Friday, 19 April 2024

Register

Opinion

Posted On

Dr. Nicki Thomas. Courtesy photo.

As the holiday season approaches, excitement and anticipation are in the air. Festive decorations fill the streets and stores. We’re bombarded with images of beautifully wrapped gifts, freshly baked cookies, and advertisements for every new gadget under the sun.

But for some, rather than a time of joy and celebration, the holidays can bring up complex emotions like grief, loneliness, financial stress, and unmet expectations. These not-so-cheery aspects of the holidays are hard for adults, but even more so for kids, who may not have the experience and skills to handle hard situations.

Curious children not only compare gifts, but traditions and celebrations as well. In our community Winter Break is often synonymous with Christmas Break — but it’s important to remember it’s not the only holiday celebrated.

Isolation

A big part of school is finding your crowd — the people who make you feel like you belong. The holidays can put a wedge between people, making them feel lonely or inferior. Not everyone celebrates Christmas. Wedge. Not everyone can afford the newest tech or fashion. Wedge. Not everyone is excited to spend time at home. Wedge.

And, anytime there’s a break from school, some students will lose more than just classroom instruction — they’ll miss the free meals that keep them fed, the social interactions that bring them joy, and the care of trusted adults at school who make them feel safe and seen.

There’s just no getting around it–the holidays can magnify stress, which feels so much worse with holiday carols playing in the background. Here are some issues to consider with ideas on how you might reduce the emotional challenges that can accompany this time of year.

Grief

One of the most difficult aspects of the holidays is navigating loss. Whether the absence of a loved one is due to death, divorce, or simply a change in circumstances, the holidays can make that loss feel especially painful.

Although it’s hard, it’s important for parents to acknowledge these feelings in themselves and to encourage their children to express their grief rather than bottle it up. If you’re a parent of a Kelseville student and you believe your student needs extra support right now, please reach out to your school’s counselor to discuss options.

One idea to help reduce the pain of an absent loved one is to give yourself permission to create new traditions. Rather than trying to keep things the way they’ve always been, change things up.

Financial stress

Financial stress can also make the holidays harder. Not only are there higher expenses, there are also higher expectations. Between childcare, food, activities, and gifts, it can be hard to keep up. Then, when children come home asking for unaffordable gifts, parents can feel doubly sad.

Locally, Toys for Tots can provide assistance for families who are struggling financially. And if your child attends Kelseyville Elementary School or Mountain Vista Middle School, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school counselor to request that your child be put on the staff gift tree. Every year Kelseyville Unified employees contribute to holiday gifts for students to make their season a little brighter.

Other options

The holidays come with many challenges, but there’s still so much joy to be experienced and memories to be made. So what can we do to make this season more enjoyable for parents and children?

It can be helpful to focus on experiences rather than “things,” such as spending quality time together playing games, volunteering, or going outdoors. Go for a walk or hike, play in the snow (if we get any), or come up with a scavenger hunt. If you’re having trouble thinking of new ideas, Google “free activities with kids” and pages of ideas will appear.

Here’s one I found: www.verywellfamily.com/absolutely-free-activities-for-kids-2997490.

Family activities can create precious memories without the need for extravagant spending.

One activity that is scientifically proven to improve people’s mental health is practicing gratitude.

Consider asking everyone in your family to make a list of the things they are most thankful for — right now and throughout the year.

Are your kids thankful for the way the family dog greets them each morning? Are they thankful for playing at the park? All those little things add up.

While the holidays can pose some challenges, they also offer an opportunity to teach kids resilience and how to find joy in everyday experiences.

Dr. Nicki Thomas is superintendent for the Kelseyville Unified School District.
Posted On

Konocti Unified School District Superintendent Becky Salato. Courtesy photo.

LOWER LAKE, Calif. — In many ways, the beginning of this school year looks like the beginning of every other one.

Teachers are presenting creative lessons in newly decorated classrooms, students are reconnecting with classmates and establishing new friends, clubs are forming, sports teams are looking for new recruits, and we’re all watching the weather in hopes of avoiding another wildfire.

