Mission 9: Passin' the Torch

Well we have come full circle and it is almost time for the next generation of super heroes to take over. Gotta say this super hero is going to miss savin' Modesto's butt. The holidays are approaching and I can see a new crisis on the horizon. Lots of people in our own backyard are experiencing this problem and it's making an impact on the citizenry's quality of life. What can it be you ask? It's simple, but devastating...... hunger. 

Think this is someone else's problem? Can't possibly affect us locally? How's this for local?
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Stanislaus University sees a need for a food pantry on campus

By: Rocio Luna

Issue date: 9/29/10 Section: News

 

Due to the overwhelming results of a survey of students in March of 2010, Associated Students, Inc. and the Hunger Network club have decided to open a campus food pantry service. 

732 male and female students participated in the survey. A primary purpose of the survey was to find out how many students forgo meals due to lack of money. The results were alarming. 

The majority of affected individuals are full-time, off campus students living in Turlock. Since the majority are full-time students, it is harder for them to manage a full-time job that would help them pay for food. 

The survey asked the students if they had ever gone without a meal for a day because money was an issue: 44.2% of the students responded yes and 55.8% responded no. However, when they were asked if they knew someone that had gone without a meal a day because of the lack of money, 56.1% said yes. 

These shocking answers were of great concern to new ASI President Inner Pahal. Pahal talked to some of his colleagues about this situation and eventually mentioned it to Christian Duran, former president of the Hunger Network club at California State University, Stanislaus. When Pahal met with them to tell them about the food pantry project, they took the lead. 

Duran said: "We have received three emails of students in desperate need of food. One of the students said that he was thinking of going back home because he could no longer afford to buy food and the other things; the other two were in a very desperate need of it." 

The Hunger Network, in preparing to open the food pantry, has had to do a lot of research. According to Duran, last summer the organization visited the CSU, Fresno food pantry in order to ask questions, see how they run, and see what kind of other services they offer. Unlike the Bulldog Food Pantry of Fresno State, the CSU, Stanislaus food pantry will be the first one to be located on campus on any public institution. 

The location of the food pantry has not yet been confirmed, but Hunger Network is working hard to get approval to use a room inside the Student Services Office. The club is also waiting for a business letter approval, the approval from the school's 501(c) (3) code, and the confirmation of the location to start this program. 

Duran mentioned that if everything goes well, the food pantry may open Spring 2011

"We want to start little by little. We want to start with about thirty students and we'll go from there depending on the turn out," Duran said. 

There are elements of the program yet to be worked out. But what is certain is that many people, including faculty and members of the community, are offering their assistance with this project. Donations to the food pantry will be accepted from anyone. They prefer monetary donations to buy more food at a local food bank. However, they will not turn their backs on canned or any other types of donated food.

This isn't a new problem for Modesto.....the city's people have been hungry for some time


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Modesto, Calif., food bank steps up efforts to assist needy

Nov 24, 2008 (The Modesto Bee - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
With a faltering economy pushing demand up and donations down, Inter-Faith Ministries food bank is extending its effort to collect donations for needy families this holiday season.

Inter-Faith Ministries hopes to keep its food drive going through Christmas, said executive director Lynis Chaffey. The drive originally was scheduled to end Sunday.

While no hard numbers were available Sunday, Chaffey said donations seem to be down. Meanwhile, demand is escalating daily. At Inter-Faith Ministries' Kerr Avenue food pantry, more than 100 people a day have been lining up to receive free groceries. In past years, the pantry has served about 60 or 70 people a day, said Chaffey
To help meet that demand, Inter-Faith launched its first-ever "Can Do" food drive this year, setting up donation barrels for canned goods and other nonperishable food items at several grocery stores and U.S. Bank branches.

Results were mixed. At Trader Joe's, the barrels were removed after two weeks because people dropped more trash than food into the donation bins, said store supervisor Steve Galvez.

"You can really tell that people are -- no matter what type of income level -- they're watching their pennies," said Jerome Newton, the assistant store manager at O'Brien's Market in Riverbank. "We've had some donations, but nothing like we would have hoped to see for them."

Other drop-off locations reported better results.
"Our barrels are doing great," said Terri Jacobs, manager of Grocery Outlet on Prescott Road. Jacobs said donations seem steady, with one of the store's employees pitching in $100 worth of food toward the effort.

Chaffey said some larger-scale donations are helping fill part of the giving gap. A partnership with Weight Watchers yielded about 1,200 pounds of food and students at Central Catholic High School gathered close to 2,000 pounds. Foster Farms donated 400 frozen turkeys that will be distributed to needy families for Thanksgiving dinners.

