Volume XVI Issue 183

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024

Every institution has its unsung heroes, and at Lassen College, one such individual is James Giles. As part of the IT department, James has become somewhat of a legend, not just for his technical expertise but for his patience and humor, especially when dealing with those of us who are, let’s say, less than tech-savvy.

Take, for instance, the time I found myself in a digital pickle with my passwords.

As someone who struggles to keep up with the ever-evolving world of technology, I had managed to lock myself out of virtually every system necessary for my day-to-day tasks.

Enter James Giles, the IT wizard with a smile that assures you everything will be alright. With a chuckle and a gentle, “Let’s get you sorted out,” he began the process of untangling my login woes.

As he worked his magic, he assured me that I wasn’t the idiot I told him I was, and was so patient with me, as I asked him a string of questions that I very well probably should have known. He also so patiently told me the correct way to pronounce his last name.

However, beyond his role at Lassen College, James is a man of deep faith and family values. His work as a Christian is evident in the way he carries himself with grace and integrity.

But perhaps the role that James cherishes most is that of a father. Within minutes of speaking to him, he is certain to mention his beautiful wife (Jamie) as well as his girls.

A proud “girl dad,” he is raising four daughters, each with their unique personalities and hobbies. James often shares heartwarming anecdotes of his daughters’ antics, from impromptu trips or daddy daughter activities with his girls. to the weekend soccer games where he’s not just a spectator but their biggest cheerleader.

Pearl, one of his daughters, plays the piano for our church and you can literally see his eyes light up when he watches her. He often talks about the joys and challenges of raising strong, independent young women, and it’s clear that his daughters are the center of his world.

James also has the light when he talks about his beautiful wife Jamie. She also works at the college and one of my favorite things is to watch the two of them together. They are both just good-good people.

May we all strive to bring as much dedication, warmth, and laughter to our workplaces as he does, because he not only makes Lassen College a better place, but he is also one of the reasons I love where we live.

To be eligible for Kindergarten students must turn 5 by September 1st. Students who are 4, and will turn 5 between September 2nd and June 2nd are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten.

If you have questions you can call your preschool or daycare or the Janesville School office at 1.530.253.3551.

3. Talk about it – Open conversations with children about personal safety, sex, and boundaries are one of the best defenses against child sexual abuse.

4. Listen to them – Teach your children to use their voice and believe what they say. Make sure they know they can talk to you about anything that bothers or confuses them.

5. Recognize the signs – There are no behaviors that relate to a particular type of child abuse, but here are some common physical signs and behavioral changes in children who may have experienced abuse or neglect:

• Any injury that can’t be explained

• A sexually transmitted disease

• Fearful behavior

• Attempts to run away

• Sudden change in self-confidence

6. Watch for “grooming” behaviors – Grooming is the process where a perpetrator works to develop trust with a child and their caregiver. Warning signs may include frequently finding ways to be alone with your child or giving gifts or money for no particular occasion.

7. Educate children about the difference between good secrets and bad secrets – Birthday surprises verse those that make the child feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

8. Practice Self-Care – Practicing self-care is an important step to becoming a better parent.

9. Teach children accurate names of private body parts – Along with accurate names, discuss the difference between touches that are “okay” and “not okay.”

10. Report suspected child abuse to Law Enforcement (530) 257-6121 or Lassen County Child and Family Services (530) 251-8277.

If you would like more information or have questions, please contact the Mikailia Child Advocacy Center at (530) 251-8280.

The child friendly interview space includes children and teen oriented furniture, painted murals, waiting room toys for siblings and a smart board to record the child’s drawings during the interview for use as exhibits in court.

The center is also used to help developmentally disabled victims of any age.

The goal of the center is to promote hope, healing and justice for children after experiences of child abuse.

Everyone is invited to the open house from 1:00 to 3:00p.m. Stop by and grab a treat!

For more information email tbraninburg@co.lassen.ca.us or call 1.530.251.8280.

The First Aid course will train participants in first aid basics for the most common type of emergencies, including how to recognize them, how to call for help and how to perform lifesaving skills.

Students will receive an AHA Heartsaver CPR First Aid card upon successful completion of the class which begins at 8:30a.m. The class, which includes hands-on skills, can take up to four hours depending on class size.

It is intended for the general public and will not meet professional rescuer requirements.

If you or anyone you know would like to learn this lifesaving skill or have any questions, please call the fire department. The class size is limited.

More CPR classes will be held on July 20th and October 19th.

To RSVP please call 1.530.257.5152.

Susanville Votes for Annexation

Big Territory Added to City

April 17, 1947

By a margin of more than two to one, residents of five Susanville additions voted themselves into the city in a special election here Tuesday.

The move increased Susanville’s population from slightly more than 1,500 to an estimated 7,500 and swelled the city’s area by more than 200 percent.

Of the 626 ballots cast, 435 were in favor of the unification and 191 were opposed. Only residents of the five affected additions were allowed to vote. The ballot was less than 50 percent of the registration list of 1,400.

Additions now within the city limits as a result of the election are East Milwood, Arnold, Richmond and Fruit Growers hill.

Main Street, the principal thoroughfare, now runs for more than a mile in the city limits. It previously ran only a few blocks within the official boundaries of the town.

The lumber mill section, which includes its own residences, was not included in the annexation move.

Among other things, the unification is expected to make the administration of schools here easier, with all elementary schools now within the city limits. Two of the largest previously were beyond the boundaries of the town.

The special election was called by the city council after petitions requesting it had been filed with the city clerk and received no protest.