For me, however, this year is a little different, not because of what’s going on here at the district, but because of what’s going on personally.

I’m supporting multiple family members with serious medical issues. On the outside, I look the same (maybe a few extra bags under my eyes); but on the inside, I am feeling emotionally fragile and constantly frustrated that I cannot be in two places at once. I want to be in New York with my ailing mom, and I want to be in my office supporting our wonderful staff as they kick off the school year.

Although the details of my situation are unique, my emotions and the way they distract me are not.

Many of our students and employees face challenges and distractions of their own. Health challenges are one of countless examples people face. When distractions are minor or short-term, we can often manage without much difficulty. But when they are significant or chronic, it’s almost impossible to focus on daily life and do our best work.

On any given day, children in our community struggle in ways we often know nothing about. They face food insecurity and their hunger makes it hard to concentrate. They witness or experience violence or are exposed to confusing and upsetting ideas. They worry about their immediate safety and security because their parents are incarcerated or struggling with drugs.

Can you blame them for showing a lack of discipline and focus in school?

As a school district, Konocti Unified is dedicated to delivering the academic preparation our students need to pursue the college or career path of their choice. When students are struggling with challenges outside of school, it’s much harder to achieve this goal.

This is why you constantly hear me talking about social and emotional wellness. I know that for students to achieve at their highest potential, they need to be able to focus on their studies.

When a student isn’t performing well academically or is behaving in an unacceptable manner, our response must encompass both academic and psychological elements: Does the student need more academic support or is there something else going on? One of the most important things we can do in our schools is to support students so they can learn to manage themselves and their situations.

We know that when students have one trusted adult in their lives it can make a huge difference. At school, that can be a teacher, counselor, administrator, coach, librarian, secretary, janitor, playground supervisor or any number of others. We have social-emotional counselors at every school.

One way to help your student succeed is to start each day in a calm and positive way. Small changes to routines can make a big difference, like having kids lay out the next day’s outfit the night before and/or waking up 15 minutes earlier.

When you, as a parent, feel frustrated, you can reduce morning stress for yourself and everyone else by taking a deep breath and using a tone of voice that doesn’t involve yelling. As parents, our emotional state can’t help but affect our kids.

Before dropping off your child for school, you might consider asking them what they are most looking forward to that day — who they want to see, what they want to do. This helps them focus on the positive.

When your child comes home from school, you might ask them what good things that happened today and who helped make it possible.

Gratitude is a powerful force. Let’s work together to provide our students with the support they need to focus so they can thrive.

Becky Salato is superintendent for the Konocti Unified School District.
Posted On

Dr. Shouan Pan. Courtesy photo.

With much pride and excitement, I assumed the role as the new chancellor of Yuba Community College District on June 15.

Knowing that my appointment by the Yuba College District Board of Trustees in April this year came after almost two years of search, I feel even more intensely the honor as well as the weight of the position.

I thank the members of the board and the broad communities for their trust and confidence in me to lead an expansive rural district that comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges.

I was attracted to this leadership opportunity at YCCD because it has a long history of supporting and improving educational attainment and economic development of its diverse communities. I am inspired by the commitment to educational excellence, collaborative problem solving, and innovation from the faculty and staff.

Those are values that resonate deeply with those of mine, and I am inspired to lead, in the coming months and years, by inclusive and equitable leadership, intentional collaboration, and shared commitment to excellence in every aspect of YCCD’s operations.

In joining the YCCD and the north Central California communities, I bring a diverse set of administrative experiences, track records, and skills from having held leadership positions at six different community college districts, both rural and urban.

The common thread across all these institutions has been my deep and lasting passion for advocating and ensuring student success. In an era of accelerating changes, YCCD has an obligation to ensure that equitable access and affordability to quality higher education always remain front and center across our communities within the eight counties it serves.

