Opinion

July 12, 2011 — For years now the mantra in City Hall has been there is no money and like cities throughout the state of California, the city officials seem to place the blame squarely on Sacramento.

While the state doesn’t have a clue how to keep the budget under control, the fact is that the city of Susanville also has an obligation to make sure its fees match its services. Sometimes that means charging use fees for parks and recreation.

July 5, 2011 — Lassen County’s Board of Supervisors found itself embroiled in one mighty clucking controversy last week after a local chicken farmer asked the board to help him find a way through a conflicting maze of laws and administrative regulations so he can once again sell his poultry at local farmer’s markets.

June 28, 2011 — Journalists have all heard the words; “I don’t want to see any of this in the newspaper.”

The assumption is the person being interviewed, especially a government official, is in control of “the record.” To be perfectly clear, the record belongs only to journalists. We have every right to put what is said into print especially if it is newsworthy.

June 21. 2011 — The news at both the county and the city level this summer centers on two issues that go hand in hand — economic development and budget issues. When it comes to budget issues, the same mantra is heard year after year, there is not enough revenue to meet the demand of expenses. Therefore, when all unnecessary cuts have been made, the next step is cut personnel.