Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/11142
4A – Daily News – Friday, May 28, 2010 Opinion Questionable D NEWSAILY RED BLUFF TEHAMACOUNTY T H E V O I C E O F T E H A M A C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 8 8 5 terminology Editor: I felt I must write and express my view on the article written about the Vina student who was hit by the 13-year-old driver. I am a teacher at Vina Elemen- Greg Stevens, Publisher gstevens@redbluffdailynews.com Chip Thompson, Editor editor@redbluffdailynews.com Editorial policy The Daily News opinion is expressed in the editorial. The opinions expressed in columns, letters and cartoons are those of the authors and artists. Letter policy The Daily News welcomes let- ters from its readers on timely topics of public interest. All let- ters must be signed and pro- vide the writer’s home street address and home phone num- ber. Anonymous letters, open letters to others, pen names and petition-style letters will not be allowed. Letters should be typed and cannot exceed two double-spaced pages or 500 words. When several letters address the same issue, a cross section of those submit- ted will be considered for publi- cation. Letters will be edited. Letters are published at the discretion of the editor. Mission Statement We believe that a strong com- munity newspaper is essential to a strong community, creating citizens who are better informed and more involved. The Daily News will be the indispensible guide to life and living in Tehama County. We will be the premier provider of local news, information and advertising through our daily newspaper, online edition and other print and Internet vehi- cles. The Daily News will reflect and support the unique identities of Tehama County and its cities; record the history of its com- munities and their people and make a positive difference in the quality of life for the resi- dents and businesses of Tehama County. How to reach us Main office: 527-2151 Classified: 527-2151 Circulation: 527-2151 News tips: 527-2153 Sports: 527-2153 Obituaries: 527-2151 Photo: 527-2153 On the Web www.redbluffdailynews.com Fax Newsroom: 527-9251 Classified: 527-5774 Retail Adv.: 527-5774 Legal Adv.: 527-5774 Business Office: 527-3719 Address 545 Diamond Ave. Red Bluff, CA 96080, or P.O. Box 220 Red Bluff, CA 96080 tary. I have the 9-year-old brother of the 13-year-old in my class- room. To call him a “sidekick” would seem to indicate that the 9- year-old was as to blame as the older boy. This 9-year-old was left in the care of the 13-year-old. He did as he was told. This young boy is quiet, shy and reserved. I am sure that the police report did not indicate that the two had gone out for a joy ride. The 13- year-old was totally to blame. At no time was the passenger a willing participant. I believe you owe this boy an apology. A reporter’s job, I thought, was to report the news as fact, not decide who should be blamed. Debbie Burgett, Los Molinos Lacking proof Editor: I want to commend the Daily News for showing not only that we did not abuse county time, but were actually trying to save the county money. Thanks for taking the time to see through these vague, unproven, slanderous accu- sations of upset ex-employees. They complained to the Per- sonnel Department, which actual- ly cost the county money, only to be told we did nothing wrong. They complained to the DA, and the DA said, "I never thought it was something that needed to be investigated." How many officials need to tell you that we did noth- ing wrong? I don’t think they get it. I am a salaried, overtime exempt employ- ee. This week alone, I will work 53 hours and I am still on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I will only make my regular salary, not a penny more. So, if I want to take a few hours here and there, which I’m contractually allowed to, I’m the bad guy? Maybe Sheriff Parker’s opposi- tion should spend more time telling everyone what they can do for our county during these crucial times of dwindling budgets and economic uncertainty, rather than flinging these false accusations with no proof. I’m wondering if any of those citizens you mentioned happened to inform you that they saw my department vehicle around lunchtime in front of my family owned business? That’s where I take lunch — with my wife. Capt. Danny Rabalais, Red Bluff Look to future Editor: Well, I sincerely hope that George Robson realizes the the can of future trash events he just opened. Think about it, now there's no limit to the preposterous permits that any one can file for, and from the sounds of it, get. So what’s next George, a methadone fest? Well, guess it’s on you George. Just hope that no one gets seriously hurt, robbed, raped or even killed during this event. Oh, one more thing, hold the next festival in your front yard, not mine. If there is to be expected 2,000 people per day, and there is only enough camping accommodations for 500, then are the rest of the high crowd going to be allowed to drive to their homes or hotels? Steve Ismail, Red Bluff Proposed farm Editor: It would appear Dave Hencratt has overlooked or is unaware of several items in the Penal Code covering honor farms, and has not spoken of these items: 1. There has to be a resolution to establish intention to establish a honor farm by supervisors. 2. Establishment of the farm, by the Board of Supervisors. 3. Acquisition of land, suitable for agriculture, by the Board of Supervisors. 4. Acquisition of property, by the Board of Supervisors, to carry out purpose of said farm such as stock, machinery, tractors, plows, fertilizer seed, hand tools and spe- cial clothing. 5. The Board of Supervisors shall employ a superintendent and such other subordinates, to insure proper administration and keeping of prisoners there on (correction officers). 6. Resolution of establishment of farm, when land has been acquired and buildings and struc- tures erected, for carrying out the purpose of the farm, the Board of Supervisors shall adopt a resolu- tion proclaiming a farm has been established. 