Favoritism in the Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees race?
I attended the Judge’s Breakfast in Clearlake on September 12 featuring the new Dean of the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College. I am concerned that your article of September 13 on that event ended with favoritism in the election for Yuba Community College District Board of Trustees. Doug Harris, the incumbent in that election, attended that meeting, announced his candidacy, provided campaign literature for all, and engaged in significant discussion with the speaker and others about the Lake County Campus. Your article only mentioned his opponent in that campaign, providing space for his assertion that it’s time for a change. You did not even acknowledge Mr. Harris’s presence, let alone his candidacy nor his participation in the meeting. I am a long-time Clearlake resident and former employee of the Lake County Campus. I have known Mr. Harris for many years as a diligent advocate for the Lake County Campus and infinitely qualified to serve on the District Board of Trustees. Please provide space in your publication for his candidacy and perspective. Thank you.
—Barbara Christwitz, Clearlake
The Record-Bee has not officially endorsed Mr. Harris or anyone else officially in that race. When we endorse a candidate officially, we clearly label that endorsement. The candidates mentioned in the article you reference were mentioned as a sample of attendees who were present, not meant to be a comprehensive list. The reporter who normally covers that event has been temporarily taken off that assignment. In hindsight, mention of the candidates should have probably been avoided considering they will all continue to make themselves known to the community via the Judge’s breakfast and other forums and because the focus of that article was the community college Dean. Mr. Harris is welcome to send over any platform or information about his campaign and we will gladly print it. Furthermore, we have another reporter working on local election follow-ups and updates.
Forcing ponies into a life of endless toil should make anyone with a conscience sick.
Re: “What’s a Girl to do?; Pony rides at fairs make me sick” (Record-Bee Sept. 7)
For exhibitors looking to make a quick buck, there are few animals more easily exploited for the task. Ponies are cheap to procure, they are hardy, stoic, and calm, and have tremendous “kiddie appeal.” But beneath their gentle demeanor and innocent charm is a world of hurt.
Intentionally or not, overly excited kids can be rough. Ponies may be hit, kicked, or have their tails and manes pulled. They can be left sore and chaffed from their halters being roughly tugged on all day long. Ponies forced to give rides all day long can develop hoof ailments, saddle sores, and mouth and teeth problems resulting from ill-fitting or carelessly rigged tackle.
When the event is over, there’s little respite: the animals are loaded onto tractor trailers and hauled to the next venue.
The Lake County Fair has plenty of ways to entertain visitors without exploiting animals. Parent and grandparents should explain to their little ones why ponies don’t deserve to be treated like disposable equipment.
—Jennifer O’Connor, Senior Writer PETA Foundation, Norfolk, VA
Adopt a 5th Grader Programs deserve the spotlight
The Lake County Retired Teachers Association, Division No. 35, recently heard an inspiring presentation by Julie McGovern, Director of the Adopt a 5th grader Program of Mendocino College.McGovern explained that at the end of each school year certain 5th graders are chosen by their teachers to receive this special award. The program stipulates that if they stay in school, and graduate from high school, they will receive $500. If they enroll in Mendocino College and attend for at least one semester, they will get a check for $1000. In the years from 5th grade to 12th grade Mendocino staff checks in periodically with the students to help them stay on track.
The Mendocino College program serves students in the Lakeport, Kelseyville, Upper Lake and Lucerne districts.
Likewise, the Yuba College system also has an Adopt a 5th Grader program, although it has only been up and running for the past two years. It serves the students in the Konocti and Middletown districts. This program operates the same way, giving $500 upon graduation from high school. However, these students must enroll in Woodland College to obtain their check for $1000.
Jay Lowden, Director of the Yuba College Adopt a Fifth Grader Program, says that it takes $700 to support each student.
McGovern told the retired teachers that one of the best parts of her job was going to the end of the year assemblies at each school and seeing how proud these students are to receive the certificate that denotes their participation in this program. They are oftentimes not the top of the class student, but the one who needs that extra bit of encouragement to keep them engaged.
Individuals in the community, or community groups, can make donations to specific schools to support this program. To donate to the Mendocino College program contact Julie McGovern at jmcgovern@mendocino.edu. To donate to the Yuba College program contact Jay Lowden at jlowden@yccd.edu.
—Carolynn Jarrett, Clearlake
