Ray Steele (1968) announced that he is retiring as President and Publisher of the Fresno Bee. Manuel Annear (1989) graduated from Umpqua Community College's nursing program in June, and is now working on his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at Southern Oregon University.     Jim Nielsen is a State Assembly candidate, and was elected to his first of three terms in the State Senate in 1978. He served as Senate Republican Leader from 1983-1987. Jim was raised in the San Joaquin Valley, and graduated from Fresno State with a Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Business. Timothy Green (2004) and Andrea Johansen are happy to announce their engagement. The wedding ceremony will take place on October 11, 2008 at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.   Jane (Hardebeck) Holmes (1993) is a first grade teacher at Sierra View in Oakdale and was featured in the Modesto Bee. After following in her family's footsteps to become an educator, Jane saw the impact they made academically, behaviorally, socially and emotionally on their students. With 14 years of experience, Jane continues to strive to give her students the tools necessary to succeed in the classroom. Thomas Douglass (1996) is a music teacher at Spring View Middle School and has recently been recognized as an outstanding music educator by Heritage Festivals. Along with his music duties at Spring View Middle School, Tom is the director at the Donner Mine Music Camp, a member of the Sierra Nevada Winds, California Music Educators Association, California Band Directors Association, and was featured as "Who's Who" of American Teachers' several times. Steve Lopez (1972) is becoming a part of history in Tracy, CA as the new football stadium is named in his honor. On Friday night, the Merrill F. West high school football team will host its first home game at Steve Lopez field in Tracy. John Sawyer began his tenure with the University of Delaware in 1991, and now is being appointed, in addition to his teaching assignment, as Faculty Fellow in the University's Office of Graduate and Professional Education for a three-year term. Nick Yovino (1971) is retiring after 37 dedicated years working for the City of Fresno. During Nick's time with the city, he has been vital to the progression of the Fresno downtown revitalization project. Timothy Leach (1970) has returned to the farm. After earning his degree in Agribusiness, Tim worked as a lender with Fresno-Madera Farm Credit. By financing as a banker and lender, he was able to save enough and together with help from family; he was able to purchase his own farm. After 35 years financing ag and working as a part-time farmer; Tim is now retiring to do what he loves to do. John Hernandez (1996) has been selected as the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Executive of the Year for Region 1. Region 1 represents the following states, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska and Hawaii. John Tashjian will have his poems published in a book titled Heads and Tails.  The book will be released soon, keep a look out!  John has dedicated this particular book to Dr. Peter Everwine the English instructor.