Even with those contributions, Chaffey said meeting the needs of everyone who needs help this year will be difficult. Inter-Faith Ministries has seen a marked increase in the number of first-time users of its charitable services -- a sign that economic woes are reaching into more and more families' pocketbooks, said Chaffey.

Last month, about 35 percent of Inter-Faith Ministries' clients had never sought services from the agency before.

"That's a huge number of people that have never faced unemployment and never faced not having enough money to pay for food," said Chaffey. "I think with the holidays, things will become more difficult. There will be increases in utility expenses and increases in job uncertainty."

Hunger affects the whole nation...

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New USDA Report: National Hunger Reaches Record High

BY POPPY PEMBROKE, ON NOVEMBER 15TH, 2010

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service (USDA) reported today that more than 50 million Americans, including more than 17 million children, are food insecure – meaning they lack consistent access to a nutritious, well-balanced diet. The findings are based on data collected by the government in December, 2009.

The report, Household Food Insecurity in the United States, is a sobering snapshot of the pervasiveness of hunger in our nation.   The report shows that child hunger remains critically high. Nearly 1 in 4 children was at risk of hunger in 2009.

This report is based on data from the December 2009 food security survey which provides the most recent statistics on the food security of U.S. households, how much households spent on food, and the extent to which food insecure households participated in federal and community food assistance programs.

Key Highlights:

• In 2009, 50.2 million (16.6%) Americans lived in food insecure households.
• In 2009, 17.4 million (14.7 %) American households were food insecure.
• In 2009, 8.4 million (21.3%) households with children were living in food insecure households.
• In 2009, 17.2 million (23.2%) children were living in food insecure households.
• In 2009, 2.2 million (7.5%) households with seniors were living in food insecure households.
• In 2009, 884,000 (7.8%) seniors living alone were living in food insecure households.

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Learn:Now that we know a little bit about this livability issue, what can we do to educate ourselves about hunger issues? How have others made themselves more aware?

Act: My days as a super hero have come to a close and I leave it to you, future super hero types, to discover new ways to assist Modesto's hungry. Go out and discover:What solutions exist? How have people extended a helping hand?  

How has Modesto came together to address the issue?

Imagine: Ok super heroes, go test those newly discovered super hero powers to help Modesto's hungry. Be as creative as you want to solve the problem and make people more aware of the issue!

Mission 8: What Happened to Culture?

Corrupt Angel Investigates:  Hey this super hero isn't uncultured!! I enjoy all forms of the arts and am a HUGE believer that the Arts are beneficial for making a well rounded, happy, productive society. Modesto is full of cultural expression......IF you know where to find it, that is. Sadly, much of the events that would be considered culturally beneficial are not available in the areas that need it the most, or cost too much for many who need it. Anyone remember the International Fest that happened annually out at Graceada Park? That was always fun and something that was educational and FREE. I was looking forward to it this year and when this super hero got all fueled up with excitement in its anticipation, that excitement quickly turned to disappointment. That's right.....no International Fest!!! No money = no festival. :(   Now to find other ways to get cultured.......


Act: My search for everything and anything cultured was long and cumbersome. Lets just say this super hero's wallet quickly becomes a problem. I thought "Hey I'll get some culture by seeing a show at the Gallo Arts Center". That didn't pan out.....live theatre in such a classy venue costs some major dough. So I settled for something I'm familiar with......going out and seeing the work of some local artists in some of the downtown galleries. I headed out to the Mistlin Gallery and (my favorite) The Chartreuse Muse (that name alone is awesome!). Seeing local artists inspires me and I can drag my boyfriend along to show him what other artists are doing. Lets just say I really recommend seeing the work at The Chartreuse Muse....its BEAUTIFUL. My alter-ego was even inspired to pick up watercolors again.


Imagine: This super hero says that the downtown free art walk is an excellent idea that should happen more often and should partner with schools. Secondly, the International Festival needs to come back. Every year that I went it was always a fun experience and I noticed that this festival might be one of the only ways that many under-privileged children are exposed to art and other cultures. Well, I'm going to use my super duper mind warp to get plenty of money to advertise more for the Art Walk and fund the International Festival. I will also organize with local schools to make an art activity and culture field trip day for all schools, so that they can experience the Arts and other cultures at a young age.........


five years later..... The Art Activity and Culture Day has become a huge hit with parents and kids throughout Modesto. Students are even participating in the Art Walks and International Festival and have become inspired to create their own artwork. Modesto now embraces all cultures and has made the International Festival a well-organized, city-wide event. 


