We always clearly label Opinion Columns to ensure they won’t be mistaken for news. Our Op-Ed writers apply their professional expertise to our community’s unique challenges to promote innovative thought and encourage healthy discourse.
“I love to encourage people to become volunteers. There are so many opportunities out there that could match your interests. If they have time, it's such a fulfilling thing for your spirit, for your heart. That's important to me. I want to leave this earth knowing I did good work, that I helped people.”
This story is part of California Voices, a commentary forum aiming to broaden our understanding of the state and spotlight Californians directly impacted by policy or its absence.
Trump’s “Energy Emergency” Threatens Endangered Species, an Enormous Aquifer, a Sacred Place of Peace—And So Much More
After recent erasures of the historical contributions and experiences of Indigenous people from public sites, the work of an early 20th century Wintu poet provides poignant insights into how local Native people have fought against invisibility for centuries.
“As we continued with class, we began to think there's more to Wintu Qol than learning the language. Language is community, it's culture, it's who you are and how you connect with the community, your family, and your history.”
"It has been surprising to me to see how well a housing first model works! When people step up and take responsibility for themselves and make decisions for themselves, they're much more apt to follow through. They are doing what they want to do with their lives. There's hope in that."
Anderson resident Curtis Scott draws on current events to scrutinize the value of a proposed redistricting effort by California Democrats. He describes himself as a 50-year resident of Shasta County and life-long progressive.
"I told him I hadn’t brought a guitar and he sent me to borrow one from a woman who turned out to be Sarah Lee Guthrie, Arlo Guthrie's daughter. That was an incredible moment for me, to be standing in the Capitol Mall, on a stage, using Guthrie's guitar and singing one of my songs about Darfur.”
We're all here for a reason. We might not know what our purpose is, but we can do something nice for someone else or ourselves... We can talk to someone that is down and out. If I can give people hope, that's what I want to do.
“You get to know them, and they get to know you. It's so crazy and hella rewarding. That's all I'm saying. I love it.”
