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Opinion
Human trafficking is here in Lake County – and it is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world.
Local girls and young women have been targeted, and continue to be at risk.
Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and can be defined as “the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.”
The most common type of trafficking is sex trafficking, followed by domestic work and agriculture.
In 2016, the National Human Trafficking Hotline found that 7,500 cases were report – up 35 percent over 2015.
California has double the rate of any other state of reported cases.
According to the Polaris Project, a national nonprofit that works to combat human trafficking, 25 percent of trafficking victims are children. In the US, the average age of a trafficking victim is 13 – the typical age of a seventh or eighth grader.
The two most vulnerable populations of children that may be trafficked into sexual exploitation include:
– Runaways: One-third of runaways are lured into sexual exploitation within 48 hours of leaving home. Approximately 90 percent of them end up in the commercial sex trade.
– Children on the fringes: These may be children from abusive homes; neglected children; latchkey children; children with parents who may be working multiple jobs with little or no time to keep track of them; or they may just be children who don’t fit in.
Traffickers maintain control through force, violence, lies and psychological abuse.
These methods cause psychological damage, and victims grapple with shame, fear, suicidal thoughts, and an inability to trust, making it difficult for them to ask for help.
As adults, we can protect our youth.
Educate yourself on the issues and learn the signs of a trafficked victim. To learn more go to www.polarisproject.org .
Discuss the following items with your children or children you have influence over:
– Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know on social media. Traffickers commonly use popular social media sites to lure their victims.
– Don’t reveal too much about yourself to people you don’t know, no matter how friendly the person may be.
– Never agree to meet someone you don’t know without first consulting a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, and guidance counselor.
Report it if you suspect someone is being coerced into compelled labor or commercial sex acts, by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting “BeFree” to (233-733).
Although this is a worldwide problem, it hits home locally here in Lake County. Take the time to learn more about this devastating issue, and protect our youth and our community.
Brock Falkenberg is superintendent of schools for Lake County, Calif.
Local girls and young women have been targeted, and continue to be at risk.
Trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and can be defined as “the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.”
The most common type of trafficking is sex trafficking, followed by domestic work and agriculture.
In 2016, the National Human Trafficking Hotline found that 7,500 cases were report – up 35 percent over 2015.
California has double the rate of any other state of reported cases.
According to the Polaris Project, a national nonprofit that works to combat human trafficking, 25 percent of trafficking victims are children. In the US, the average age of a trafficking victim is 13 – the typical age of a seventh or eighth grader.
The two most vulnerable populations of children that may be trafficked into sexual exploitation include:
– Runaways: One-third of runaways are lured into sexual exploitation within 48 hours of leaving home. Approximately 90 percent of them end up in the commercial sex trade.
– Children on the fringes: These may be children from abusive homes; neglected children; latchkey children; children with parents who may be working multiple jobs with little or no time to keep track of them; or they may just be children who don’t fit in.
Traffickers maintain control through force, violence, lies and psychological abuse.
These methods cause psychological damage, and victims grapple with shame, fear, suicidal thoughts, and an inability to trust, making it difficult for them to ask for help.
As adults, we can protect our youth.
Educate yourself on the issues and learn the signs of a trafficked victim. To learn more go to www.polarisproject.org .
Discuss the following items with your children or children you have influence over:
– Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know on social media. Traffickers commonly use popular social media sites to lure their victims.
– Don’t reveal too much about yourself to people you don’t know, no matter how friendly the person may be.
– Never agree to meet someone you don’t know without first consulting a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, and guidance counselor.
Report it if you suspect someone is being coerced into compelled labor or commercial sex acts, by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting “BeFree” to (233-733).
Although this is a worldwide problem, it hits home locally here in Lake County. Take the time to learn more about this devastating issue, and protect our youth and our community.
Brock Falkenberg is superintendent of schools for Lake County, Calif.
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- Written by: Brock Falkenberg
Do you leave your car and house unlocked for anyone to walk through? Let's ask if Nancy Pelosi (net worth of $120 million), Maxine Waters (currently about $1.3 million) and Chuck Schumer (net worth $12 million), if they leave their doors open for all to walk through.
