Volume XVIII Issue 222

Tuesday, June 9th, 2026

The day someone chooses me.

I’m still young, which means I’ve got so much to learn and so much potential. I’m eager to discover new things, learn my manners, and become the best companion I can be. All I need is a family willing to guide me along the way.

If you’re looking for a fun-loving, affectionate pup who’s ready to fill your home with laughter, adventures, and unconditional love, come meet me. I’ve been waiting for my forever family—and I hope it’s you.

Featured animals at the Lassen County Animal Shelter are available for adoption on a first-come-first-serve basis. According to California law, all adoptable dogs and cats must be spayed and neutered before leaving our facility. If interested in adopting an animal, please contact the shelter directly.

Current shelter hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. You can contact the shelter at 530.257.9200.

To make this premier regional event a resounding success, the Lassen Volcanoes Swim Team is actively seeking local businesses, organizations, and community partners to serve as official swim meet sponsors.

This event is made possible through the generosity of local sponsors, and every dollar invested goes directly toward supporting local youth athletics. By choosing to back our local swimmers, you help provide a positive, supportive experience for young athletes, promote vital lifelong values like discipline and self-confidence, and help host a truly memorable event for all participants.

The team offers several tiers of sponsorship to fit any business budget, each providing valuable promotional exposure to hundreds of local and visiting families:

Olympic Sponsor ($500): Your business logo will be prominently featured on the official team website, the event banner, and the official team shirt, plus you will receive a commemorative plaque featuring a team photo.

Gold Sponsor ($250): Your business logo will be featured on the official team website, the event banner, and the official team shirt.

Silver Sponsor ($100): Your business logo will be displayed on the official team website and the event banner.

Bronze Sponsor ($50): Your business logo will be displayed on the official team website.

Securing your sponsorship is simple. Please make all checks payable to Lassen Volcanoes (EIN: 84-2115978) and send your forms and checks to the Lassen Volcanoes Swim Team, P.O. Box 763, Susanville, CA 96130.

If you have any questions or would like more details on how to get involved, please reach out directly to Heather at 1.530.249.7307.

They said that graduation is not just about “learning who you are, but deciding who want to be.” Kinley encouraged those who are afraid to have courage, Hailey countered with if you have doubted yourself to choose confidence. They ended with a challenge to meet each day with the mindset of becoming more than “you were yesterday.”

Then they turned the mic over to Peace Folorunso, the 2026 We Are Lassen student. Peace began his speech on a lighter note, saying that “Chat GPT is still generating my speech right now” and apologizing for the delay. After sharing a laugh with the audience, he continued by reminiscing what it was like to a 6th grader during the Pandemic and stressed how it impacted the Class of 2026 and who they are today.

Julia Bruce, co-salutatorian, was the next speaker. She asked her classmates to look to the left, then the right. She then requested that they tell those two people that they are proud of them. Julia continued to remind us that we never know what someone else might be going through and what it took to get them here, emphasizing the importance of growing relationships.

Co-salutatorian Miguel Hernandez opened with thanks to all the teachers, his family and friends. Miguel admitted that he has never liked public speaking yet knew this was an important occasion. He encouraged his classmates to remember this moment and wished them success in whatever they choose to do.

There was a quick dance break to “Good Ole Days” by Macklemore and Kesha. Some of the graduates took the opportunity to celebrate with their friends, toss around beach balls, and reflect on the last four years.

Beloved science teacher Jim Ernaga gave the keynote address. Throwing in his signature “BAM!”, Mr. Ernaga expressed that while as a teacher he knows he has impacted their lives in some way, but that the graduates might not realize how they impacted him. With emotion in his voice, he acknowledged that his students are like a second family and creating these relationships are more important than the academics. In conclusion, he tasked the grads to “go make your mark on the world, it’s GO TIME.”

If you’ve ever sat in Mr. Ernaga’s classroom, I bet you heard those last few lines in his distinctive voice.

Londyn Smith, valedictorian, was the next speaker. Londyn said that many people will ask you “what are you going to do?”, inquiring about what is next in your future. She stressed that plans can change so it is more important to think about who you want to be. Londyn concluded by saying that the graduates should focus on creating a meaningful life, not just a successful one.

Principal/Superintendent Mark Brewer addressed the class next. He expressed his thanks to the class for sharing their time, kind words, and smiles with him over the past year. Mr. Brewer told the grads to always remember where they came from, saying that they have left their footprints on our community. He said that will always remember this class and presented them to the LUHS Board of Trustees.

The grads received their diplomas from Mrs. Larson and Mr. Ernaga, while assistant principal Bob Nielsen and counselor Micah Freeman announced their names. Confetti and noisemakers filled the air as each graduate crossed the stage.

Kinley Somerville and Hailey Dawson returned to the podium for the turning of the tassels and the celebration for the Class of 2026 began in earnest!

Congratulations to this class as they venture out into the world on their own. This year I have witnessed students overcome incredible challenges; things that I can’t even imagine facing as an adult. I wish you all the best and I thank you for holding me up during a very difficult time. I couldn’t have made it without you.

In the weeks leading up to graduation, it wasn’t just the students celebrating. The faculty and staff also celebrated some of their own.

Dave Salas, longtime security guard, has put down his radio and parked his golf cart for the last time. After 33 years at LHS, Dave finally gets to stay home with wife Michelle and cut his own grass. As many of you know, Dave was not just a security guard, but a trusted adult and loyal confidante to thousands of students. His sense of humor and positivity will be missed.

