There’s more to trails than rail cars
I just discovered an awesome post posted yesterday, by Letters to the Editor, and entitled There's more to trails than rail cars that I suggest you all read! Here are a few extracts in order to pique your interest!
Been there, done that: here today, gone tomorrow … while trail enthusiasts continue 24/7 utilizing trails. · The BOS fails to embrace the health benefits which trails offer. With obesity at an all-time high; people allowing themselves to be dominated by indoor tech activities (more Trails developed would encourage more citizens to log off, hang up and get out more); and Nature Deficit Disorder endangering both young people and adults, what better message can our Supervisors send to the Public than acting as a role model in setting the priority course for a population healthier in body, mind and spirit? Our local high schools’ interscholastic cycling and running teams, as well our elementary schools’ Walk-to-School Days would appreciate said message. · The BOS fails to realize that the strength of the SPTC lies in setting in motion a plan representing the greatest good for the greatest number of people: hundreds of trail users 24/7 versus a handful of rail people on weekends. · The BOS does not see that trail enthusiasts also spend thousands of hours clearing brush in maintaining trails for hikers, cyclists, runners and equestrian folks.
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Why not the trail people? · Neither does the BOS comment upon the fact that creating a Class 1 pathway through the SPTC is far and away less expensive (the corridor already exists) than creating a new pathway alongside the rail corridor. As well I find it unfortunate that The Mountain Democrat falls victim to failing to recognize the health and economic benefits of trails, and giving ear to just one group of SPTC advocates. Three photos in Dec. 10’s issue, and more the previous week, portray rail people and speeder cars. Why not one single photo showing the hundreds more trail enthusiasts between Missouri Flat Road and Camino? Hikers, runners, backpackers, children, toddlers, babies in strollers, wheel chair users, cyclists, able and not-so-able walkers – young and old…yes, Democrat photographers, there is another world beyond the iron rails. I invite you and other “Democrat” staff to experience it, feel it, camera in hand, with heart and mind open to the far-reaching benefits more trail may bring to you and those in El Dorado County. JAN LE POUVOIR Pollock Pines Short URL: http://www.mtdemocrat.
Now, reading Letters to the Editor’s post started me thinking so I googled for more posts on the subject and uncovered some more goodarticles! i.e. Man sentenced to death for killing CHP officer in El Dorado County … by admin, posted yesterday, on Lake Tahoe News:
By Chelsea Phua, Sacramento Bee An El Dorado County Superior Court judge on Monday sentenced David Charles Zanon to death for running down and killing California Highway Patrol Officer Scott Russell more than three years ago. A jury in September recommended the death sentence, after convicting Zanon of first-degree murder in early August. Zanon, who had a warrant for his arrest, was found outside a burglarized business July 31, 2007, in Rancho Cordova. He sped off, leading officers on a chase on Highway 50 into El Dorado County, where he ran down Russell near the Ponderosa Road exit. Russell had just placed a spike strip on the freeway to stop Zanon.
Finally, another fantastic post on the subject came from Mike Roberts over on Village Life posted two days ago and entitled Youth STARs shine bright at Vision Coalition ceremony which is also definitely worth reading!
“These are the most effective tools we have.” Peterson was effusive in his praise for the kids, and also has a kind word for their parents. “You must be doing something right.” Vision Board President Roger Taylor also praised the parents, adding “What you have in front of you are the next generation of leaders. This is our future.” The Vision Coalition functions largely behind the scenes, supporting organizations and activities that build the attitudes, skills, knowledge and experience to help kids make sound decisions as they transition from adolescence to adulthood.
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They train organizations that work with youth, and provide direct funding through “mini-grants” to more than 25 local organizations. Funding comes from donations and grants, the two most notable being the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Sierra Health Foundation’s REACH Program. mroberts@villagelife.com Alex Bennett, Oak Ridge senior Andie Horning, Oak Ridge senior Ashley England, Marina Village Middle School eighth-grader Carole Hewitt, Shenendoa High school Dana Vierra, Oak Ridge sophomore Dane Neves – Markham Middle School Elizabeth Kasirye, Oak Ridge sophomore Fanny Kuang, Oak Ridge senior Gabby Zeagler, Oak Ridge sophomore Grace Benguerel, Oak Ridge sophomore Greg Kirby, Pleasant Grove Middle School eighth grader Haley Adams, Oak Ridge senior Jaclyn Fields, Pleasant Grove Middle School eighth grader Jessica Parlin, Pondoroso High School senior Johanna Aguilar, Charter Community School senior Jordynn Lee Wood, Oak Ridge junior Kasra Behizad, Oak Ridge senior Katrina Lund, Oak Ridge senior Kirsti Buckendorf, Oak Ridge senior Kyle Schafer, Oak Ridge junior Maddy Hames, Oak Ridge sophomore Marisa Ciccozzi, Oak Ridge sophomore Marissa Flickenger, Home School sixth grader Nick Archibald, Marina Village eighth grader Rachel Boyd, Oak Ridge sophomore Rachel Thorley, Oak Ridge sophomore Raeven Barrett, Lilliput Children Services sophomore Rily Bogar, Oak Ridge freshman Ryan Parisek, Marina Village seventh grader Sarah Meyer, Smith Flat High School junior Sarah Walker, Golden Springs High school senior Shelby Glaister, Pleasant Grove eighth grader Taja Davis, Oak Ridge senior Tamara Maximovich, Oak Ridge sophomore Short URL: http://w3.villagelife.com/?p=2282 Posted by Mike Roberts on Dec 13 2010. Filed under Feature Photos, News.