Opinion

July 20, 2010 — Flags were flying half-staff last week across Lassen County and the state of California in remembrance of State Senator Dave Cox who died Tuesday, July 13.   

Typically when one hears the word senator, thoughts head in the direction of politician and that equates with special interest groups and a self-serving agenda.

July 13, 2010 — When the city of Susanville Well #3, Cady Springs, stopped working, the Public Works Department wasted no time in getting the word out and asking all city residents to refrain from outside watering, which easily uses the most water.   

The proactive approach and quick thinking enabled the Susanville Fire Department to be ready with enough water in case a fire began over the Fourth of July weekend when temperatures began to soar, food was barbecued outside, campers sat around campfires and fireworks were lit. The main reason for banning outside water usage for four days a week was to maintain a base level of water for fire protection. Fortunately, no major fire broke out over the holiday weekend.

July 6, 2010 — Did you know last Thursday, July 1 marked the two-year anniversary of California’s hand-free law, and according to the California Highway Patrol statistics far too many motorists “are still not dialed-in to the rules and are either being cited for it or becoming a grim statistic.”   

CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said in a recent press release he thinks that many motorists may have been used to driving and using a cell phone at the same time before the July 2008 law went into effect. We would like to say that may be a factor, but since 2008 more drivers who think they depend on cell phones are also on the roads. Cell phones are not just for making call anymore but for text messaging, looking at social networking sites and surfing the Internet. Cell phones are part of many peoples moment-to-moment existence and consume so much attention that cell phones usage is becoming an addicting habit.

June 29, 2010 — In today’s paper, the reader will find a full report of activities and projects of the Lassen County Juvenile Justice Commission over the course of the last six years.    

The editorial staff of the paper is pleased that the commission, which has been diligently doing its job over the years has decided to print its findings for the public to see in black and white what we have been hearing — juvenile delinquency filings for the past 10 years “reflect an unmistakable downward trend."