Opinion

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.

Underground Good: Samantha Breton

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.

Latest in Opinion
Underground Good: Doug Saephanh

“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.”

Underground Good: Ray Van Diest

"Public libraries serve all people without distinction. I speak in grandiose terms, but I really believe this: libraries help sustain civilization."

Underground Good: Lee Lamp

“We don't talk politics and we don't talk religion in our group ...Discussions about politics or religion are causing tremendous division in our country today. I don't understand why everything has to be divisive."

Inside Public Service: The Source of Overwhelm

A local community leader takes a good hard look at all the roles and responsibilities she’s juggling. She finds that the source of her overwhelm and stress often isn’t a to-do list, it’s how we hold ourselves to other people’s expectations.

Underground Good: Jessica Foster

“I'm taking care of their loved ones and the forgotten ones. If people don't have a lot of time to visit here, it will look nice when they come.”

Underground Good: Lidia Manzo

“I think you get to a stage in life where you think, what is my purpose in life? . . . I'm trying to figure that out; but I believe we all have a purpose. And I think mine is working with the community and giving back. I've been feeling that in my heart and it makes me happy. There is a reward to giving back.”

Underground Good: Mike Archibald

“You don't have to do something wild outside of yourself. You just have to do something that's comfortable for you to do. . . . If you see something that needs to be done, and you feel like you could maybe do something there, step in and see what happens. I’ll bet there's going to be folks around that will guide you along and you can probably learn, too.”

Underground Good: Lili Dubois

“As far as I'm concerned, entertainment, levity, and local information are invaluable. That is a community service.”

Underground Good: Sky Scholfield

“Work in your circle but consider the impact of your actions for not only yourself but for generations to come . . . follow your passion, be respectful, learn as much as you can, and think as far forward as possible. You can find good in so many different places.”

Shasta Scout is proud to have been providing in-depth coverage of local elections since 2022. 

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