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Opinion
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- Written by: Anna Ravenwoode
For information on the Pacific Gyre, log onto www.greatgarbagepatch.org or just google “Great Pacific Garbage Patch.”
Actually, it is a garbage “dump” the size of Texas located in a swirling convergence of currents in the Pacific Ocean.
Check it out and then consider:
Not buying anything plastic, unless it can be recycled;
Discontinuing the use of plastic bags to carry groceries, consumer items, etc.
Probably the most heartbreaking part of this “patch” is the sea life it is killing. We need to protect our planet.
Anna Ravenwoode lives in Kelseyville.
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- Written by: Douglas M. Harris
I am writing on behalf of YC-AFT Local 4952 representing the part-time faculty of the Yuba Community College District.
On Dec. 10, 2009, and again on Dec. 28, 2009, I wrote to Vice Chancellor Al Alt indicating that YC-AFT is willing to entertain concessions which are shared by other bargaining units and administrative employees in order to minimize or eliminate the need for classified employee layoffs. In spite of the already severe impact on part-time faculty, we continue to await contact regarding such negotiations.
Given the dire nature of budget projections of late, I want to reiterate the sentiment conveyed by my letters mentioned above, and urge you to direct staff to redouble efforts to achieve concessions that are shared broadly by the entire district community. It is YC-AFT’s position that this approach holds the most promise for the best outcome given the fiscal uncertainties and concerns currently facing the district.
Douglas M. Harris is president of YC-AFT Local 4952.
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- Written by: Dave Gebhard
Lake County is approaching another tipping point, hopefully changing the old conventional theory, of retaining the rural and anti-blue collar atmosphere that has existed heretofore. Instead, I purpose we create a more hospitable community for the young and the working class; a community, where they have affordable housing.
With the high unemployment, should we be eliminating low income housing? If we can make exceptions to our general plan for Cristallago and other large developments, why shut down longstanding businesses? How are we to replace the former motels that house the blue-collar workers at the present time?
Someone must house the landscapers, the pruners, the dishwashers, the burger flippers and all those who do the work the rest of us do not want. I think we should take case by case, examining each for safety, and if they pose a blight on their respective neighborhoods.
Not all former motels are blights, and it is folly to lump them all together. They can be very productive and a boon to their neighborhoods. The workers who make our living comfortable can afford to live inside our community.
Take Silicon Valley for instance; housing is so high that they have subsidized apartments for public school teachers to house their families. Are we going to revert to the old attitude, unfriendly to the young and poor, of Lake County’s past?
I know of one motel owner who purchased their business 20 years ago, and completely remodeled it, and keeps it as spotless as frequent changing of tenants allows.
I propose we examine one case at a time, retaining businesses that do not blight their neighborhoods and do not compromise the safety of their tenants.
If we can amend the general plan for large-scale development in agricultural land, we can assist motel owners to convert to apartment status. Especially if they show the ability to compromise and meet county standards, still subjective but give them a chance.
Dave Gebhard lives in Lakeport.
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- Written by: Davina Pyzer
On Feb. 25, 27 business members from all over Lake County visited the school in the morning and held job interviews with approximately 150 upper grade students.
The purpose of this event was to help students become more aware of career choices, the interview process and writing resumes and filling out job applications.
Career Day consists of fifth and sixth graders selecting from a list of careers, creating resumes, completing sample job applications and holding mock interviews.
Most students were very excited and nervous about this event, but all did very well and the business professionals enjoyed the process just as much as the students.
This year some of the interview opportunities included law enforcement, teachers, talent scouts, medical professions and many other careers.
The best thing about the day is the fact that every adult that is interviewing makes the students feel good about what they are doing, and the kids walk out with smiles on their faces.
Community members have commented on what an invaluable experience this is for the students to have a hands-on opportunity and wish that it could continue past sixth grade. I always look forward to the planning of this biennial event.
A second activity that took place the same week was called “What I Want To Be Week.” Students in fourth through sixth grades were given the opportunity to dress up representing different careers relating to a daily theme. Students who participated earned raffle tickets for prizes donated by local businesses.
The costumes were amazing and included a safari guide, doctors, athletes, newscaster, ranchers and corporate executives. Many of the teachers also showed enthusiasm by participating in this event. This event has remained an annual activity for Coyote Valley Elementary.
I would like to say thank you to the Coyote Valley PTO, The Big Chill, Crave, The Video Place, Subway, Hardester’s Market and family members for all of their generous donations. The students had wonderful prizes to look forward to each day. Both events were a huge success.
Davina Pyzer is coordinator for Coyote Valley Elementary School's Career Day event.