candidate
Congressional candidate on area tour with town hall meetings
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 10:57pmEvent Date:
October 7, 2018 - 4:00pm
With less than 40 days remaining until the November general election, U.S. House candidate Jessica Morse will be hosting town hall meetings for 4th district residents, including a stop in South Lake Tahoe on Sunday, October 7.
California's 4th District stretches from the eastern Sacramento suburbs to the Sierra foothills, including Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park. Morse is running against incumbent Republican Tom McClintock who, at this time, has no scheduled stops in South Lake Tahoe.
Meet the Candidate: Austin Sass says experience is key to serving community
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/01/2018 - 10:56amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Today, current Councilman Austin Sass shares his thoughts in his quest for another term on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Patrick Jarrett would like to see South Lake Tahoe come together
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/30/2018 - 11:30amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For nine consecutive days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
Patrick Jarrett shares his thoughts in his quest for a seat on the South Lake Tahoe City Council:
Meet the Candidate: Wendy David seeks second term on South Lake Tahoe City Council
Submitted by paula on Sat, 09/29/2018 - 9:38amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Each of the nine candidates for City Council answered the same ten questions that were given to them by South Tahoe Now. For each of the next nine days the candidate's responses will be shared in the order received.
First up is Wendy David, the current mayor of South Lake Tahoe. She is seeking a second term on the Council.
South Lake Tahoe Chamber Candidate Forum to feature SLT Council and EDC Supervisor candidates
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/27/2018 - 1:39pmEvent Date:
October 2, 2018 - 6:30pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - There will be a candidate's forum co-hosted by the South Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce and the Lake Tahoe Community College Student Senate on October 2 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the school's Student Lounge/Creekside Room.
Candidate forum to feature 20 candidates seeking office on South Shore
Submitted by paula on Wed, 09/26/2018 - 12:13amEvent Date:
September 27, 2018 - 6:00pm
The South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club is hosting a candidate's forum on Thursday, September 27 at the California Conservation Corps in Meyers at 6:00 p.m.
Meet and talk to twenty candidates seeking election to South Lake Tahoe City Council, South Tahoe Public Utility Board, El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Area 5, Lake Tahoe Unified School District, Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees, El Dorado County Recorder Clerk, South Lake Tahoe City Clerk and City Treasurer, and the Tahoe Paradise Improvement District Board.
Letter: New council needs to address housing, roads, cell service and more
Submitted by paula on Sun, 09/23/2018 - 11:16pmI first arrived in South Lake Tahoe in June 1991 about 6 weeks after college graduation. In 1991, Tahoe had the most amazing roads; now, Tahoe has the worst roads. North Dakota – a very low tax state – just might have the best roads in the whole country. In 1991, there were many places to rent in Tahoe at affordable prices; now, too many people who work in South Lake Tahoe need to commute from the Carson Valley, unnecessarily increasing their carbon footprint.
Tahoe Chamber hosts community forum for South Lake Tahoe City Council candidates
Submitted by paula on Thu, 09/20/2018 - 12:08amEvent Date:
October 4, 2018 - 5:30pm
Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) is hosting a candidate forum on October 4 for candidates running for South Lake Tahoe City Council. Three City Council member seats are up for election, which includes those held by incumbents, and candidates, Wendy David, Tom Davis and Austin Sass. All nine candidates are confirmed to attend.
The forum will be held in the Lake Tahoe Community College Board Room from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Lake Valley Fire Protection District seeking board member
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/14/2018 - 11:49amThere are two open seats for the Lake Valley Fire Protection District Board of Directors, and with only one candidate in the November 6 election, the Board is seeking nominees to fill the other vacancy.
Brian Hogan, an appointed incumbent, is the only person to file for the November 6 election. The current board is Chairperson Robert Bettencourt, Vice-Chairperson Dave Huber, Secretary John Rice and directors Leona Allen and Hogan. Huber is not seeking re-election.
