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Letters
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- Written by: Marcy Barry
Even though July seems far away, preparations are already under way to make sure it will be another successful event to be enjoyed by all.
One of the big first checkboxes on the 2018 to-do list is to get our sweetheart candidates set and ready to start selling tickets and representing Willits’ famous festivities starting on May 1.
Girls aged 16 to 20 are welcome to apply, and need not reside in Willits. They do not need to own a horse, but do need to have one available to them to use for the duration of the contest. They must never have been married, and not have had children.
Contestants will be asked to sell tickets to the roster of Fourth of July events, compete in a public speaking contest with a prepared speech following the 2018 WFD theme “We Stand for Old Glory,” showcase poise and personality while modeling, as well as ride a horse in a horsemanship pattern, and answer questions about tack, horses, and the rodeo lifestyle.
Contestants will also be asked to do a Queen run where they gallop around the arena waving at the crowd.
Once candidates are confirmed and applications are received – by the April 28 deadline – the girls will attend a preparatory meeting and receive their first batch of tickets on May 1 at the Willits Frontier Days office.
Just before the sweetheart dinner where the winner is crowned, the tickets will be tallied by an official and local certified public accountant to ensure a fair contest. Ticket sales are combined with scores from the speeches and the riding portion of the contest to name an overall winner.
Girls will receive a percentage of their ticket sales at the end of the contest, and the winner will receive the coveted tiara, engraved spurs, flowers and a saddle.
The contestants and the winner will be given the opportunity to ride in all of the rodeo’s Grand Entry events as well, as a place in the Main Street Parade on July 4.
Liz Day and Kathy Graves will head up the contest this year and will be the main contacts for the contestants during the contest. Liz can be reached at 707-354-0933 and Kathy at 707-489-0442 for more information.
Entry forms for Willits Frontier Days sweetheart are available online at www.WillitsFrontierDays.com under the “Sweethearts” tab.
Remember also, the 2018 schedule of events, contact info for event chairpersons, event information, entry forms for all other community events including the Junior Rodeo – now with mutton busting! – the horse show, the Hometown Celebration, the Horseshoe Contest and the Main Street Parade are all available online, too!
Marcy Barry is vice president of Willits Frontier Days in Willits, Calif.
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- Written by: Leona M. Butts
A gentleman said, “I like what you write.” We then engaged in a conversation on several subjects.
My conclusion: Seniors are engaged in what is happening in our country; they are very concerned about the future of our country, as I certainly am.
We talked about guns. I explained that many years ago I had been taught to shoot by a sheriff in Iowa and that the last time I was at the range a number of years ago, I could still hit the target, although at this time I do not keep a gun in my home.
My message to all seniors is to keep informed on what is happening, do not be afraid to speak out and stand up for what needs to be done to keep our citizens safe. Look for the truth, weigh both sides.
Many seniors have fought for our country in the past and we need them today to continue fighting for what is right. They are the ones who have made our country great. Seniors, you can still write letters with pen and paper and make phone calls. Do it!
Remember what President Ronald Reagan said, “A nation that cannot control its borders is not a nation.” And, “If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”
See you all in church on Sunday.
Leona M. Butts lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.
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- Written by: Jason Kishineff
This paper, and a couple of others, have been very kind about printing a few letters and my press releases. I appreciate it.
Several other papers, including one of the largest papers in the district, seem to be giving me a news blackout.
One way I thought I could bring my ideas to the public would be through a public debate or even a candidate forum.
I have written Mike Thompson several times, including on social media and sending him physical letters to all of his offices. He refuses to even acknowledge my existence.
I've stepped it up and protested (peacefully) at his last four or five town hall meetings with a sign that says, "Debate me, Mike.” I even tried to hand him the letter with my debate challenge. He just pretends I'm not standing there.
So, I contacted the League of Women Voters in Napa, Sonoma and Benicia, and finally got a response, thanks to an editor of a different paper. They said they would host a candidate forum. Success!
But lo and behold, after a few days I got an email from them saying that Mr. Thompson wasn't available on the two days they offered, so they gave up and won't do it, because it’s in their bylaws that all candidates have to be present.
I tried to explain to them that this bylaw allows incumbents the unfair power to silence challengers, but to no avail.
I have been contacting chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs, Lions clubs, Soroptimist clubs, but the answer I keep getting is, "We are nonpartisan and don't like to have political speakers.”
I'm writing this because I want everyone to see how the establishment makes it difficult for challengers.
If I were you, I would be wondering why my congressman is afraid to debate a political newcomer from the Green Party and what is he hiding? Thank you.
Jason Kishineff is a Green Party congressional candidate. He lives in American Canyon, Calif.
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- Written by: Diane Allen
Clear Lake High School Sober Grad 2018 continues to work hard accumulating funds necessary to give our graduates a safe place to gather after graduation to reminisce with classmates and say farewells before beginning their career paths that will take them in all different directions.
Prizes to the graduates will also be given as gifts of encouragement supporting their pursuit of success.
This community has shown their love by generous monetary donations, their time and by opening their businesses to our fundraising efforts.
Such support includes Lake County Contractors, Paradise Skate Roller Rink, Rob Brown (as emcee/auctioneer for Talent Show), Papa Murphy’s Pizza - Lakeport, Lake County Fairgrounds, Pat Lambert (as chef of Crab Feed), Lakeport Police Department, Kiwanis, Sheriff Brian Martin (as emcee/auctioneer for crab feed), Lake Events & Design, Flowers by Jackie, Madelene Lyon, Mark Birch, Village Auto & Detailing, Linda’s Hallmark, Plaza Paints, Suzie Qs Donuts, City Fitness, Shoe Box, Carlton Tire, Henny’s Shear Delight, Main Street Bikes, Gorman Fine Jewelry, French Bakery, NorCal Cuts, Lannette Huffman DDS, Soap Shack, Jimmy’s Deli & Taqueria, Disney’s Boat Rental, Liv Fashion and numerous businesses along with families/friends for
providing fabulous ‘silent auction’ items for our events.
Graduation is approaching quickly, just a few short months away! Sober Grad Committee continues to accept donations and would like to thank you, the community, for your support of our 2018 Clear Lake High School graduates.
Diane Allen lives in Lakeport, Calif.