Here is another awesome comic documenting my efforts to give Modesto a big dose of culture:

Mission 7: Time for Some DodgeBall

Corrupt Angel Investigates: I remember the good ol' days full of relaxation, fun, and games. Sigh.....what happened to those days? Oh yeah adulthood happened. While I was off daydreaming about the past, I decided to research the state of Modesto's leisure activities. Sadly, many of the after school programs that filled my childhood afternoons with fun are gone. What are our children to do with their downtime? Better yet, what are us adults (ahem....and super heroes) going to do when we have a minute to ourselves?!?!? The economy is in shambles and many can't afford your typical means of having fun.

Act: Hey I've decided that this super hero needs a break! You know what i looooved to play as a kid? DODGEBALL!!!! I know, I know many of you are probably thinking "What?!?! dodgeball is horrible!" No one likes to get slammed in the head with those oversized, red, rubber balls. Well the child that would be Corrupt Angel loved it! Call me aggressive or overly-competitive, but nothing said fun more than nailing someone with a ball. Muahahahaha!!! So now how do we get Modesto into dodgeball?

Imagine: This super hero says Modesto needs the largest dodgeball game in history! I will use my mind warp to get the guys in charge to close down a street downtown. Let the madness and fun that is dodgeball ensue!!!

We will all get out that aggression, blow off some steam, get some much needed exercise, and, most importantly,......have FUN! Embrace your inner-child and play DODGEBALL!!! (there's a lot of caps-lock going on in this post......I do apologize, but dodgeball gets me excited. All those caps are like me yelling in excitement. YAY!!!!)

Mission 6: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!

Corrupt Angel Investigates: This super hero is all too familiar with the non-driving commute. You see my non-super hero power self doesn't drive. Never has learned. Don't judge.......believe me I have pestered her for years. You think I want to hoof it everywhere or take the bus!? But, she reminds me that it's good for the environment and our health to not rely on cars for everything. So, if any of you loyal readers wish to know what it's like to go car-less here in good ol' Modesto just ask.....I'm all too familiar with the public transportation system.

Act: Here's a few rules to follow if you want to travel by bus here in town: 1) Plan everything way ahead of schedule. The buses here, though they do run on an bi-hourly or hourly basis, they are always late. So plan to leave your house at least 2 hours ahead of schedule 2) Be prepared to walk.....a lot. The bus routes, unfortunately, do not cover a great percentage of the city. 3) If your'e planning to travel outside of the Modesto area by bus......be prepared for frustration. Within the close proximity of Modesto (such as Turlock, Ceres, etc.) there are transferable buses, but they aren't as frequent or as reliable. Anything further than within the county......all I have to say is good luck! 4) the buses are very restricted as far as hours of operation are concerned. The buses, at the earliest, run at 6:15 and stop running at 7:45 pm, so if you need to get anywhere real early in the day or real late at night your best bet is to just forget about using the bus!, and lastly 5) You may experience some of the less desirable parts of Modesto's population because, let's face it, sometimes shady people ride the bus and you're not always as safe as you feel in the comfort of your own car.

     Now as far as proposed plans for light rails and trains that would connect Modesto to the rest of California, it's always been a rumor floating around out there. The fact is, all proposed efforts would be costly and would take years to complete. Positives are that a completed connection to railways within California might bring business to Modesto and offer opportunities to people who previously never considered the option of commuting to work. 

Imagine: Ok, Modestans here is what we need: a more reliable bus system, less crowded freeways, more bike and pedestrian walkways, and public transportation that connects all of California. Not asking for much, right? I know, I know all that is going to take years and billions of dollars easily. First off people should be given more incentives to try alternative means of commuting to work and school. Perhaps employers should give bonuses to workers who participate in carpools and commuting via automobile-less means. Hey that's just me offering my two cents.....people like money, people will do things they normally wouldn't if offered a little incentive..... viola......instantly less cars on the road!
     Now how can I use my awesome powers to get this ball rolling? Hmmmm.....sounds like we need some cash support fast. Time for a lil trusty mind warp action! I shall give a little push to those with the extra cash to donate to the cause......believe me they will see this as positive. It's not like I'm totally forcing them (cough-cough people have accused my mind warping skills of opening up the philanthropic pockets of the wealthy as being communist.......pssssh) Well if we have tons of cash lying about then we can make better buses, more effective routes, and extended hours of operation. Now for that light rail. How awesome would it be if we could hop on a train and go to San Francisco or LA right here from downtown Modesto!? With the rest of the cash we will build a downtown hub where you can catch a bus or train and start the building of a light rail connection to the Bay Area!
Here's a public transportation system Modesto should model itself after!


