- a weekly column published in the Pioneer Press

DAM REMOVAL AND KLAMATH RESTORATION AGREEMENT:  Last week, the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed two motions: (1) To oppose removal of the four lower dams on the Klamath River in Siskiyou County; and (2) To oppose the current proposed Klamath River Basin Restoration Agreement, to continue to work with and pursue all appropriate avenues to protect the interests of its citizens and will submit findings to support the County's position.

Next steps will be to release a list of the Board’s provisions of the document that we are in disagreement, issues regarding dam removal and “due dilligence” and other objections.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH: April is a month where the national focus is on child abuse prevention. Siskiyou County has a very high child abuse referral rate. For instance, this last December there were 36 referals and three children had to be removed from their home. In that month, 83 children were in permanent foster care or a group home, 20 were in non-relative guardianship, 23 were supported by a voluntary family maintenance plan, and 69 children were in a temporary foster or other care working toward family reunification.     

On April 12 at the Yreka High School track a “walk around” will be held. Registration starts at 9 a.m. There will be an entry fee of $10 or three canned food items. Participants can opt for a 1 mile walk around the track or a 5K walk winding through town and starting and ending at the track. Strollers are welcome. The first 150 people get a free T shirt and goodie bag. Non-walkers can enjoy various booths and there will be a bounce house for kids. Admission is free. The Siskiyou County District Attorney’s Office, Victim’s Witness program is a major sponsor. The Week of April 13-19 is also National Crime Victim’s Rights Week.       

The 10 Family Resource Centers located around Siskiyou County provide free parenting classes throughout the year. (A new one has just been started in Butte Valley.) Classes are offered for parents of various children’s age/groups, as well as workshops for special behavioral/temperment issues. All free classes include child care and a family meal. http://www.first5siskiyou.org/teams.html The Family/Community Resource

Centers (FRCs) also offer Family Fun Nights with fun family activities. For youth, this year there is a new offering - Girls’ Circle - group activities for girls 9-18 that promote resiliency and self-esteem , http://www.girlscircle.com/ 

The FRCs are a great place to find resources for families in stress, in need, seeking to connect with other people in the community, volunteer or improve their parenting abilities. FRCs put people in touch with organizations and agencies that can provide individual and family support services before problems become unmanageable. Another new program this year has been an educational family-based relapse prevention class, to help support individuals and their families who are recovering from drug and alcohol  addiction.