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Opinion
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- Written by: Lake County News Reports
Even though she has only represented Lake County in the Legislature for four years, it’s clear that we are losing a true champion.
Pat has authored laws to:
Designate a portion of voter-approved bond funds to protect and preserve salmon and steelhead habitat;
Enable the state to leverage federal funds to purchase forestlands from private property owners in order to keep those acres wild and undeveloped;
Authorize the state Department of Parks and Recreation to expand the use of conservation easements to protect state parklands.
Although Pat didn’t represent Lake County directly during her years as a member of the Assembly, she was the author of multiple pieces of environmental legislation, and she helped secure vital funding to develop and implement measures designed to combat the spread of sudden oak death.
And as her time in office approaches its conclusion, Pat has yet one more bill – SB 1142 – that would, if signed into law by Gov. Schwarzenegger, provide new resources to help farmers and ranchers keep their lands in agriculture – and away from commercial or residential development.
It is with great regret that we are bidding you farewell, Pat – but also with much gratitude for all that you have done to protect our natural resources here on the North Coast, and throughout California.
Victoria Brandon lives in Lower Lake.
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- Written by: Patricia England
Two people left their homes in the morning on Friday, Sept. 24 – one on Highway 20 and one on Highway 29 – and before noon their lives were extinguished by a drunken driver and a despicable hit-and-run driver, the latter going through a permanent standing stop sign, hit the victim and left the scene, leaving the victim on the highway. These crashes caused untold sorrow and devastation for the families and friends of both victims.
There have been way too many traffic accidents on these two highways in particular, many of them by drivers crossing into oncoming traffic. Many lives have been affected by these careless – as in care-less – drivers. I seldom go to Clearlake and would rather go to Ukiah via Highway 175 and Hopland than to risk my life on Highways 20 and 29.
Some type of major deterrent needs to be put in place, something that would make these care-less drivers know it wouldn't be worth getting behind the wheel and what it would cost them for carelessness that could cause an accident.
A few suggestions are mandatory jail sentences and longer ones, and stiff fines for any accidents causing injuries, liability for damages to others properties and definite prison terms for causing fatalities.
A final note: People who kill others should have no rights. Where were the victims' rights?
Patricia England lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Michelle Scully
California Highway Patrol (CHP) statistics report that motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death among 15 to 20 year olds. Teen drivers are particularly susceptible to involvement in fatal accidents.
There are unique dangers inherent to driving on rural roads, and those dangers multiply when you add in the extra variables of other drivers driving recklessly or irresponsibly.
I wanted to share a resource with other parents in the hope that by accessing all of the driver training education we can for our kids, we can help to make our own and all those in our community wiser, and hopefully safer, to themselves and others.
The Start Smart program offered through CHP is a great resource. It’s targeted at young drivers (15-19) and their parents or guardians. It is a one-evening commitment and there is no cost associated with the program.
We have access to this program here in Lake County. My appreciation to Officers Steve Tanguay and Adam Garcia who presented the program and provided the information proactively and realistically.
My hope is that my sons are safe drivers who have a healthy fear of the realities of the road coupled with the skills and awareness to keep themselves and others safe.
Michelle Scully lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Wanda Harris
In just that short time, Pat has authored multiple pieces of legislation which have benefited people and businesses in Lake County.
In 2008, she ushered Senate Bill 607 though the Legislature in record time. Her bill, which the governor signed in June of that year, legalized competitions for home winemakers.
SB 607, which became law immediately, effectively saved a major source of fundraising for the Clear Lake Performing Arts, which promotes classical music and other artist endeavors in our county.
In 2007, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed SB 319, another Wiggins bill that extended an exemption to state labor law allowing 16- and 17-year-olds in Lake County to work up to 10 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week in agricultural packing plants during harvest season (when school is not in session). This bill benefited both agricultural businesses and working families in our county.
While her time in the state Legislature will soon draw to a close, I feel that it is important for us to recognize Pat’s efforts on behalf of Lake County – as well as on behalf of her Senate District as a whole, not to mention our state – and to thank her for her work.
Wanda Harris lives in Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.