El Dorado County Supervisor District 5 candidate forum
Submitted by paula on Tue, 09/11/2018 - 10:22pmEvent Date:
September 20, 2018 - 5:30pm
Hear what the two candidates for El Dorado County District 5 Supervisor have to say during the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) Candidates Forum on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Tahoe Beach Retreat in South Lake Tahoe.
Letter: Candidate asking for support from the South Lake Tahoe community
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/07/2018 - 8:29amTo the South Lake Tahoe Community:
Letter: Former candidate reminds voters their voice counts
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/21/2018 - 7:22pmI ran for Supervisor as I thought I was the best candidate, with the best qualifications, that could solve the issues we face. After the race for Supervisor concluded with the top two advancing to November, I have bowed out of the public eye to focus on my business. I am hearing recently that I have endorsed a candidate for the November election. I declare I have not endorsed anyone. There are concerns with each of the remaining candidates. That was my whole motivation for running; to give voters a real choice.
Interim county manager named for Douglas County
Submitted by paula on Mon, 08/20/2018 - 4:10pmJenifer Davidson was appointed as the interim county manager during the Douglas County's Board of County Commissioner meeting August 16, a job she will start on August 31.
Currently Davidson is the assistant county manager, a job she has held since March of this year.
County Manager Larry Werner asked in June to be released from his contract as of August 31.
Letter: STPUD updates from board member and candidate Duane Wallace
Submitted by paula on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 4:08pmEveryone knows what goes downhill, but the South Tahoe Public Utility District knows how to recycle it into 381,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. A recent feature article by the Association of California Water Agencies pointed out that STPUD is one of only a handful of utility districts in the entire world that can claim 100% reuse of wastewater and bio solids. Here’s how. We use centrifuges instead of the usual pollution causing burners. That allows us to make fertilizer for ranch land.
November ballot filling up for South Lake Tahoe voters
Submitted by paula on Thu, 08/02/2018 - 11:02pmThere are still a few days left for those interested in running for public office this November, but several candidates have completed the process to qualify for the ballot. The following number of seats will be open: El Dorado County Board of Supervisors (1), LTUSD School Board (2) , City Council (3), City Clerk (1), City Treasurer (1), South Tahoe Public Utility District (3), Tahoe Paradise Recreation and Park District, and Lake Tahoe Community College Board of Trustees (3).
The deadline to complete the candidate process is August 10, 2018.
Tahoe yellow cress planting at Baldwin Beach during Native Species Festival
Submitted by paula on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 11:37amEvent Date:
June 23, 2018 - 10:00am
On Saturday, June 23, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Sugar Pine Foundation will co-host a Tahoe yellow cress (TYC) planting with the Tahoe yellow cress Adaptive Management Working Group at Baldwin Beach, which is National Forest System land managed by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU). In addition, the LTBMU will host a TYC information booth at the Native Species Festival on June 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center.
LTCC welcomes new faculty member in Wilderness Education and Outdoor Leadership
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/18/2018 - 11:44amSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - After an extensive nationwide search for the perfect candidate to fill Lake Tahoe Community College’s (LTCC) first-ever, full-time, tenure-track faculty position in Wilderness Education and Outdoor Leadership, LTCC is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Clinton Culp, an avid outdoorsman.
Letter: Mike Owen concedes to Joe Harn in disappointing loss
Submitted by paula on Mon, 06/18/2018 - 8:31amMike Owen, candidate for El Dorado County Auditor-Controller, conceded the race to incumbent Joe Harn as the latest vote counts were released as of Friday June 15.
“I have to admit I am kind of surprised by the results” Owen said. “I had a great deal of community, grass-roots support and enthusiasm from both volunteers and donors along with some great endorsements.” he added.
Letter: Spencer for El Dorado County Supervisor
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 05/25/2018 - 3:26pmDear Editor,
I don’t typically endorse political candidates, but with the serious issues facing El Dorado County and the need for good leadership in our Supervisor, I’m going to break my own rule in support of Jeffrey Spencer.
While Jeffrey Spencer’s name is not as well known around town as the other candidates, Jeffrey and his family have ties to our community that go back decades. He purchased his home ten years ago with plans to retire here, and has lived here full time for five years. His two sons have attended the Middle School and South Tahoe High.