Under the direction of our seven elected trustees, in partnership with our talented and dedicated faculty and staff, my leadership team and I will remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work; we will seek opportunities to strengthen existing and foster new partnerships with business, educational, governmental, and civic organizations; we will develop niche educational and workforce training programs that are responsive and relevant to the needs of local economy.

YCCD is founded to serve the communities. The quality and reputation of its education and training is built not only by those who teach, learn, and contribute daily on our college campuses, but also by the support of friends, supporters, and community partners year after year. Together, we can and will make YCCD more student ready, community ready, and future ready. We all have a stake in its future.

I am thrilled to join YCCD and the communities it serves. In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to meeting and establishing meaningful connections with both faculty, staff, and students on college campuses but also with friends and stakeholders in the community. I look forward to launching YCCD to new heights with all of you.

Dr. Shouan Pan was hired as chancellor of Yuba Community College District in April 2023.
Blog Left ad
Posted On

My name is Ray Buenaventura. I am your newly appointed chief public defender. I was appointed by the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 19, and began serving Oct. 16.

My background includes over 30 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer, with more than 100 jury trials, ranging from minor infractions to murder cases with special circumstances (i.e. death penalty-eligible cases). I am a Certified Criminal Law Specialist and have taught evidence, election law and legal research and writing. I also created the first Youth Court Program in Santa Clara County. I am additionally on the Board of Trustees of the California State Bar Association, and have served on the Criminal Law Advisory Commission and the Attorney Discipline Committee.

As your public defender, it is my responsibility to establish a premier indigent defense program in Lake County. My goal is to ensure every Lake County defendant receives a professional and appropriate defense. I will devote my energy to promoting the public interest through innovative programs that can truly make a difference. I will work to build an effective and transformative Public Defender Office everyone can rely on.

I cannot do it alone. Community-focused, holistic public defense matters, and I want to work with you.

People should get the services they need to be successful; when they do, they are less likely to offend in the future. Building relationships, promoting engagement from every Lake County community, is essential to effectively supporting people that become involved with the criminal justice system.

I write this letter to extend an invitation to anyone and everyone willing to meet with me.

I am particularly interested in meeting people involved in rehabilitation programs, mental and behavioral health-focused organizations, youth groups, veterans, Lake County’s seven sovereign tribal nations, seniors, homeless shelters, food distribution centers, mentorship groups and vocational training programs.

Please feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 707- 263-0133.

Working together, we can change the course of people’s lives. Will you join me?

Ray Buenaventura is the chief public defender of Lake County, California, and the mayor of Daly City, California.
Posted On

Assemblymember James C. Ramos. Courtesy photo.


Struggle to meet sacred duty to reclaim nearly 700,000 looted, desecrated human remains and cultural objects stored in forgotten or lost boxes is new battlefront in fighting centuries-old dehumanizing of First People

This year, on Sept. 6, after the Labor Day holiday, tribal leaders will travel to the State Capitol to address the legislature about the recent audit of the California State University system’s failure to repatriate nearly 700,000 Native American human remains and artifacts. These remains are stored in boxes on shelves.

The bill, AB 389, will require monitoring campus efforts to review their collections and completion of repatriation activities by December 2025, implementing protocols for handling and identifying remains and cultural items and issuing a system wide Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act policy establishing consistent repatriation processes and training requirements.

Sponsors supporting this important trust building measure include the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Redding Rancheria, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians, Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Tule River Indian Tribe of California, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Tachi Yokut Tribe.

Too many Californians — when they think of the state’s tribes — imagine a single mass speaking in one language, practicing one faith and the same customs. Too many also believe that the state’s Native Americans no longer face a lack of access to health care, education, equal protections in the areas of public safety, children’s foster care or inclusion when decisions are made that impact them.

Far too many Californians believe the state’s First People are raking in cash from the 76 casinos and five mini casinos operating in California. It is true that these casino-owning, federally recognized tribes have become economic powerhouses with revenues of approximately $9 billion annually. But not even all the federally recognized tribes own casinos, and the much greater number of tribes that are non-recognized struggle to ensure the security and well-being of their members.