     After 5 long years of construction the downtown transportation hub is fully operational with more buses and extended routes. Now the buses cover virtually all of Modesto and the surrounding areas and run into the night. The best part is that the ground-breaking for the light rail is finally underway! The proposed station is under construction downtown right alongside the bus station and tracks are being constructed leading out of Modesto alongside Highway 99. I've been devoting lots of man hours myself in this project because I never want to have to worry about how I'm going to get around without a car!!
     WOW! A quarter of a century and lots and lots of cash later Modesto has one of the most thriving transportation centers in the state. Hardly anyone drives now and people are using public transportation more than ever. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant community with more businesses and money thanks to the light rail and the economic opportunities it has brought to the town.


Ok so Chani did some drawing this weekend between studying, walking about at the Architecture Festival, and volunteering to teach art to kids.....Here's a nifty little sketch she did on the back of a postcard while inspired by Modesto's commuting woes:

and here's the comic capturing my awesomeness!:

Mission 5: A Long, Slow Recovery

Let me just start off this week's super hero adventure with a rant. What is happening to Modesto's housing market?!?! Even in the neighborhood where my alter-ego's and my secret lair is the sidewalks are littered with foreclosure signs. Houses are abandoned and strewn with litter and graffiti. Seems that there are more empty houses than there are occupied these days. Where to start to fix this you may ask? First of all, no new housing development in Modesto until the housing market is stable. People, PEOPLE why are we building more homes when homeowners are having to abandon the ones that are already established??? I know that many new homes are being built by large companies that invest in the town by purchasing plots of land...but the city has to put their foot down and let these lots stay empty for the time being. Otherwise we are just perpetuating a cycle here. Now what to do about the problem that already exists.....all these empty houses and people losing their homes......


Corrupt Angel Investigates: So this super hero decided the best way to learn about the housing problem in Modesto was to head to the more under-privileged neighborhoods and see the areas that are being hit hardest by the problem first hand. Let me just say, some neighborhoods are looking like ghost towns. Homes are boarded up to keep people from "squatting" in them, lawns are browned with neglect, windows are broken......it's a pretty sad and discouraging image to come home to if you live next door I imagine. Well off to the internet to research what programs exist here in Modesto to help the neighborhoods heal and recover.
     Well I was relieved to find out that Modesto already has a program established to deal with the foreclosure crisis, it's called the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Good news is it's already federally funded.....so I won't have to use my mind warp to "convince" people to open their wallets again. Basically, the NSP targets neighborhoods hit hardest by foreclosures (ones like my own) and purchases the homes, fixes them up, and then offers new purchasers incentives and counseling (so they know what they're getting themselves into....mortgages can be tricky to understand. All that financial lingo is tough) to buy the once abandoned homes. Sounds pretty good.
     Turns out there also is this great non-profit volunteer organization out there called No Homeowner Left Behind that is operating right here in the Central Valley. They offer loan counseling to new homeowners as well as existing homeowners in fear of foreclosure.....As part of my efforts to help save Modesto's homeowners I will spread the word about this group. here's a video from a local event they did
Now to help......
Act: Well this super hero will not sit idly by while efforts are being made to help the community. I will join forces with No Homeowner Left Behind and the NSP to assure my neighborhood and all of Modesto recovers. No Homeowner Left Behind holds frequent workshops throughout the valley and I will spread the word to all of Modesto. If you need help with your mortgage woes, I'll find you the advice you seek. Meanwhile, when the NSP comes to my area to fix the abandoned homes I'll be there to lend a hand and I'll enlist the help of my fellow neighbors. Since much of the budget is spent on acquisition of these homes, volunteer efforts are needed in doing the maintenance and renovation.We will be cleaning yards, planting grass, painting houses, and fixing the homes to make them suitable to live in again.
Imagine: It's been five long years and recovery has been a long road. There are fewer foreclosure signs on my block and far less people feeling the crunch of excessive mortgages. We're still out there fixing up the homes that do become abandoned and making sure our neighborhood doesn't fall into ruin, No Homeowner Left Behind is still offering advice to those who need it, and my neighborhood doesn't look like a ghost town anymore.