Lake Spirit Awards celebrate dedication to Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Wed, 05/23/2018 - 8:14pmThe Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) recognized four people for their commitment to protecting and enhancing Lake Tahoe’s environment with Lake Spirit Awards on Wednesday.
People whose passions include building new paths and trails led the way in nominations this year, with improving mountain biking routes, creating new multi-use paths, and advancing pedestrian and bicycle safety among the interests of the award winners.
Four vying for El Dorado County Supervisor, District 5
Submitted by paula on Sat, 05/12/2018 - 10:51pmThere are four people running for El Dorado County Supervisor for the 5th District on June 5: Incumbent Sue Novasel and challengers Kenny Curtzwiler, Norma Santiago and Jeffrey Spencer. The 5th District covers Pollock Pines to South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma.
South Tahoe Now asked each candidate the same questions, and here are all of their answers, exactly as they were presented to us.
Sue Novasel
Occupation: El Dorado County Supervisor – District V
Past political history:
2015 – Present: County Supervisor, District V
Meet Jessica Morse, democratic candidate for US Congress, District 4
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 05/04/2018 - 12:53pm
Event Date:
May 7, 2018 - 5:30pm Jessica Morse is the endorsed candidate of the Democratic Party running for US Congress, District 4. She will be at Lakeview commons on Monday, May 7 at 5:30pm. Come meet Jessica to learn about her views on the issues, particularly on issues relevant to the Lake Tahoe basin.
Board of Supervisor District 5 Candidate Forum
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 04/23/2018 - 5:17pm
Event Date:
April 26, 2018 - 6:00pm Meet the four candidates for the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors at the South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club's candidate forum on Thursday, April 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the California Conservation Corps, 1949 Apache Avenue in Meyers.
Sue Novasel, the incumbent is being challenged by former Supervisor Norma Santiago, local businessman Ken Curtzwiler and transportation specialist Jeffrey Spencer.
The primary will be held on June 5, 2018.
Search on for new city attorney and city manager for South Lake Tahoe
Submitted by paula on Thu, 04/19/2018 - 11:34pmSOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Prothman Executive Recruitment has been hired by the City of South Lake Tahoe to conduct searches for the next city attorney and city manager, but the process to find an interim city manager will be conducted in house, for now.
During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Brad Robbins of Prothman Executive Recruitment was the only representative of the three companies who submitted proposals to show up.
Republican Women Hosts Candidate
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/04/2018 - 6:38pm
Event Date:
April 10, 2018 - 11:30am Be informed. Come to this month's meeting of the So. Lake Tahoe Republican Women club. You will hear an El Dorado County candidate for Recorder/Clerk speak, plus a discussion of upcoming ballot measures.
The lunch meeting will be held at the Cantina Bar and Grill, 765 Emerald Bay Rd., So. Lake Tahoe. Arrive at 11:30 A.M. Tuesday, April10. Cost for the luncheon is $15.00 per person.
Please call 530 314-1068 to RSVP.
Douglas County hires new assistant county manager
Submitted by paula on Tue, 03/27/2018 - 2:29pmDouglas County has announced the hiring of a new assistant county manager to replace Bradley Hurley who left in October, 2017 after holding the position for just four days.
Jenifer Davidson, a Douglas High graduate, has been hired at a salary of $114,920.
In January, 2018, the County accepted applications for the job. The salary range is $100,796 - $151,195 and requires one to be not only an effective leader, they must be team-oriented with effective interpersonal skills and highly motivated with seven years of public administration or business management experience.
Former SLT judge questions timing of state ethics board action
Submitted by paula on Thu, 03/08/2018 - 10:05pmSteven Bailey, the retired El Dorado County judge now running for attorney general, suggests a state disciplinary investigation tied to his tenure on the bench “was timed to coincide” with his campaign for the Republican nomination.
Four potential candidates so far for El Dorado County Supervisor 5th District
Submitted by paula on Wed, 02/21/2018 - 6:40pmCandidate season has already started for not only the State of California but also El Dorado County.
