LAKE COUNTY
The California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) joins Californians statewide to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week
The California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) joins Californians statewide to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week May 8 to 12 and California’s Day of the Teacher on Wednesday, May 10. We honor our fellow educators who have given so much during the past few years. Though teachers always go “above and beyond” in their goal to support, encourage and educate California’s youth, the past few years these professionals have endured untold challenges. We thank them for their hard work and send our heart-felt appreciation to day and every day!
The California Retired Teachers Association is the state’s foremost organization dedicated to the concerns of retired educators. CalRTA began in 1929 as the country entered the Great Depression. A small group of teachers banded together to fight for better pensions for colleagues who were living in poverty after a lifetime of teaching. Laura E. Settle, CalRTA’s founder and president until 1945, drove the dusty highways of the state to help organize teachers in a common cause. Learn more online at WWW.calrta.org
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CLEARLAKE
Cinco de Mayo community event May 6
Praises of Zion Church in Clearlake is presenting a special “Cinco de Mayo” event for the community. They are encouraging everyone in the county to come together to celebrate the cultural differences of our community. The “Cinco De Mayo” event will be held Saturday May 6 from 12 pm to 4 pm in the parking lot of Praises of Zion. The church is located at 3890 Emile Avenue in Clearlake. There is plenty of parking and seating for eating. The event is open to the public. Bring the entire family.
This is a “family friendly” event. There will be a short presentation at noon on the history of Cinco de Mayo in both Spanish and English. They will have a short devotional before the fun and activities begin. The event will feature a free bouncy house and slide for the children, free games and crafts for the kids, face painting, and live music in both Spanish and English. Children can hit the pinata and dive for candy. A food truck with authentic Mexican food will have items for sale. There will be a traditional Mexican fruit and snow cone vendor also.
The church will have drinks, baked goods and raffle prizes for sale. The church will be open during the event for those who may need prayer, for both Spanish and English-speaking attendees. If you need more information, please call Praises of Zion Church at (707) 995-1319 and leave a message.
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LAKE COUNTY
Lake County’s annual burn ban starts May 1, 2023
The annual burn ban in Lake County starts on Monday, May 1, 2023 to address concerns over both fire hazard and air quality. The burn restriction applies to all areas in Lake County. All burn permits expire on April 30, 2023. The burn ban includes ALL open green waste burning, though exemptions are possible for agricultural operations, essential control burns for fire hazard reduction projects, public safety burns, and others.
The annual burn ban was first implemented in 1986 in response to weather conditions that often create extreme fire danger and poor air quality. A managed approach incorporating Fire and Air agency concerns has been implemented and improved upon for many years. The ban allows a quick Fire Agency response to all fires observed from May 1st on, as they are all assumed to be uncontrolled fires unless specifically authorized by an exemption permit. This successful program is one of the primary reasons Lake County has superior and healthful air quality.
To obtain an exemption permit to burn after May 1, contact the Lake County Air Quality Management District at (707) 263-7000 for details. District office hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm. Appointments may be requested any time Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
Anyone responsible for open burning during the ban without an exemption permit may be subject to citation, fines, and Fire Agency response costs to extinguish the fire.
Please help us reduce the danger and losses caused by uncontrolled fires, and protect our clean air. Public cooperation is greatly appreciated and results in a safer and more healthful environment for us all.
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UKIAH
Mendocino College receives $2.6 million Hispanic Serving Institutions Grant to support student success
Mendocino College is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $2.6 million Hispanic Serving Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education through a highly competitive process. The grant will support the college’s ongoing efforts to enhance student success and retention, with a specific focus on supporting Latinx students.
“Mendocino College is committed to improving retention and program success for its Hispanic and minority students,” said Congressman Jared Huffman. “The METAS Project will provide research-based strategies with a focus on equity to increase academic and counseling services for success in college and careers.”
The grant will be used to fund a range of initiatives, including increasing the retention rate of first-year students, increasing the percentage of students completing core transfer courses, reducing the number of units completed by degree- or transfer-seeking students, training staff in student retention best practices, and increasing the total percentage of students completing a degree or transfer.
Mendocino College serves two counties, including 51 towns and cities in one of the most isolated regions in California. The average student population at Mendocino College is 6,800. While Mendocino County has a 26% Latinx population, and Lake County 22%, Latinx students at Mendocino College account for 41% of all enrollments, a 4% increase since 2012.
The HSI program supports colleges and universities that have a significant Latinx student population by providing grants to fund educational and support programs. Mendocino College was selected for this highly competitive grant based on its demonstrated commitment to serving Latinx students and its success in advancing their academic and career goals.
For more information about Mendocino College and its programs and services, please visit the college’s website at www.mendocino.edu.
