Feb. 10, 2021
Liz Writes Life
Whether you are a writer or not, the crazy year 2020 may inspire you enough to put your thoughts down on paper.
Fort Jones Librarian, Celeste McFall, announced National Library Week will be held April 4-10 in 2021. Once again, the Fort Jones and Etna Libraries will celebrate with the results of a Writing Contest and Open House during that week.
Our local libraries have been hosting this Writing Contest for many years. Celeste suggested potential writers should think about any challenges that have been experienced during 2020. Then, focus on one of this year’s themes:
Theme 1- Silver linings: Is there a surprisingly good or special affect resulting from covid-19, the pandemic, wildfire, or another tragic event.
Theme 2- Is there an aspect of isolation, “social distancing” or quarantine that you want to explore?
Your true-life, which is non-fiction or imagined (fiction) work may take any form you choose from essay, story, poem or play.
All authors are expected to read or present their work at either an in-person or virtual Fort Jones Library Open House tentatively scheduled on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Details will be determined by the Siskiyou Co. Public Health Advisories.
If the event is held as it has in the past, 6th grade and younger writers will begin reading at 5 p.m. Then, at 5:45 p.m., 7th grade through adults will read their submissions. Timing will depend on the number of entries. A light snack will be provided.
The library will attempt to contact all authors receiving special recognition prior to an event.
Here are the rules: Stay on track of the theme. There is a three page maximum or five pages double spaced. Be sure your name is on each page. This is for original work only. Young children may dictate to a parent or friend.
Deadline is Wednesday, March 17, 2021 by 5 p.m. If the libraries are closed, writers may use the book drop or contact the library to make other arrangements. For additional submission information, call Fort Jones Library at 530-468-2383 or email: fortjonesbr.lib
So, get to thinking and don’t procrastinate putting your thoughts down on paper!
SCOTUS opens two churches
Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 vote that two churches in California can open for worship during the covid-19 pandemic. This decision overruled previous decisions by federal judges in San Diego and San Bernardino Counties and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that had upheld Governor Gavin Newsom’s indoor worship ban.
There were two separate lawsuits. One was by the South Bay United Pentecostal Church in the San Diego area and the other is from Harvest Rock Church in Pasadena. Currently, the ruling applies directly to these two congregations, but other religions believe there is legal logic that the decision will be applied to all churches in California.
It is not yet clear if the congregations will be limited to 25 percent capacity and if singing or chanting can be included in worship. Apparently, SCOTUS left that up to the state. (Not good!) But, at least six Supreme Court Justices agreed the governor’s restrictions were not legal and will open the door, again, to religious freedom.
Concealed weapons
Just a quick update on freshman Colorado Congresswoman, Lauren Boebert, who applied for a Concealed Weapons Permit for the District of Columbia. Surprisingly, it was granted by D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee. This means that she met the requirements.
Then came the fight to be able to carry at the Capitol. Majority House Leader and Democrat, Nancy Pelosi, pushed for new rules in the 117th Congress that would not allow a Congressperson to carry a gun even with a Concealed Weapon Permit. Pelosi said that hefty fines would be imposed on those that do not comply by going through the new metal detector erected for congresspeople. Ironically, Pelosi skipped going through the metal detector one day last week and is being blasted as a hypocrite.
But, from what I can ascertain, although all congresspeople must now go through metal detectors, the alleged new rule against the ability to carry did not appear in the new rules for the 117th Congress. So it looks like Boebert, who is 5 ft tall, weighs 100 pounds and is a mom of four, will be able to conceal carry on the Capitol grounds and D.C. area.
In searching for more info on this subject, I have read that congresspeople are exempt from federal legislation that bans guns on Capitol grounds. It looks like congresspeople are allowed to carry a concealed weapon if they obtain a concealed weapon permit from the D.C. police chief. Open carry is illegal in D.C. and so it would also be illegal on Capitol grounds.
Red Bluff Bull Sale
The annual Red Bluff Bull and Gelding Sale organizers did not let the covid-19 pandemic stop the event, which was held Jan. 26-30, 2021 and celebrated 80 years having held its first bull sale in 1941. It did have specific rules and expected participants to wear masks.
Several Siskiyou ranchers participated in selling and purchasing bulls. Stan Sears was quite proud that his Champion Sim-Angus bull brought the highest price at $16,500. Rick and Linda Anderson from Eagle Point, Oregon purchased the bull. Stan told me that he has never received that much for a bull. Congratulations Stan! That is super price for sure. The average price for the 282 bulls was $4,585.
Liz Bowen began writing ranch and farm news, published in newspapers, in 1976. She is a native of Siskiyou County and lives near Callahan. Columns from the past can be found at: lizwriteslife.blogspot.com. Call her at 530-467-3515.
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