So far, for the El Dorado County Supervisor representing Meyers, South Lake Tahoe, Tahoma and Pollock Pines (District 5) four candidates have taken out papers.
Current Supervisor Sue Novasel, local businessman Ken Curtzwiler, former Supervisor Norma Santiago, and transportation technology and land use expert Jeffrey Spencer have all taken out papers during the filing period which began February 12.
Trish Kelliher for District Attorney
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/31/2018 - 6:40pm
Event Date:
February 10, 2018 - 12:00pm Veteran El Dorado County prosecutor, Trish Kelliher will launch her campaign for El Dorado County District Attorney at a special event scheduled for Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Placerville Town Hall, 549 Main Street in Placerville. This event presents an opportunity for the public to meet the candidate and hear her vision for the office where she has worked for the past twenty years. Kelliher also welcomes citizens to share their concerns about public safety issues in the County.
South Lake Tahoe 'Women's March' on Saturday
Submitted by paula on Tue, 01/16/2018 - 5:04pmEvent Date:
January 20, 2018 - 11:00am
Almost one year ago almost five million women, men and children gathered around the world to participate in the Women's March on Washington on the same day President Trump was being inaugurated.
They gathered to stand together in their protest of reproductive rights, equal pay, safety for women in the workplace and more. They stood against racism, sexism, sexual assault and harassment. They stood against Trump and his policies that were racist, anti-LGBT and anti-women.
Nominations open for Lake Tahoe Bicycle Achievement Awards
Submitted by paula on Fri, 09/22/2017 - 3:02pmKnow of a business, agency, organization or individual who has made significant advancements to promoting safer bicycling opportunities for the Lake Tahoe region?
Now is the time to toot their horn as the Lake Tahoe Bicycle Achievement Awards nomination period has opened. Each year the Lake Tahoe Bike Coalition honors those who have helped the bicycling community around the lake have a safer, better ride.
Nominations must be submitted by October 15, 2017.
Chautauqua of Governor John Sparks at Dangberg Historic Park
Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 08/20/2017 - 12:08pm
Event Date:
August 23, 2017 - 6:30pm Michael E. Fischer will portray the tenth governor of Nevada, John Sparks, at Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park on Wednesday, August 23, at 6:30 pm.
Tahoe Chamber Level UP series: Employee Motivation & Recognition Workshop
Submitted by paula on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 7:30amEvent Date:
June 1, 2017 - 12:00pm
Boost your employee's motivation and morale! Learn how to implement workplace micro-recognition to make employee rewards more rewarding at the Level UP: Employee Motivation & Recognition Workshop on Thursday, June 1 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club holds monthly meeting
Submitted by paula on Tue, 04/11/2017 - 9:37pmEvent Date:
April 20, 2017 - 6:00pm
Learn how you can become involved with the South Lake Tahoe Democratic Club during their monthly meeting at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course on April 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
They hold meetings on the third Thursday of each month and Democrats and progressives are encouraged to attend. Items on the agenda include reports from subcommittees on candidate identification and endorsement, rapid response and community service and outreach.
South Lake Tahoe Democrats to start meeting monthly
Submitted by paula on Wed, 03/08/2017 - 1:37pmEvent Date:
March 16, 2017 - 6:00pm
The South Lake Tahoe Democrats will meet monthly at the Lake Tahoe Golf Course beginning March 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The meetings will be held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, and Democrats and progressives are encouraged to attend.
Items on the March 16 agenda include:
- Reports from subcommittees on local immigration issues, health care, candidate recruitment and more
New Tahoe Chamber CEO announced
Submitted by paula on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 7:09pmWhat is Mammoth Lakes' loss will be Lake Tahoe's gain as the Lake Tahoe South Shore Chamber of Commerce (Tahoe Chamber) has selected their new Chief Executive Officer from the mountain resort community to the south.
Craig A. Schmidt, the current Executive Director of Chamber of Commerce in Mammoth Lakes, will take over his new position on the South Shore February 6.