Rebuilding America's depleted military?
The Obama administration left our military in a poor state of repair. Parts are being scavenged to keep our planes flying. Remember, it is the weak that are attacked, not the strong.
Slashing taxes and unnecessary regulations to spur economic growth?
Lake County needs all the help it can get for future growth. Right now hours are being cut in county offices that server our people.
Regarding regulations, are you aware that California has 343 agencies that slow all economic progress with undue paper work and cost? You may have heard that the only place state government can cut expenses is police and fire.
State agencies employ over 350,000 people directly and countless more via contracts with the state. All of these people get salaries, medical coverage and pensions at our expense and almost all are unionized. Ask yourself, is it a time for change in Sacramento?
Judeo-Christian principles on which our country was founded?
These are the principles on which our country was founded and we now have a president who believes in these principles. The National Prayer Breakfast took place on Feb. 8, however, we saw little mention of it in the national media. Isn't it time for Americans to stand with our our founders and President and preserve our nation?
How can we not support our country? When was the last time you and your children stood tall, with your right hand over your heart, and made the following pledge?
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Leona M. Butts lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.
Rebuilding America's depleted military?
The Obama administration left our military in a poor state of repair. Parts are being scavenged to keep our planes flying. Remember, it is the weak that are attacked, not the strong.
Slashing taxes and unnecessary regulations to spur economic growth?
Lake County needs all the help it can get for future growth. Right now hours are being cut in county offices that server our people.
Regarding regulations, are you aware that California has 343 agencies that slow all economic progress with undue paper work and cost? You may have heard that the only place state government can cut expenses is police and fire.
State agencies employ over 350,000 people directly and countless more via contracts with the state. All of these people get salaries, medical coverage and pensions at our expense and almost all are unionized. Ask yourself, is it a time for change in Sacramento?
Judeo-Christian principles on which our country was founded?
These are the principles on which our country was founded and we now have a president who believes in these principles. The National Prayer Breakfast took place on Feb. 8, however, we saw little mention of it in the national media. Isn't it time for Americans to stand with our our founders and President and preserve our nation?
How can we not support our country? When was the last time you and your children stood tall, with your right hand over your heart, and made the following pledge?
"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Leona M. Butts lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif.
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- Written by: Leona M. Butts
This past weekend I read an article featuring a human trafficking sting in Lake County. According to the article investigators from the Lake County District Attorney’s Office, undercover agents from the Mendocino County Task Force, and officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Clearlake Police Department worked together on the case – ultimately leading to the arrest of two suspects.
Human trafficking is a serious and growing problem – big thanks to law enforcement for addressing it.
Last summer the Soroptimist International of Clear Lake Club partnered with Redwood Community Services Inc. to host Elle Snow, a human trafficking survivor. The event was held at the Lodge at Blue Lakes, courtesy of owners Peter and Maryann Schmid.
Elle spoke to the need for awareness, intervention and prevention and bravely told her story of capture, escape and survival.
Elle made a lasting impression on the audience including a number of community leaders. In attendance that night were Brock Falkenberg, county superintendent of schools, who partnered with the Soroptimist on the event; county supervisors Jim Steele and Tina Scott, both sponsors of the event; the Lake County Family Resource Center, event partners; and District Attorney Don Anderson; Sheriff Brian Martin; interim Clearlake Police Chief Tim Celli and then-Lakeport Mayor Pro Tem, Mireya Turner.
Since that time Elle has conducted a number of human trafficking workshops in Lake County. One, specifically tailored for law enforcement officers, was hosted by Sheriff Brian Martin.
Coming to Lake County in April is the anti-human trafficking play, “Jane Doe In Wonderland.” Created by Elle Snow and playwrights Kate Tobie, Erin Johnston and Grace Booth, the play toured in 2017 to packed houses and will tour Northern California and Southern Oregon in March and April of this year.
