Letters
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- Written by: Brock Falkenberg
Equal opportunity for all children to learn, regardless of circumstances or social standing, is a foundation of our education system.
Each year, many children are denied that right because of chronic absenteeism from school. All efforts by the school system and teachers to improve curriculum and instruction won't matter if kids aren't in school.
Chronic absence is described as missing 10 percent of the school year—or about 18 days – for any reason, excused or unexcused.
When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances of graduating. This matters to everyone in the community, not just those with school-age children.
Addressing chronic absence is a key component of improving graduation rates, increasing academic achievement, and giving young people the best chance at success in their adult life and becoming active members of their communities.
During the first month of school, and every month, help your children and the children you know build a habit of regular attendance.
Parents should make getting their children to school on time every day a priority. If there are barriers to improving attendance, like health-related issues or lack of reliable transportation, parents can talk with school administrators to help solve those issues.
Everyone plays a role in ensuring that our children attend school regularly. Let us help all students attend today so they can succeed tomorrow.
Brock Falkenberg is superintendent of schools of Lake County, California.
- Details
- Written by: Bob Bridges
Like all aging structures it eventually needed to be repaired or replaced. In 2014, the past Lakeport Unified School Board and superintendent proposed a bond issue for a food service dining area, a new library/computer center and a new swimming pool.
With much public support by myself and others the public approved the bond for the described projects.
At that point the past school board went “off the rails” and approved extravagant projects that in my opinion vastly exceeded the scope, scale and cost of the “advertised” bond projects.
The dining area became a $4.2 million culinary arts kitchen and cafeteria and the library/computer center became a multimillion dollar three-story high edifice that only has one floor and $10,000 power windows for ventilation. It looks more like a government monument or religious shrine than a simple building to house books and computers.
When the voters in 2018 tossed out the school board that wasted most of the bond funds, the newly elected board’s hands were tied and there wasn’t enough money to build a new pool. The idea to repair the existing pool was scrapped when it was discovered that it had been allowed to go dry and had “popped out of the ground,” rendering it unusable.
The school board is now soliciting bids for what is entitled the “Westshore Pool Demolition Project.” I understand this action is prompted by trespass and safety issues that are well-founded. That will be the end of this valuable community asset.
The South County enjoys the Middletown Pool paid for by all the taxpayers of the county. The North County has no place for swim lessons that save lives or swim teams.
It is time for the city of Lakeport, the county, and the LUSD to step up and work together to build the pool that serves the north end of the county. It does not need to be a lavish project, just a pool like they have in Middletown.
We have an election coming up for the county supervisor who represents the greater Lakeport area. We need a person who can work with a team, and get this important project built and going for our most valuable asset, our youth.
Bob Bridges lives in Lakeport, California.
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- Written by: Dr. Rayan Aava
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.
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- Written by: Steven Kline
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.
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