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Opinion
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- Written by: Nelson Strasser
Lloyd Blankfein, chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs, asked Congress to cut funds for Social Security and Medicare.
Mr. Blankfein earned $16 million in 2011.
If that does not offend you, there is more … Goldman Sachs, through ineptitude at best, and downright criminality (selling product known to be worthless to unsuspecting customers) at worst, was heading for disaster.
Goldman Sachs turned to the United States government, who bailed them out in 2008.
The definition of “chutzpah” used to be a guy murders his parents, and then throws himself on the mercy of the court on the basis of the fact that he is an orphan. That definition now seems way too understated.
Class warfare? You bet.
Mel Brooks said it best in “The History of the World Part I,” when a senator in Rome brings up the plight of the poor, and the rest of the senators, in unison (while doing the right hand to the elbow of the left hand gesture) yell, “F--- the poor.”
Nelson Strasser lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Carolynn Jarrett
Once again the students in Chef Robert Cabreros’ culinary arts program at Yuba College created and presented a delicious array of tasty delights at a dinner to raise funds for the Children’s Museum of Art and Science (CMAS) on Nov. 30.
An evening of “Tastes Around the World” featured pulled pork tacos, chicken tamales, beef satay on a bed of rice noodles, fried won ton and fried rice, just to mention a few of the guests’ favorites.
The dinner was eclipsed only by the desserts: crème brulee, baklava and a chocolate mousse parfait based on a brownie. Yum! Students also served exotic coffees and chai tea.
Ear Reverence, a local a cappella group, entertained guests with their harmonies and good hearted banter.
Some raffle baskets kept to the international theme of the evening with items related to Ireland, Switzerland, China and Italy while other baskets featured Christmas, movie night and a well-stocked picnic basket.
CMAS would like to thank all supporters who bought tickets and attended as well as those who made donations.
CMAS also greatly appreciates the media coverage by the Record-Bee and the Lake County News. Channel 8 staff was on hand to record the event and that tape will air starting Dec. 3.
CMAS will use the funds from this event to support our Lego Robot Program as well as our seventh annual Art and Science Camp scheduled for May 4, 2013.
CMAS is a nonprofit group of volunteers whose goal is to provide free art and science experiences for the youth of Lake County.
We would not be able to fulfill our mission with the help and support of our community. When everyone does a little, together we can accomplish a lot! Thank you!
Carolynn Jarrett is president of the Children’s Museum of Art and Science based in Clearlake, Calif.
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- Written by: Camille Schraeder
It is hard to believe that Redwood Children’s Services has been providing foster care and therapeutic services to Lake and Mendocino County children and youth for 18 years.
We started as a small foster family agency with a commitment to doing all that we can do for our local children. We are pleased to now be adding Sonoma County to our Redwood family starting with foster care and soon to expand.
This commitment has been such an amazing and humbling experience with many emotional roller coasters, and so many amazing graduations, family reunifications, successful transitions to keep us committed to being the best possible program and staff to serve the most vulnerable children and youth in our communities.
I continue to be amazed by the resiliency, honesty and bravery of our children many of whom have suffered poverty, neglect, child abuse, school failure and sometimes personal challenges that would cripple most of us.
In light of these tremendous obstacles, with a bit of safety, love, direction, and support we have seen hundreds of our youth graduate high school, go to college, join the military, obtain successful steady employment, and start and continue to raise healthy and happy children.
There is no better reward, no better reason, to continue this work in light of the significant stress and struggle in the world of child and youth services.
These are amazing children and become amazing adults if we can just offer a little bit of love, of security, of guidance, of support; this has been possible mainly due to the commitment and support of our local communities.
The people of our communities have been strong advocates for programs, policies and resources to build on the strengths of our children and youth.
The development of our transitional housing programs for young adults, our youth resource centers, the development of foster care services, and our employment and school support programs are all possible because of the investment in time, energy, and funding that you, the community and our public community leaders have given.
Once again, I am asking for your support this holiday season by donating gifts, gift cards or money to help grant the wishes of our many foster youth. Please contact Willow Anderson at 707-467-2010 or use the return envelope enclosed.
I have never forgotten the gift I have been given to live in such a giving community, raise my family, build my own support to others because of the gift of intervention, the gift of healthy adults and a system that helped me to become who I am today.
Thank you so much for remembering and supporting our children and youth. They could be your neighbors, your children’s friends or in your local churches. Thank you for doing your part to help … it makes a difference … we have served over 5,000 children and youth in foster care services and continue to be committed to serving our community children.
Camille Schraeder is executive director of Redwood Children’s Services Inc., based in Ukiah, Calif.
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- Written by: Carol Hays
The Lakeport Main Street Association wishes to thank the many people and organizations who selflessly volunteered time, resources and expertise to Very Merry Main Street, the Lakeport holiday celebration which took place on Saturday, Nov. 24.
Without these wonderful people, there would be no Elf Hunt, no Santa’s visit, no children’s fair, no historic walking tours and no snuggler hot cocoa drinks or funnel cakes. We think you are the greatest. Thank you.
American Cancer Society
Robert Bocabella
Barbara Breunig
Paul Breunig
Tina Brown
Amy Casey
Lori and John Craig
Curry’s Furniture
Family Fun Center
Family Resource Center
Fill-up, the Clown
Anna Girod
Gossett Alarm
Jones Mortuary
Dan Labelle, Labelle Enterprises
Lakeport Antiques & Art
Marrina Lunas and friend Joey
Steven and Peggy Macdonald
Main Street Bicycles
Main Street Gallery
Main Street Gifts
Alan Mathews, Bicoastal Media
Jo Ann Morgan
Maria Mosqueda, Chayo Face Painting
People Services Gift Shoppe
Pheeperz Photography
Pieces Boutique
Pink Ladies, Relay for Life
Lakeport Police Department
Lakeport Public Works Department
Rebecca Rainer, Fox & Hound
Catrina and Brad Scott
Soper-Reese Community Theatre
Marc Spillman
Earlene Taylor
Diane Tomkins
Watershed Books
Rachel and Katie White
Rob Brown
World of Gifts
Nicole Worthen and Vanity Beauty Salon
Wreaths Across America
Your One Stop Party Shop
Carol Hays is executive director of the Lakeport Main Street Association in Lakeport, Calif. Visit the association online at www.lakeportmainstreet.com .