Lassen County is the very best of the best, “Villages.” And it is not just one thing, or one person, or one particular family. It is the totality of everyone pitching in, and loving on children that simply are not yours.

It’s leaving to the bathroom at the restaurant, because you know your 6 year-old is going to be okay because you see your neighbors across the aisle nodding that they “got ‘em” so you can go to the restroom peacefully.

Here is a list of examples from just the past couple weeks, from the “village” that helps me here. And I want it to be known that I am not an anomaly; I constantly see and hear other parents telling the tales of how our community truly raises our children.

Last week Frankie and I were unable to go to Peach’s award ceremony, and unfortunately her band of brothers have left for the summer. I am not over-exaggerating when I say that I had at least ten different mommas send me pictures and videos of my daughter getting her awards. Unsolicited of course.

Why? Because through the benefit of a small town, they know me, they know her, they recognized we weren’t there, and they just stepped in. And it is priceless.

It’s Angela Ciscernos seeing me struggling at Baseball Camp sign-ins, holding a very fussy June, and her just walking around and holding her for me. I didn’t have to ask, I didn’t have to worry, she just did what all the good moms in our “village” do.

It’s Shannon Cook texting me that she thought Peach looked pale while she was at school, so she put a cool towel on her forehead.

It’s everyone cheering for everyone’s kid at little league and softball, because even though it’s not your kiddo up to bat, it’s a child you have loved to watch grow.

It’s the child hearing adults outside of their own family cheering them on. It’s every kid, on every team, knowing that they have several adults rooting for them. A community behind them.

It’s Meegan Moore carrying Pearl around during Vacation Bible School because she fell asleep. It’s the MOPS groups on Facebook that are a constantly uplifting space from parents. 

It’s the texts from your friends when they see your teenage daughter running around with her boyfriend.

It’s knowing that even in the crazy world we live in, in our town, our kids are scared, and we love on all of them. 

SO, maybe you are new here and you haven’t met your “Village” yet. Rest assured there are hundreds of mamas and parents that will be happy to step in and help. 

It’s the spirit of our community that is just so gosh darn wonderful. Please reach out. Because once you see the wonderful hearts that are truly endless in our town, you will never want to raise your kids elsewhere. Because this community – this “village” – is why I love where we live.

“I took an oath when I was appointed to this position, and I have made it my mission to live up to that oath to the best of my ability, each and every day; I did so because I saw all of you, our students, and those living and working in our region doing that same thing in their daily work and familial tasks. Because of that, I could not accept from myself anything less than a genuine commitment to serve them all as best as I was able.

“We have been through a great deal as a team. But through it all, you never failed to impress me with your commitment to the mission, character, and old-fashioned hard work. You all are the reason this college has been successful and will continue to be in the years ahead.

“To be certain, each of you and this college will forever be a part of me… and I hope me a small part of it. I will cherish the memory of my time here and what each of you and your efforts have meant–and will continue to mean–to me. Thank you.”

“We are excited to welcome new members to the team so that the CHP can continue to provide the level of service the public has come to expect.”

To qualify as a CHP cadet, applicants must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident who has applied for citizenship, be between the ages of 20 and 35, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, be able to pass a physical abilities test and written exam, and complete a thorough background check with no felony convictions on record.

“It requires a special kind of character and special brand of bravery to be a California Highway Patrol Officer,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “Our entire way of life – our freedoms, our peace, our pursuit of happiness – depends on those fearless, faithful few determined to protect it. I look forward to welcoming the next set of officers committing to serve California.”

A career with the CHP includes paid training. Cadets earn a salary of $5,563 each month throughout their 26 weeks at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. After graduation, new officers are assigned to communities throughout California and can expect to earn more than $100,000 in their first year with the Department.

“Anyone who may be wondering if they have what it takes to become a CHP officer, let me be the first to tell you that you do,” added Commissioner Ray. “If you are compassionate, driven to serve, and have a desire to learn, the CHP provides some of the best law enforcement training in the world and we will do all we can to ensure your success.”

Joining the CHP family is an opportunity to be the change and make a difference in the community and the lives of those you serve. For more information about the “Join the CHP 1,000” or to apply, visit www.chpcareers.com or call the statewide Recruitment Unit at (916) 843-4300 today.

You can follow this link to make an online contribution in the name of a runner, like Anna Townsend, Dusty Pemberton, Chief Jennifer Branning, Lesandra Rodriguez, Bradley Pon, Sheriff Dean Growdon or others and then line the course Thursday to watch the torch go by!

So far, the team has raised $1,560 dollars, all of which will go to the Special Olympics of Northern California.

Frank Maurino has received a scholarship to the Walt Disney Art school, which he will enter in August. He graduated from junior college this month, and has outstanding talent in art.

Leslie Warden of Susanville was elected president of the Northern California Sportsmen’s council at a dinner held at Hotel Mt. Lassen Saturday. Walter Evans of Weed was selected vice president and W. I. Humphreys of Dunsmuir was reelected secretary-treasurer.

The organization asked the state highway commission and its agencies to post highway markings at deer crossing to reduce motor hazards and save so many deer from being killed.

The next meeting will be held at Redding, central headquarters of the council.