Dave Salas with one of his favorite students, now a colleague, Kelli (Williams) Hanson

Nancy Singh, our student advocate, is also retiring. After more than 20 years of supporting and comforting students, Nancy will get to enjoy spoiling her grandkids full time. Ms Nancy, as she is lovingly referred to, has helped hundreds of students be successful in school and life. She is always there to lend a hand, listen to a problem, or cure the hunger pains with her never-ending supply of snacks.

Mr Brewer gives deserved recognition to retiring educators Jim Ernaga, 
Jessica Larson, and Nancy Singh at the end of the year assembly 

Jim Ernaga, chemistry guru and coach extraordinaire, is the next retiree. He has dedicated 29 years to LHS, serving in many roles including dept chair, LTA president, coach, and mentor teacher. Jim is a proponent of the annual Biology Teacher and is known by generations of students for his infamous night hike. As an alumnus of Lassen High, Mr. Ernaga was dedicated to the success of his students and school district and will be missed immensely.

Jessica Larson has spent 32 ½ years dispensing math knowledge and game plans to hundreds of student athletes. She has been a positive force both in the classroom and on the court, where she coached volleyball and girls basketball for many years. Jess’ ability to make challenging concepts accessible and relevant to students makes her an exceptional educator. She also loves a good dress up and can be seen cheering students on from the grandstands at any athletic event.

Retirees Jim Ernaga and Jessica Larson will enjoy many adventures 
in the outdoors with their new personalized camp chairs presented by LTA

These four educators are the heart and core of Lassen High School and their retirement leaves a big hole in our structure. We will never be able to fill their absence but can take inspiration from their character and deeds and continue to build upon what they started.

Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to shelleybennett24@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”

Fire officials emphasized that operations will only proceed if weather conditions and fuel moisture levels are strictly favorable. This careful monitoring ensures the fire remains controlled and manageable, achieving specific ecological and public safety goals.

According to CAL FIRE, the primary objectives of the project include:

• Reducing the presence of destructive noxious weeds.
• Managing and clearing away excess overgrown vegetation along Center Road and Cut-off Road.
• Minimizing the long-term risk of wildfire ignition and rapid spread to nearby communities and local ranchlands.

Residents and travelers in the Standish and Litchfield areas should be prepared to see smoke during the burn window. CAL FIRE reminds the public to remain vigilant but requests that residents refrain from reporting the visible smoke to 911 unless they observe an actual, unrelated emergency.

CAL FIRE and the Standish-Litchfield Fire Department extended their appreciation to the community for its cooperation and understanding. Fire officials noted that these collaborative efforts are essential to improving local fire safety, mitigating wildfire hazards, and promoting better overall ecological health across Lassen County.

For more information on how you can prepare your family and property for wildfire season, and tips on preventing wildfires, visit the official preparedness portal at www.ReadyForWildfire.org.

CHP Launching Summer Enforcement Effort on 
Highway 395 in Lassen and Modoc Counties

Drivers along the US-395 corridor will see an increased law enforcement presence starting later this week as the California Highway Patrol launches a major safety initiative spanning from the Oregon to the Nevada borders.

Beginning this Friday, June 12th, CHP officers from the Susanville, Alturas and Quincy Area offices will coordinate a specialized enforcement campaign aimed directly at reducing injury and fatal crashes on the critical highway.

According to Susanville Area CHP Commander Lacey Carney, the multi-agency push will target the primary behaviors that lead to collisions, including speeding, distracted driving, unsafe passing, driving under the influence and commercial vehicle violations.

The campaign comes in response to sobering long-term safety data along the local stretch of the highway. Over the past 10 years, 26 fatal crashes have occurred on the US-395 corridor between the State Route 36 junction and Red Rock Road. Tragically, 16 of those 26 fatal crashes involved local Lassen County residents.

“Our enforcement efforts will focus on the primary crash factors,” Commander Carney noted, emphasizing the goal of getting everyone to their destinations safely.

To help motorists protect themselves and others on the road, the CHP reminds drivers to always practice safe driving habits. Motorists should leave early for their destinations so they are not in a rush, ensure they are well-rested before heading out, and remain patient until they reach a safe, designated passing lane.

Additionally, drivers are urged to stay completely focused on the road because no text message is worth driving distracted. Motorists must never drive while intoxicated, should always wear their safety belts, and need to ensure all children are properly secured. Finally, reducing overall speed and increasing the following distance between vehicles can prevent sudden collisions and save lives.

The CHP relies on the public to help keep the highways safe. If you see reckless driving or suspect a driver is under the influence, call 911 immediately to reach CHP Dispatch, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lady Pilots Paint Susanville Airport Sign

June 9, 1979

PAINTING THE RUNWAY at the Susanville Municipal Airport are several of 25 members of the Sacramento chapter of the “99 Club,” an internation association of women pilots begun 50 years ago by noted aviator Amelia Earhart.

The group flew into Susanville in 10 private aircraft at 8:30 Saturday morning to begin painting gaint letters reading: “SUSANVILLE, EL. 4152, UNICOM 122.8.”

The message will enable pilots to quickly find their exact location, runway elevation, and the correct radio frequency for contacting the Susanville airstrip, which has no control tower.

The paint job took more than two hours to complete and is one of several projects the women pilots undertake to promote aviation. The club lists 71 members in the Sacramento area and more than 5,000 worldwide. (Advocate photo)

Forrest “Butch” Sakamoto – May 13, 2026

Shane Michael Holland – May 22, 2026

Marvin Lynn Benner – May 14, 2026

Elchard DeLoyd Frazier – May 16, 2026

Yolanda Soto Smith – April 20, 2026

Frank Scott Ulch – May 19, 2026

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