Our kids are worth the effort
I would like to commend Konocti Unified Superintendent Becky Salato’s recent article in the Record Bee entitled “Here’s What Keeps Me Up at Night.” This educational leader is calling on parents and community members to join her in addressing two obstacles to student achievement and well -being: cell phones at school and the use of vaping devices. It’s not enough anymore for educators to confine themselves to curriculum. There are just too many outside influences that affect the ability of students to be successful. Teachers alone cannot be expected to overcome these obstacles without the help and support of parents and the community.
We are seeing many districts across California and in other states, ban the use of cell phones at school. They have seen a positive rise in grades, attitudes, student involvement in lessons, and students’ interactions with each other. It is time for districts in Lake County to seriously consider joining these districts in banning cell phone use during our school days if they have not already done so..
Ms Salato’s description of the negative effects of the use of vaping devices and their highly addictive nature, should motivate schools, law enforcement, businesses, and parents to address this destructive habit of our youth. Does Behavorial Health, or any other county agency, offer cessation programs for vaping youth?
Ms Salato ends her article by asking parents and community members to contact her to form a committee to “figure out common sense ways to support our students.” I hope that people will respond; the cause, our kids, is certainly worth the effort.
—Carolynn Jarrett, Clearlake
Littering and dumping of unwanted items continues in the area
A little over a year ago, I wrote a letter about the dumping, littering and trespassing that occurs in the Borax Lake area along Sulphur Bank Drive in Clearlake.
A group of local volunteers had recently cleaned up over two tons of litter, tires, appliances furniture and garbage.
Since that time, volunteers have removed many more tons of debris and a vehicle that was submerged in the lake for over 20 years.
Littering and dumping of unwanted items continues in the area. Recently another vehicle was abandoned and now sits partially submerged in Borax Lake emitting hazardous chemicals into the Lake.
Trucks and motorcycles regularly trespass onto the pristine hills in the area causing irreparable damage and erosion to the land.
We have put up signs that state the obvious: no littering, no dumping, and no trespassing. The signs are largely ignored and the area continues to be treated as a vast landfill and playground for motorcycles and four wheel drive trucks. Local volunteers continue to do what they can to protect this beautiful area and keep it clean.
The history of this area dates back tens of thousands of years and includes an archeological site designated a historical landmark and owned by the Archeological Conservancy where the remains of one of the oldest known humans in North America were discovered. It is littered with trash and debris.
The City has installed a license plate camera in the area. The camera has not deterred trespassing and illegal dumping, but images from the camera are being used to prosecute trespassers.
We need help from citizens to report violators to law enforcement authorities. If you see something, say something. Together we can make a difference and preserve this historic, natural area for generations to come. Much progress has been made in recent years, but much remains to be done.
If you would like to volunteer to help protect the Borax Lake area, please contact Barbara Christwitz at Concerned Citizens for Clearlake. You can reach Barbara at 707-995-0940.
—Dave Sena, Clearlake
Endorsement for Owen
We support Helen Owen for District 1 Supervisor.
My name is Bob Donley. My wife, Pat, and I fully endorse and support Helen Owen.
Helen has lived here all of her life. We have known her most of her life since we moved to Middletown in 1964.
Helen has seen and experienced the changes over the years in District 1 – some good, some bad, some that worked and some that did not.
Helen is not a politician, and she will focus primarily on the communities of District 1, but she will also keep in mind the impacts of the Board of Supervisors’ decisions for the entire County.
Helen is a problem solver as she has demonstrated owning and operating a successful business in Middletown / Hidden Valley Area.
Helen is honest, kind, compassionate, dedicated and hardworking. She loves Lake County. This is her home. She has a vested interest in it. We need her especially in this day when our values are being attacked.
Please join us and vote for Helen Owen for District 1 Supervisor.
—Bob and Pat Donley, Middletown
