Drugs a problem in the mountains 40 years ago

Days Gone By

Fresno Flats Research Library

(Updated: Wednesday, April 02, 2008, 5:39 PM)

Forty years ago

A three-man panel will meet with parents to discuss current narcotics problems in the area.

On the panel will be Dr. William B. Uphold, Fresno State College professor and pastor of the Community Church of Oakhurst; Benjamin Shapiro, a psychiatric worker for the State Department of Social Welfare; and Captain H. C. McKinney of the Fresno County Sheriff's office.

Through the cooperation of the Madera County Sheriff's office, samples of marijuana will be on hand to familiarize the audience with the distinctive aroma.

All mountain parents are invited.

An enthusiastic response generated by the Chamber of Commerce's presentation of the melodrama, "Slippery When Wet or Frosty" has set the stage for creation of a locally-produced play or pageant designed primarily to create interest in and publicize the area.

Recalling the "Ramona Pageant" held annually in Hemet, Editor Cal Ragland urged that a play or pageant draw upon the historical lore of the local region in a variety of ways, Gold Rush days, history of Grub Gulch, Fresno Flats and its wide open saloons, Happy Camp and its bawdy houses and early day logging operations at Sugar Pine.

Thirty years ago

Two new lakes in Madera County will draw 400,000 visitors annually by 1980, according to Col. F. G. Rockwell, Jr., district engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers. Hensley Lake and Eastman Lake were created by the construction of Hidden and Buchanan Dams, respectively, built in an effort to reduce flood damage to the valley area. Definite opening dates for recreational facilities at each lake are unknown, but park officials say they might be open about mid-summer.

Because of the expected increase of people to the two new lakes, Madera County Sheriff-Coroner Ed Bates is submitting a $162,589 budget to provide law enforcement at the lakes.

Twenty five local business people and developers met at Bass Lake to air their thoughts and opinions about future building and development in the Mountain Area. The foremost consideration of the group is to provide an organized voice supporting growth in the area.

Local engineer Joe Smith stated that developers have to speak up and show people that what we are doing is good for the whole community. A six man committee will plan the future direction of the group. Members are Tony Bennett, electrical contractor; Jim Best, building contractor; Larry Huggins, building contractor; Richard McMechan, local attorney; Colbern Tuttle, Bass Lake Bakery; and Maynard Vogel, realtor.

Twenty years ago

Congressman Richard Lehman has introduced legislation seeking to clarify the authority of federal land agencies regarding hydroelectric projects on federal land. His bill would prevent problems such as exist on Lewis Creek. The legislation would give federal land agencies the independence to manage their domain.

Lehman said that in considering the proposed Lewis Creek hydroelectric project the entire county was shut out of the review process and a national scenic hiking trail was ignored. He added that community enjoyment of highest waterfall in the county and the religious beliefs of Native Americans were shunted aside.

Five adults and three juveniles have been arrested on drug charges after an undercover operator spent several weeks on the Yosemite High School campus.