Opinion

April 19, 2011 — Recently, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges visited the Lassen Union High School District schools of which there are three, and reported on the school’s friendliness and facilities, but it also said Lassen High School needed to focus more on state standards.

Teachers often hand out a syllabus at the beginning of the school year listing how they will follow the state standards so not only the student but also the parents know what the objectives are. From looking at some of the outlines there is not much wiggle room for spontaneous teaching that comes from daily news events. Swaying from the state curriculum could take the class off course.

April 12, 2011 — The city and the county have gone back to the drawing boards and started looking at multiple ways to get funding for big public works projects that are resonating with the community.

The city of Susanville is looking at Proposition 84 funds to try and build a brand new park and sports complex off Sierra Road, while the county is working on ways to replace the old Roosevelt Pool building with a new pool complex.

April 5, 2011 — For the 19th consecutive year, April has been designated Stress Awareness Month. During this 30-day period, we encourage everyone to learn about causes and cures for our modern stress epidemic.

The Health Resource Network (HRN), a non-profit health education organization, sponsors a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.

March 22, 2011 — The more citizens are engaged with their government — whether at the local, state or federal level — the more openly, honestly and effectively that government tends to operate. That’s why each year the American Society of News Editors and the James L. Knight Foundation spearhead Sunshine Week, a national effort to promote public dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information.

As we mark Sunshine Week 2011 this week, it appears a component of Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget will address the chronic problem of the Legislature de-funding the Ralph M. Brown Act, making compliance with its key provisions optional for thousands of local public legislative bodies. The Brown Act is California’s open meeting law.