Mission 4: Modesto is SICK! (not in the good way kiddies)

 Well here we are at the dawn of the age of health care reform. Not a minute too soon I'm afraid. Right now many of us are without proper health care and those who have it are being manipulated by corrupt insurance providers and hospitals. I know for many a trip to the hospital for a simple injury would be a catastrophe for their wallets (this super hero included). Unfortunately, health care reform is a little too late for a nation that needs immediate attention. What can be done now, here in Modesto?.......

Corrupt Angel Investigates: You know where the healthiest city in America is? San Jose. That's right our neighbor in the South Bay. According to a study conducted by Centrum, San Jose is ranked the healthiest city in the country. Why? you may ask. This super hero has done her homework. The city is part of the Healthy Neighborhoods Venture Fund. This organization was founded in an effort to reduce physical illness, promote wellness, and prevent smoking and drug use within their communities by providing programs promoting health, wellness, and nutrition. Very noble efforts for the non-superhero types. Hmmmm I wonder if this is the work of some San Jose super hero alliance??

Act: Hey if all the non-super-powers-havin' types in San Jose can make their city healthier, then surely with the help of a super-hero Modesto has this thing in the bag. Modesto needs exactly what San Jose has; a program that instills a sense of pride in one's own health and fitness (lord knows my alter-ego could use it......that's right Chani get off your keester!!!!) Seems I have found another mysterious super-hero type wandering the neighborhood [(Calls himself Masked Justice (if you ask me he's totally bogarting my gig)]....anyhow, he wants in on the saving Modesto action. Together we've decided that prevention is the best medicine for our people. 

Remember how I mentioned that we live in a seedy neighborhood? Well, many of the families here can't afford food that would be considered healthy. It's easier and cheaper to feed your family dinner out of a box than fresh healthy foods. So we have decided that we need more local fresh grown fruits and veggies at a cheap price. Heck why not free!! The solution: community gardens. Why not have a communal garden for everyone on your block to share or have a garden in each person's yard for specific fruits and vegetables? It's cheap and would bring the community together......healthy food problem solved.

Now on to the physical fitness part. Let's face it a lot of us here in Modesto aren't physically healthy and many of us can't afford to go to a gym either. This inactivity is killing us and putting a strain on the health care system. What should we do? Well there are lots of parks and bike and walking trails here that aren't even used. Let's promote fitness by letting people know you can ride your bike or even walk to stay healthy!

Imagine: Modesto's alliance to get healthy has grown by leaps and bounds! What started as two super heroes trying to make a difference in the health of our town is now 500 people strong. We've set up successful gardens in our neighborhood that are providing plentiful harvests of fresh, delicious vegetables and fruit. More importantly we're showing our neighbors that healthy food is easy and good for you. More people are now using the bike trails to walk, jog, and bike their way to health. Hopefully, these small changes will make everyone healthier, happier, and less dependent on failing health care. It may not be a solution to providing medical care for everyone, but remember prevention is the best medicine!

Here's comic showing how Modesto got healthier!

Mission 3: We ARE Watching!

Corrupt Angel Investigates: Unfortunately, the neighborhood that my alter-ego calls home is in the seedy part of town. Yup, wrong side of the tracks for Miss Chani…..good news for super heroes. As far as this super hero can tell, neighborhood safety, crime prevention, and a sense of pride is completely lacking in this part of town. People live in fear. This neighborhood definitely needs help…..NOW.

Act: I can’t have my alter-ego living in such an unsafe environment. Let’s face it……something happens to her I’m toast. So I have to at least make our block safer from all the criminal miscreants out there in this world. I believe it’s time to empower my neighbors, get Chani outta the house (she’s practically a shut-in) I believe the solution to make this place safer is to get everyone involved to protect ourselves from all the criminals. Power is best in numbers. We shall set up a network of information and call it the City-Wide Neighborhood Watch Initiative (CNWI) [YAY anagrams……fancy and official sounding]. Since the police are so underfunded this will eliminate unnecessary calls and assist them in nabbing the bad guys.

Imagine: Here are a few comics produced by my non-super hero counterpart. I got her off the couch and busy making awesome chronicles of my many adventures (aren’t they awesome?!??!). I thank her, even though she complains a lot and wants to busy herself with video games all day long. They display my awesome leadership skills and charisma perfectly…..the last bit shows how my neighborhood watch will work some time into the future. No criminals will be in this neighborhood. All the baddies will be vanquished with my help. We will be watching!

Special thanks to Randy for starring in my comic strip for this project. He makes a convincing bad guy lol!