Look,

I grew up this town. Yes, it's boring and hot. It lacks entertainment, and, when any appear, they quickly disappear. Most of the local community developments are 10-15 year projects that never materialize in the end. But Coalinga has a few things many other valley towns don't. A champion college rodeo team. Beautiful scenery. History. Though it is hot and seemingly misplaced, its actually in a neat place, especially for the outdoors-man. Pinnacles national park is only an hour away, beautiful. Clear Creek, and the New Idria mines are some of the most amazing off-roading spots anywhere. It's an hour from the beach, and an hour to the mountains. The hunting is pretty diverse. Now, if you like political diversity, go someplace else. The town is slightly backwards and very "leave it to beaver" ethically. And you wouldn't believe how many people here still think Bush was a good president...

I remember receiving a copy of that article via email and less than a month later saw it reprinted in the Coalinga Record. I agree with bryanzera's comments about the content of the letter. I like to think of this as an example of small town life in the instant communication age.

If you do not want to be quoted, then don't write your comments on a public venue. Just do an aside to a friend or relative.

I stopped there once out of sheer curiosity and it was was so desolate yet quaint in a way. No matter where people live, someone will find something wrong with it.

Just to show my love for Coalinga, here is a link where you can find over 200 photos of the dirt, iron animals, trailer homes, hotels and rest stop that make the city what it is. There are actually some beautiful shots of sunsets and even one photo of children playing with large firearms. What can have more sheer beauty than that?

Ruben/Motown Mojo
Editor
modestofamous.com

One more thing: From the article:

"Moreno's attorney says the uproar eventually forced her entire family to move out of town and he says sharing Moreno's myspace journal without her permission amounted to an invasion of privacy."

If you can't understand why this sentence is wrong, then I will continue to talk down to you.

To the Moreno family: Let me get this correct: You are looking to sue the principal for 'revealing' information that is freely available? If you're receiving death threats, CALL THE POLICE!

To Cynthia Moreno: ABC30 claims you "[said] she never wanted the critical words to leave her myspace web page". Where and when did you think the censure was going to occur? If you didn't want the world to see it, don't put it on Myspace. I have no sympathy for you.

To the people of Coalinga: Really look at what Ms. Moreno says in her letter. If it smacks of truth at all, then act! If it doesn't ring true for you, then let Ms. Moreno have her opinions.

It's great being outside of all this. I can boil it down to whose fault it is in no time!

We've got nothing but love for Coalinga and its iron zoo.

In my opinion, Coalinga is one of the nicest little cities I have had the privilege to spend time. When I was a teen I thought I knew how truly awful Fresno was, as I got older I realized how special this area is and worked hard to be able to return. I find it disturbing that residents of the often picked on Central Valley would feel comfortable "taking shots" at one of our neighbors.
This article was based on a filing by the family's attorney who is seeking significant $$$$ damages, so of course it presents the case most favorable to receiving those $$$$s. I would hope we FF readers would wait and see what facts come out in discovery before making our own summary judgments about an entire community.

Luckily only 12 people there speak or read English! She should be ok!

Ruben/Motown Mojo
Editor
www.modestofamous.com