I moved to Amador County in the summer of 69'. It was a simpler time back then. I grew up in Jackson. You could walk down the street, talk to everyone, because everyone knew your name. As a kid I could play and run around anywhere, anytime, and feel safe. Today I live in Plymouth. Again, one of the smallest towns in Amador County. The people are friendly. They always wave and say hi. You see the kids all running around and playing, having fun and feeling safe. That all changed October 30. Back in Jackson we never thought about locking our doors. Today, I at least lock my front door when I leave, but I still left my side door and all my windows unlocked whether I was home or not. On October 30, someone broke into my house, actually walked in my side door. They stole a plastic dish full of change that I save for my granddaughter. I buy her a savings bond every Christmas with the chanbge I save all year to help her when she turns 18.

Among things they took was my fire safe with all my important documents and my identity. So not only has my privacy been violated, I now have to worry about some low lifge trying to cash in on what I worked so hard all my life to build up. So here's the lesson even though we live in Smalltown U.S.A.: Crime is here to stay. So lock your doors and windows, keep a little closer eye on your little ones and look around to see who shouldn't be in your neighborhood. And for the low life who stole the change for my granddaughter's Christmas savings bond, I will find a way to buy her one this Christmas.