Opinion
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- Written by: Assemblymember James C. Ramos
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.
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- Written by: Dr. Shouan Pan
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.
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- Written by: WENDY WEISS
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.
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- Written by: Becky Salato
It’s May, which means both students and teachers are getting excited about summer break! Before we start sipping lemonade by the pool, we have a few things to do first.
May is when we administer state testing, so it’s extra important for students to get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast so their brains are processing at full capacity.
May and June are also the time of year we celebrate student transitions, from kindergarteners who are completing their first year of school to graduating seniors who are contemplating their college and career choices.
Healthy end-of-year ceremonies
Regardless of a student’s age and stage, we like to celebrate the end of school, to look back on all we’ve accomplished and to look forward to the opportunities ahead.
Thanks to our partnership with Blue Zones Lake County, our end-of-year celebrations will be fun and healthy.
In fact, our Blue Zones partners will join us at some campuses to offer activities like the art bike (kids pedal on the stationary bicycle and their motion sprays paint onto a canvas to create beautiful images) and a fruit scavenger hunt.
We love partnering with Blue Zones because their approach is all about making healthy options easier and more attractive. When healthy food tastes good and healthy activities are fun, it’s not hard to get kids on board.
Graduation ceremonies
Mark your calendars now to support our graduates.
• Alternative Education (Carle, Lewis, and Blue Heron) — May 31 at 6 p.m. at the Lower Lake High School football field.
• Konocti Education Center (KEC) — June 1 at 6 p.m. at the Cornelison Education Center.
• Lower Lake High School — June 2 at 7 p.m. at the Lower Lake High School football field.
Summer facilities maintenance
While students are off enjoying summer vacation, we’ll give our campuses a little tender loving care, anything from new blacktops on the playground to new paint inside and out, depending on what’s needed.
Summer school for students
Some students use summer as a time to catch up or get ahead academically. We’re offering summer school from June 26 through July 21 (with no school on July 3-4 for Independence Day); Gregory Fister will be the administrator.
Our elementary summer school (transitional kindergarten through seventh grade) will be held at Burns Valley School. Our secondary summer school (eighth grade through twelfth grade) will be held at Lower Lake High school.
The elementary summer school is open on a first-come, first-serve basis. Visit konoctiusd.org or contact your student’s school for details. The secondary summer school is primarily for credit recovery to support students who have fallen behind. Other secondary offerings will include some special education classes and career and technical education classes.
Summer school for teachers
Students are not the only ones who will have opportunities to keep learning and growing this summer. Our teachers will dive into professional development. We are taking 80 educators to AVID training. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
The program was originally developed in San Diego in 1980 by English teacher Mary Catherine Swanson, who challenged the belief that the low-income students being bussed to her school couldn’t achieve at similar levels to the other students. The simple philosophy of raising expectations and giving students the support they need has proven extremely effective.
Some educators will also deepen their knowledge via Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, or LETRS.
This training is based on the science of reading research and provides information about what literacy skills need to be taught, why, and how to plan to teach them. The science of reading focuses on five big ideas: kids’ ability to identify sounds in spoken words, understanding how letters and groups of letters link to sounds, the ability to read words and phrases with speed and expression, knowing what words mean, and understanding what they are reading overall.
Preparing for fall: Transitional kindergarten
For the 2023-24 school year, we’ll offer a transitional kindergarten, or TK, class at each elementary school.
For TK in 2023-24, students must turn five years old between Sept. 2 and April 2. Registration is open now.
We are on the home stretch as we finish the school year. Please help your student finish strong and let us know how we can support you.
Dr. Becky Salato is superintendent of Konocti Unified School District.
Editor's note: The date for the Lower Lake High School graduation has been corrected.
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