Newman aching over $1M arson

Shops, memories up in smoke after weekend fire

By Leslie Albrecht
lalbrecht@modbee.com

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NEWMAN -- The fire that tore through the Odd Fellows building Saturday morning caused $1 million in damage, but locals say the blaze's cost can't be measured in dollars. The fire, they say, scooped the heart out of downtown.

The fire gutted the 81-year-old building, home to six businesses and generations of memories.

Evidence at the scene shows the blaze was deliberately set, said Police Chief Adam McGill. Surveillance footage showed two men in dark clothing running from the area where the fire started, said McGill. The two drove away in a dark-colored vehicle.

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Police are following leads in the investigation, McGill said Monday. Inspectors visited the building and deemed it structurally sound, but the businesses that rent space there will have to move out, said McGill.

"To have this large building sitting empty, when we're already economically challenged out here. ... It's really depressing to the community," said McGill. "On top of the economic crisis we're already suffering, it's almost salt in the wound."

The building is the second oldest in Newman, and was once the tallest in town, said Newman Historical Society member Donna Crow. Built as a three-story structure in 1892, the building was rebuilt in 1928. Today it's two stories tall, and takes up about half the block at Main and Fresno streets, in the heart of the quaint downtown.

Back when the Odd Fellows used the building for meetings, it took a secret password to gain entry to the second floor, said Crow.

In the 1940s, the building was home to Mowry's, a drug store that sold fountain sodas and tuna sandwiches to school children, remembered Historical Society President Mary Moore.

"It's a part of you," said Moore, describing the building. "It was always a part of whatever you needed to do."

For generations, the Odd Fellows building served as a backdrop to community gatherings, said Moore. Its awning sheltered onlookers during rainy Christmas tree lightings. Its corner location was the place to stand to get the best view of festas, fall festivals and parades, she said.

On Monday afternoon, a chain link fence sealed off the cream-colored building; a private security guard was stationed on the sidewalk.

Bob Novoa, owner of Novoa Jewellers, one of the businesses that rents space in the Odd Fellows building, was outside his store, loading salvageable items into the back of his sport utility vehicle. His jewelry store and watch repair shop has been in business for 36 years.

Novoa said his customers don't have to worry. The business is fully insured, and he saved his customers' repair jobs and about 90 percent of his inventory.

When two well-wishers stopped by to commiserate, Novoa told them the experience would "build character."

"You either overcome these things, or they get you down," said Novoa. "The bigger issue for me is, why?"

He added later, "How does someone justify that, to take -- not just from me, but from everybody in that building. We've all put in the same effort, blood, sweat and sacrifice, that certainly (the arsonists) will never know. They're incapable of making those sacrifices, because they don't have the character."

Newman police ask anyone with information about the fire to call officer Edgar Lopez at 862-2902 or Crime Stoppers at 521-4636. Tipsters can e-mail tips through the Crime Stoppers Web site, www.modestopolice.com/crimestoppers, or text tips to CRIMES (274637) by typing "Tip704" plus the message. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.

Bee staff writer Leslie Albrecht can be reached at lalbrecht@modbee.com or 578-2378.