers gave their lives in the Global War on Terror.
Art Smith is hoping that a few people will pitch in on Friday, May 27, starting at 8 a.m. to help place 7,000 plus crosses at Woodward Park to prepare for this year’s Memorial Weekend Commemoration.
“Let’s show the Gold Star families that their loved ones will not be forgotten,” Smith said.
It is expected to take until about 2 p.m. to get all of the crosses in place. Smith said any time that you can donate will be greatly appreciated. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers.
You can contact Smith at apsmithjr@yahoo.com or by calling 209.482.5571.

How about a
9-foot high fence?
How would the City of Manteca handle this code violation: The building of a 9-foot fence between homes.
The San Joaquin County Planning Commission is considering a deviation application for a rural Tracy homeowner that put in a 9-foot side fence between their home and a neighbor when only a 7-foot high fence is allowed in a 40-acre minimum agricultural zone. It’s located on the east side of Banta Road some 2,500 feet south of 11th Street.
The county zoning allows for a 7-foot fence max without seeking a permit. The fence — made of redwood slats — has already been constructed. If the commission approves the request, the homeowner would have to obtain a building permit to make it legal. The maximum height via the permit process is 9 feet but such a fence must pass muster first with county planning officials.
The fence is is 385 feet long.
The county determined that granting the deviation isn’t detrimental to thee neighbor because the only view of the neighbor that is obstructed is the one they have of the applicant’s house.
The request reached the commission level because at least 10 other neighbors object to it.
Staff noted the applicant contends an ongoing dispute with the neighbor prompted the 9-fopot fence. Also, because their house is elevated, a 7-foot fence would not provide privacy.
Other neighbors object to the size saying it looks out of place as for law enforcement concerns, the South County Fire Authority had no problem with it and the sheriff’s department didn’t make any comments.
Manteca’s elected leaders earlier this year decreed all new and replacement fencing going forward cannot be higher than 6 feet. For a number of years the city allowed 7-foot high fences.