Opinion

Details: Written by: Dr. Rayan Aava; Published: 18 July 2023

We would like to address a recent incident that has come to our attention involving our director of operations, Mr. Chris Bloodworth.

We understand that news of his detainment has caused concern within our community. We want to assure everyone that we take this matter seriously and are committed to handling it with utmost care and sensitivity.

First and foremost, we want to emphasize that this is a private matter involving personal relationships, and it is important to respect the privacy of all individuals involved. The incident occurred outside the workplace and does not reflect the values and principles we uphold as an organization. We firmly believe that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, both within and outside of the workplace.

Upon learning about the incident, we took immediate action to address the situation appropriately. Our primary focus has been on the well-being and safety of all individuals involved, including providing support and resources to those affected.

Both parties have voluntarily sought counseling services and have actively engaged in anger management classes, and parenting classes, acknowledging the need to address the underlying issues and work towards positive change.

We want to emphasize that the parties involved have taken responsibility for their actions and are working diligently towards personal growth and development. It is essential that we provide an environment where individuals are encouraged to learn, grow and overcome personal challenges. As an organization, we are committed to fostering a culture of empathy, understanding and support.

We would also like to inform you that the charges related to this incident have been dropped.

While we recognize the legal process and its outcomes, it is crucial to understand that the organization’s focus is on providing support and guidance to our employees during difficult times. Our priority is to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace for all, and we
will continue to uphold our zero-tolerance policy for any form of violence, harassment, or discrimination.

At Sunrise, we remain committed to maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with our employees and the Lake County community. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate through this challenging situation.

Together, we can work towards fostering a community that promotes personal growth, respect, and accountability.

Rayan Aava, PsyD, MBA c., is chief executive officer for Sunrise Special Services Foundation.

Details: Written by: Steven Kline; Published: 21 June 2023

I recently learned that the FCC is deregulating the telecom industry, allowing them to shut down old-fashioned copper wire landline service across the country and move their customers to internet-based phone service. I strongly oppose this change and encourage the California government to do what it can to save our landlines.

My parents live in a small town outside Lakeport, and even though they have cell phones, they continue to rely on their landlines. Their cell service is spotty, and their internet goes in and out constantly.

And they aren’t alone. 53% of seniors over 65 still rely on landline phone service. The thought of my parents being stranded without a reliable way to reach family or emergency services during a crisis is profoundly worrying.

While some argue that deregulation promotes innovation and competition, the reality is that telecom companies have little incentive to invest in rural areas. The FCC's hands-off approach leaves rural communities like my parents at the mercy of providers prioritizing profitability over connectivity.

I strongly urge the FCC to reconsider its deregulation for the sake of the millions living in rural America for whom the landline is a lifeline. The California government should step in and take necessary actions that prioritize the communication needs of seniors in rural communities.

Steven Kline lives in Lakeport, California.

Details: Written by: Brock Falkenberg; Published: 24 May 2023

Starting next week, hundreds of Lake County high school seniors will be celebrating the end of a chapter. As educators, parents, and community members, we sincerely hope that our efforts in guiding them to this moment have both prepared them well for future endeavors and are remembered fondly by this graduating class.

Each one of our graduates has a different story to tell. They come from different backgrounds, have overcome different challenges, and progressed down different paths, but they have also shared experiences that have brought them to this important moment together.

Going forward, the unique qualities and interests they have discovered, with the help of our educators, schools, and community, should guide them down successful paths.

High school graduation matters for many reasons, from securing employment, to moving on to higher education, to setting a positive role model for other family members. High School graduation is an important step in our young adults’ lives.

Whether someone wants to be a positive role model for society, their community, or younger siblings and cousins, obtaining a high school diploma is an honored achievement.

All our graduates have hopes and dreams, and a desire for success in the way they define it. As elders and mentors, who now work alongside these young adults, it’s uplifting to see the passion this generation has for making the world a better place.

Please join me in wishing the Class of 2023 success and happiness as they fulfill their future aspirations.

Brock Falkenberg is Lake County’s superintendent of schools.

Details: Written by: Dace McCarty; Published: 09 February 2023

Thank you to Elizabeth Larson and Lake County News for the Feb. 7 news article about the Collier Avenue housing project.

You are our local “60 Minutes” investigative journalists and as with the Lucerne Hotel fiasco, provide such valuable information.

I am amazed at how much you find out about what goes on in the background.

Perhaps it’s an overused expression, but “keep up the good work!”

Dace McCarty lives in Upper Lake, California.