The Soroptimist club is sponsoring the play on April 14 at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport. Look for details in the near future about this opportunity to learn how to identify and stop human trafficking.
A sad commentary on the human condition, human trafficking thrives because there is a demand. It is creeping into rural communities and will continue to do so if we don’t take the threat seriously. Fortunately, Lake County leaders do, as evidenced by the recent sting and the interest they demonstrated in attending Lake County’s first human trafficking awareness event last summer.
A quote by DA Don Anderson in the article I read indicates that human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the United States and California. He’s right. According to California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, it is estimated to be a $32 billion a year global industry.
Considered to be a modern form of slavery human trafficking is not just a big city problem. The team that set up the sting in Clearlake deserves notice and gratitude, as do our county and city leaders who support efforts to keep human trafficking from taking hold in our community. Hats off to them!
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif., and is a member of Soroptimist of Clear Lake, which won the Spirit of Lake County Award at the Stars of Lake County Award ceremony in Lakeport on Saturday, Feb. 17.
Human trafficking is a serious and growing problem – big thanks to law enforcement for addressing it.
Last summer the Soroptimist International of Clear Lake Club partnered with Redwood Community Services Inc. to host Elle Snow, a human trafficking survivor. The event was held at the Lodge at Blue Lakes, courtesy of owners Peter and Maryann Schmid.
Elle spoke to the need for awareness, intervention and prevention and bravely told her story of capture, escape and survival.
Elle made a lasting impression on the audience including a number of community leaders. In attendance that night were Brock Falkenberg, county superintendent of schools, who partnered with the Soroptimist on the event; county supervisors Jim Steele and Tina Scott, both sponsors of the event; the Lake County Family Resource Center, event partners; and District Attorney Don Anderson; Sheriff Brian Martin; interim Clearlake Police Chief Tim Celli and then-Lakeport Mayor Pro Tem, Mireya Turner.
Since that time Elle has conducted a number of human trafficking workshops in Lake County. One, specifically tailored for law enforcement officers, was hosted by Sheriff Brian Martin.
Coming to Lake County in April is the anti-human trafficking play, “Jane Doe In Wonderland.” Created by Elle Snow and playwrights Kate Tobie, Erin Johnston and Grace Booth, the play toured in 2017 to packed houses and will tour Northern California and Southern Oregon in March and April of this year.
The Soroptimist club is sponsoring the play on April 14 at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport. Look for details in the near future about this opportunity to learn how to identify and stop human trafficking.
A sad commentary on the human condition, human trafficking thrives because there is a demand. It is creeping into rural communities and will continue to do so if we don’t take the threat seriously. Fortunately, Lake County leaders do, as evidenced by the recent sting and the interest they demonstrated in attending Lake County’s first human trafficking awareness event last summer.
A quote by DA Don Anderson in the article I read indicates that human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the United States and California. He’s right. According to California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, it is estimated to be a $32 billion a year global industry.
Considered to be a modern form of slavery human trafficking is not just a big city problem. The team that set up the sting in Clearlake deserves notice and gratitude, as do our county and city leaders who support efforts to keep human trafficking from taking hold in our community. Hats off to them!
Olga Martin Steele lives in Clearlake Oaks, Calif., and is a member of Soroptimist of Clear Lake, which won the Spirit of Lake County Award at the Stars of Lake County Award ceremony in Lakeport on Saturday, Feb. 17.
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- Written by: Olga Martin Steele
Verizon plans to install 74 pole-mounted cellphone towers (PMCT) in Santa Rosa; 61 of them in residential neighborhoods – just 15 to 50 feet from homes. The city has already granted Verizon permits to go ahead.
I’m an electrical engineer with 27 years in the industry and a Life Member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers).
IEEE Spectrum in a 2011 article stated, “After a working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries reviewed the latest research data, the IARC announced that it has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from cellphones “as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer.”
The World Health Organization classified cellphone radiation as a Group 2B carcinogen and stated there are particular risks to children and fetal development.