The reality is that California has more than 100 tribes and several more that are unrecognized because of the shameful history of broken treaties, displacement and other maltreatment.

Four years ago, in June 2019, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an apology to the state’s Native Americans for the violence and other wrongs committed against them. Five months prior to that apology, I was elected to the state legislature. My election was 169 years after California was admitted to the Union!

Since then, I have attempted to make my election count, not just for the 45th Assembly District which covers much of San Bernardino County, but also to create a voice and representation for the larger Native American community.

Gov. Newsom’s apology signaled his willingness to write a new chapter in the state’s relationship with its tribes. In 2021, then-Speaker Anthony Rendon authorized me to create the California Native American Legislative Caucus. Legislators from both houses and both parties joined the Caucus. Together, we began the challenging work of removing obstacles to the services and rights that others in the state take for granted.

More than 25 bills dealing with Native American education, foster youth, mental health access and other issues affecting basic civil rights and health and welfare have been signed and will make a difference in the daily lives of the state’s First People.

They include:

• AB 3099 signed in 2020 to increase communication and coordination among state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to combat the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People.

• AB 873 signed in 2021 to assist tribal courts protect tribal foster youth.

• AB 855 signed in 2021 to create the First Native American paid holiday for California’s state and local court employees.

• AB 945 signed in 2021 reinforced Native American rights to wear tribal regalia at high school graduation ceremonies.

• AB 923 signed in 2022 to encourage the state and its agencies to consult on a government-to-government basis with the tribes.

• AB 1703 signed in 2022 to create the American Indian Education Act to encourage school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools to engage with their local tribes to build more complete and accurate versions of Native American classrooms.

• AB 44, current legislation, to grant tribal governments and tribal courts access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System to increase public safety on reservations.

• AB 2022 signed in 2022 prohibits the use of the word “s****”, a slur for female Native Americans, as a name for geographic features and places within the state of California.

So much more work needs to be accomplished to ensure equity in all areas of Native American lives including achieving one of the most fundamental of human rights — the respectful reburial of our ancestors.

Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district which includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature. Ramos chairs the Assembly Committees on Rules.
Posted On

Spring is finally here! Everywhere we see growth, rebirth, vitality and renewal. Like the leaves bursting out of the trees, Spring energy encourages us to move ‘upwards and outwards’ and grow!

What's the best way to move forward? We can look to the Wood Element to guide us in our vision for this Spring.

The Wood element has two organs: the liver and the gallbladder.

The liver is called the Official of Strategic Planning, the grand architect for our vision of the future; this official sees the directions we must take to live our lives in harmony with nature.

The gallbladder is the Official of Decision Making, granting us the ability to make decisions and have wise judgment. It is associated with qualities of benevolence, generosity and idealism for the highest good. It is the leader within us that can take charge and determine a plan of action.
Making a decision is not always a matter of choosing between equal alternatives.

Through these officials we have perspective. We can see new possibilities along with the wisdom of the past, to see clearly and plan the most benevolent course to take.

Without wood's vision, a plan, decision and direction, no movement is possible — and there is often frustration.

The Wood Element governs our sense of vision, the emotion of anger, and the sound of shouting.

When our vision is stifled, we may feel anger: we've made our plan, decided to act, and suddenly our plans are thwarted. We may feel anger and frustration and want to shout. We may feel irritable, depressed, and lose focus or hope for the future.

Sometimes when we are out of balance, we identify with only one position and become attached to it. We may lose our wise judgment.

When our wood energy is healthy, we can take a step back, be flexible, adapt, change direction, stay hopeful, readjust our plans, find a new perspective, and begin again.

We are positive leaders, and give directions for the highest good. We can forgive ourselves and each other and not become too rigid or unyielding.

Like a tree that bends in the wind, a balanced wood energy is well rooted, flexible, can adapt to change, and find a path to express itself in a strong and healthy way.

Healthy wood energy acknowledges the inherent self-esteem in ourselves and each other. It honors the spirit of each person’s inherent need to be who they are.

