Sonora soldier reminds us what we lose in wars

last updated: March 08, 2008 12:59:45 AM

Death tolls take on new meaning when names and faces are attached. We're reminded of that this week with the news that a 22-year-old soldier from Sonora was killed in Afghanistan. From the descriptions provided by friends and family, Army Sgt. Robert Rapp sounded like a fine young man, generous, cheerful, caring and willing and proud to serve his country. Recognizing that he was at risk, Sgt. Rapp wrote instructions to his family in case of his death, and his words were striking: "Let the world know I died doing what I love, and dying for my country is the greatest honor I could ever receive." We extend our sincerest sympathy to Sgt. Rapp's parents, brother, other family members and his hometown.

Congratulations to Modesto Christian High School for its semifinal win in boys basketball Thursday. We wish the team the best of luck in tonight's Division IV championship game against St. Mary's of Albany. And while they lost in their semifinal the same night, we also congratulate Modesto Christian's girls team on their great season.

Our sister paper, The Sacramento Bee, set off some debate by creating a searchable database of the salaries of state employees, including those working at University of California and California State University campuses. Employee unions are most unhappy, but salary information for public employees is and should be public information. If you want to do a little salary snooping, the site is www.sacbee.com/1098/story/ 738462.html.

Speaking of Sacramento, one legislator has gotten so annoyed with her colleagues showing up late that she's started awarding stars for those who get to class -- we mean the Assembly -- on time. Capitol Alert reports that Assemblywoman Betty Karnette, D-Long Beach, sticks a star on the shirt or blouse of those who arrive on time for their floor session. It probably would come as no surprise that Karnette used to be a teacher.

There's been so much dismal economic news that we welcome positive signs in any number of forms. So it's good to read that Diablo Grande has reopened its golf courses and also to learn that there was spirited bidding for two prime commercial sites in Modesto. Rite-Aid will build on one of the vacant corners at McHenry and Briggsmore avenues. The other location, where Mallard's Restaurant now stands empty, will soon have a T.G.I. Friday's, an international chain of casual restaurants. T.G.I. Friday's earned some plaudits for offering smaller portion options. Of course, its menu still includes not-so-low-calorie items like fried macaroni and cheese and a dessert called the Brownie Obsession.

Another item of good news: Modesto City Schools is proceeding with long-needed modernization of Downey High School and continuing the air- conditioning installations at Davis High School. School funding comes with many strings attached, so it's worth clarifying that the money for these building projects could not be used for ongoing operational expenses, i.e. librarian and nurse salaries. We also want to remind people that they can watch the Modesto school board meetings live via the Internet. The stream is available at http://tinyurl.com/39jb2e, which will redirect you to the Modesto City Schools site. There's also an archive of prior meetings at the same address.

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