Aside from RF microwave radiation, having a cellphone tower in your neighborhood could reduce your property value. A peer reviewed study published in The Appraisal Journal 2005, quantified residential properties within 300 feet of a cellphone tower as being devaluated by 20 to 25 percent due to fears of RF radiation and aesthetics.
California’s SB649, which was drafted by the telecommunications industry to ease permits for cell towers while keeping cell towers away from fire stations, bypasses local government ordinances pertaining to cell towers. This would allow cities to issue permits without a design review. However, Gov. Brown vetoed the bill at the last minute.
Keep in mind, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 only allows telecommunications companies to preempt local governments when they have requested to install cell towers due to the lack of coverage, but not due to the lack of bandwidth (capacity).
Verizon in their presentation to the city council stated its reason for requesting more pole-mounted cell towers was to increase coverage and bandwidth in preparation for 4G/5G services. However, as far as we can tell, Verizon has not provided documented evidence regarding lack of coverage for the already permitted PMCT sites in Santa Rosa. Furthermore, new neighborhood cell towers do not necessarily guarantee faster web/video services.
What the city appears to be doing is fast-tracking permits for Verizon to install PMCT’s without a design review. However, Council Policy 300-04 specifies Verizon must follow Ordinance 20-44 and preform a design review for each PMCT installation. So what happened?
The city may have opened itself up to legal issues – time will tell. Right now the best thing you can do to keep these not-so-pleasing-to-look-at, RF radiating cell towers out of Santa Rosa neighborhoods is to write, email and phone the mayor, the city council and the city manager’s office and let them know you don’t want cell towers in residential neighborhoods.
Please attend Tuesday evening at 5 p.m. city council meetings and let them know, we want no cell towers in neighborhoods or near schools.
Get the word out to everyone you know.
Tom Sawyer lives in Santa Rosa, Calif.
I’m an electrical engineer with 27 years in the industry and a Life Member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers).
IEEE Spectrum in a 2011 article stated, “After a working group of 31 scientists from 14 countries reviewed the latest research data, the IARC announced that it has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from cellphones “as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer.”
The World Health Organization classified cellphone radiation as a Group 2B carcinogen and stated there are particular risks to children and fetal development.
Aside from RF microwave radiation, having a cellphone tower in your neighborhood could reduce your property value. A peer reviewed study published in The Appraisal Journal 2005, quantified residential properties within 300 feet of a cellphone tower as being devaluated by 20 to 25 percent due to fears of RF radiation and aesthetics.
California’s SB649, which was drafted by the telecommunications industry to ease permits for cell towers while keeping cell towers away from fire stations, bypasses local government ordinances pertaining to cell towers. This would allow cities to issue permits without a design review. However, Gov. Brown vetoed the bill at the last minute.
Keep in mind, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 only allows telecommunications companies to preempt local governments when they have requested to install cell towers due to the lack of coverage, but not due to the lack of bandwidth (capacity).
Verizon in their presentation to the city council stated its reason for requesting more pole-mounted cell towers was to increase coverage and bandwidth in preparation for 4G/5G services. However, as far as we can tell, Verizon has not provided documented evidence regarding lack of coverage for the already permitted PMCT sites in Santa Rosa. Furthermore, new neighborhood cell towers do not necessarily guarantee faster web/video services.
What the city appears to be doing is fast-tracking permits for Verizon to install PMCT’s without a design review. However, Council Policy 300-04 specifies Verizon must follow Ordinance 20-44 and preform a design review for each PMCT installation. So what happened?
The city may have opened itself up to legal issues – time will tell. Right now the best thing you can do to keep these not-so-pleasing-to-look-at, RF radiating cell towers out of Santa Rosa neighborhoods is to write, email and phone the mayor, the city council and the city manager’s office and let them know you don’t want cell towers in residential neighborhoods.
Please attend Tuesday evening at 5 p.m. city council meetings and let them know, we want no cell towers in neighborhoods or near schools.
Get the word out to everyone you know.
Tom Sawyer lives in Santa Rosa, Calif.
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- Written by: Tom Sawyer