7. Cost of acquisition, estab- lishment and maintenance of the Your Turn farm shall be out of the county general fund including transporta- tion of inmates if needed. 8. Establishment of security would require fencing of the entire area with remotely operated vehi- cle gates, 24/7 lighting, plus standby generators. 9. All of the above costs have to be paid for out of the county general fund. 10. In light of today's economy, such expenditures would not be prudent or cost saving and doubt- ful of being passed by a prudent Board of Supervisors. Don Gerhard, Red Bluff Experience Editor: As everyone knows we are in a serious economic downturn. Its effect is felt in almost every facet of our lives. Our state and local governments are struggling to per- form necessary public services on greatly reduced revenues. This is the time we need com- petent experienced managers of our public offices. The Sheriff’s Office is no exception. We are lucky to have a sheriff who is experienced in budgeting, manag- ing finances and personnel in this rough time. He is accustomed to managing large forces. This expe- rience enables him to assign the available staff in the most produc- tive manner. Public safety requires this competence in law enforce- ment. Raiding marijuana gardens does not prepare one for this multi- faceted job. Now, more than ever we need your vote to re-elect Clay Parker as Sheriff. Dolores VanVeghel, Red Bluff Your officials STATE ASSEMBLYMAN — Jim Nielsen (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 4164 P.O. Box 942849, Sacramento 94249; (916) 319-2002; Fax (916) 319- 2102 STATE SENATOR — Sam Aanestad (R), State Capitol Bldg., Room 2054, Sacramen- to, CA 95814. (916) 651-4004; Fax (916) 445-7750 GOVERNOR — Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), State Capitol Bldg., Sacramento, CA 95814; (916) 445-2841; Fax (916) 558-3160; E-mail: gover- nor@governor.ca.gov. U.S. REPRESENTATIVE — Wally Herger (R), 2635 Forest Ave. Ste. 100, Chico, CA 95928; 893-8363. U.S.SENATORS — Dianne Feinstein (D), One Post Street, Suite 2450, San Francisco, CA 94104; (415) 393-0707. Fax (415) 393-0710. Barbara Boxer (D), 1700 Montgomery St., Suite 240, San Francisco, CA 94111; (415) 403-0100. Fax (202) 224- 0454. Achampionship lies at the end of a rainbow Commentary Does a pot of gold really exist at the end of a rainbow? Some people think so. In the bottom of the seventh inning of Saturday’s girls’ soft- ball section championship, I decided to manipulate the music. One of my duties at the high school is to serve as the announcer at the girls’ home games. So, as the Lady Spartans ran off the field after the top of the seventh inning, I figured it was time to take control. So, instead of playing an upbeat, inspirational tune, I went mellow. I chose "Silver, Blue and Gold" by Bad Company because I wanted the girls to remain calm. My real intention was to send a subliminal message: if they didn’t score and win in the sev- enth, they surely would in the eighth. As one line says, "My rain- bow is overdue;" the Spartans pot of gold was waiting. Funny, but the girls almost proved me wrong. Unfazed by it all, Krista Rodriguez singled and moved to second on Jerilyn Purcell’s sac- rifice bunt. However, the inning ended and the wait continued. The Chico Panthers went three up and three down in the top of the eighth inning. Sensing a momentum swing, I seized the moment. I busted out my Jock Rock CD and cranked up "The Final Countdown." It’s an organ ver- sion of something close to Rocky, aimed to inspire athletes to greatness in the spur of the moment. Shortstop Emily McEnaney walked to lead off the inning. Pitcher Megan McColpin then laid down a perfect sacri- fice bunt. As if time stood still, the ball hung in the air and land- ed between the pitcher and third baseman. It did a moon walk toward home plate that even Michael Jackson would have been proud. Everyone was safe. With runners on at first and second base with no outs, Haley Harris – who earlier saved the game with a defensive gem – flew out to center. Catcher Brittney Fletcher hit into a force play to short, forcing McEnaney out at third. Then, freshman Bryce Etlzer hit a ground ball into the hole between third and short. Chico’s human vacuum Jo Koons dove for the ball, but then bobbled it for a base hit. It was bases loaded, two out, with the sec- tion championship hanging in the balance. Gingerly, Danisha Slay walked to the plate. Head coach J. Howell gave the take sign, and Slay took a called first strike. What happened next was something close to coming out of "Field of Dreams." weirdest softball game I had ever seen. Sometimes in life, things happen for a reason. The Spartan softball team is a collection of great kids who do the right things. They get good grades, are good citizens, and respect their elders and oppo- nents. I have watched J. Slay swung mighti- ly at the next pitch. It was inside and jammed her a little bit, but somehow the ball was lofted into the air toward left field. For whatever reason, Panther shortstop Koons broke in on the ball, and it landed innocently on the outfield grass. It was as if the ball had crossed over a rainbow. That’s the only way I can explain how it wasn’t caught. McColpin crossed home plate with the winning run, and the Lady Spartans triumphed, 2-1. It was the greatest, strangest, Pat Gleason Simply Put Howell’s teams for many years, but this is the best "team" I have ever seen him coach. All season long, they busted their tails in search of their pot of gold. Don’t worry, girls; you’re rainbow is right here. By the way, I’ll be signing books at the Countryside Café on Washington Street Saturday starting at 1 p.m.; please stop by and pick up your copy. Have a great Friday. ——— Pat Gleason grew up in Los Angeles and has taught English at Red Bluff High School since 1990. He can be reached at phgleaso@rbuhsd.k12.ca.us.