The wood element grants us the space and the vision for each person to grow and become their unique self — to be the “tree” you are meant to be. We can see this wisdom in the harmony of all things within Nature, that includes the co-existence of every living unique being.

When wood is unbalanced, you may experience symptoms such as:

• Feeling irritable or angry.

• Headache, migraine or high blood pressure.

• Rib pain: The liver meridian runs along the rib area. A liver energy stagnation will be reflected in a distending discomfort around the ribs.

• Itchy, dry eyes: The liver rules the eyes. A deficiency in liver blood may lead to eye issues like floaters or myopia. If there is excess liver heat this can cause red, bloodshot or painful eyes.

• Spasms: The liver nourishes the tendons and ligaments and the smooth flow of energy to allow free movement. When the liver energy isn't moving, we can experience cramps, spasms, or numbness.

• Brittle nails: The quality of the liver energy is seen in the nails. If there is a deficiency, you may have dry brittle nails, with ridges or spots on the nails.

Here are some ways to move your wood energy and stay balanced in the spring.

Get moving: Moving helps to keep your energy flowing properly. It can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, going for a walk, or stretching the muscles, tendons and ligaments. All of these will help to support your wood element in the springtime.

Get creative: Take time to really think and feel about what you want to be, and what direction you want your life to go.

Write down your vision, intention, and dreams for your future. Take time to make a plan so you can make the right decisions to realize your goals.

Maybe you need someone’s help to achieve your goals. Maybe you are the leader that wants to offer help for someone else to realize their dreams.

Try essential oils: Lavender, peppermint, chamomile, lemon and bergamot essential oils help to move the energy in the liver and gallbladder channels. Sandalwood oil is especially nourishing and grounding.

Focusing of food: Drinking herbal teas like lemon, peppermint or chamomile can help to support the liver and gallbladder channels.

The wood element likes sour food (like kimchi and yogurt), light meals with lots of greens (the color of the wood element). Bitter greens like dandelion, nettles, and arugula can be helpful to cleanse the liver and gallbladder and promote better digestion.

Avoid too many rich, heavy, greasy foods, or too much alcohol as that may congest the liver and gallbladder. This can also lead to inflammation and other diseases.

Spring is also a good time to try a liver or gallbladder cleanse, or adapt to a healthier diet.

Sleep is essential: Sleep is the time for replenishing the liver and gallbladder to recover from the stresses of the day. The spirit aspect of the liver is called the “Hun.”

The Hun grants us the capacity for dreams, imagination, inner vision for creativity, and clear direction for our goals. It maintains peaceful sleep so we can have clear dreams that are beneficial to our soul. Certain types of insomnia are signs of a liver imbalance.

These are all ways to support your wood energy and stay balanced and healthy in the spring.

This spring, support your Wood Element to nourish your vision and to continue to grow. Make plans and decisions that align with who you are. Stay flexible, creative, and hopeful so you can achieve your goals!

Wendy Weiss has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese medicine for 31 years. She is honored to be voted "Best Acupuncture in Lake and Mendocino” for 2022. She can be reached for more information on her website, www.wendyweissacupuncture.com, or call her at 707-277-0891.

Subcategories

Letters

Upcoming Calendar

20Apr
04.20.2024 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Earth Day Celebration
Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center
20Apr
04.20.2024 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Boatique Wines Stand-up Comedy Night
25Apr
04.25.2024 1:30 pm - 7:30 pm
FireScape Mendocino workshop
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Northshore Ready Fest
27Apr
04.27.2024 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
27Apr
04.27.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Inaugural Team Trivia Challenge
5May
05.05.2024
Cinco de Mayo
6May
05.06.2024 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Senior Summit
12May
05.12.2024
Mother's Day

Mini Calendar

loader

LCNews

Award winning journalism on the shores of Clear Lake. 

 

Newsletter

Enter your email here to make sure you get the daily headlines.

You'll receive one daily headline email and breaking news alerts.
No spam.

Search