The Chamber's Board selected Schmidt, an accomplished chamber professional with 22 years of experience in business, workforce and tourism development.
Ballot tally updated: South Lake Tahoe election results remain the same
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/16/2016 - 9:50pmNovember 17, 2:30 p.m. update: There are about 500 provisional ballots from the South Lake Tahoe and Meyers areas that need to be counted, along with a few mail-in ballots.
According to Linda Webster, Assistant Registrar of Voters for the County, there are a few mail-in ballots still to be counted county-wide. She expects there will be an update to the returns before Thanksgiving with a final release of figures right after the holiday. It will be that final report that will include the provisional ballot count.
South Lake Tahoe resident asks City to ban street parking on Regina Road
Submitted by paula on Sun, 11/13/2016 - 12:13amNoel Farmer, a South Lake Tahoe resident, has been a vocal opponent to Vacation Home Rentals (VHRs) in his Heavenly Valley neighborhood. Farmer is present at City Council and Planning Commission meetings, as well as Zoning Administrator meetings when the topic is VHRs.
During this Tuesday's meeting at the airport, the City Council members will discuss Farmer's petition to ban street parking on the dead-end street where he lives, Regina Road, in the 3600 and 3700 blocks.
Four finalists announced for Lake Tahoe Community College President job
Submitted by paula on Wed, 11/09/2016 - 11:38amEvent Date:
November 17, 2016 - 9:00am
The four finalists for the position of Lake Tahoe Community College's Superintendent/President have been announced, and the public will have the opportunity to meet them in a forum on November 17 in the school's Aspen Board room at 9:00 a.m.
Laine and Collin, Measures P and T win
Submitted by paula on Tue, 11/08/2016 - 10:43pm6:00 a.m. 11/9 Update: It took awhile for ballots to be counted, but 100 percent of the precincts have now been counted for El Dorado County and South Lake Tahoe. The results are unofficial as some mail-in ballots will still be tallied.
Former councilwoman Brooke Laine and hospital executive Jason Collin will be headed to the South Lake Tahoe City Council in what turned out to be a close race with local politics newcomer, Tamara Wallace. Current Councilwoman JoAnn Conner will not be returning for a second term.
SLT City Council results, the top two vote-getters win:
SLT City Council candidate Trey Riddle
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:46pmAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Trey Riddle, 38 years old, Bartender, 3 years in South Lake Tahoe
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate Tamara Wallace
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:33pmAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Tamara Wallace, 46, Retired Businesswoman/Chamber Exec
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate Dan McLaughlin
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 12:22pmAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Dan McLaughlin, 66, Sales Manager for Lake Tahoe Television, has lived in Lake Tahoe for 43 years.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate John Shearer
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 11:53amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
John Shearer, 49 years old, has lived in South Lake Tahoe for over 30 years and own and operate several local businesses.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate Jason Collin
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 11:18amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Jason Collin, 43, Administrative Director of Post-Acute Services & Owner/Race Director for Epic Tahoe Adventures, 8 years living in Tahoe.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate JoAnn Conner
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:43amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
JoAnn Conner, 67, Small Business Owner, 35 years in SLT.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
Letter: Thank you for your support for LTUSD Board
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:21amTo the South Lake Tahoe Community,
Thank you for considering me for Lake Tahoe Unified School District Board member. With your support, I will serve the residents of Trustee Area #1. My husband Matt Lucksinger, a South Tahoe native, and I decided to move to the LTUSD in 2014, excited to have our daughters enter school and to be able to participate in this community. School Board service is an extension of that decision.
SLT City Council candidate Brooke Laine
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:15amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Brooke Laine, 52, Branch Manager, US Bank, Born and raised in SLT
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations?
SLT City Council candidate Ted Long
Submitted by paula on Mon, 11/07/2016 - 10:07amAll candidates for South Lake Tahoe City Council were given the same questions. With just one day to go to the elections, we will be featuring their answers and a video of their interview with Tahoe Regional Young Professionals through the day.
Ted Long, 77, attorney and lecturer, 21 years full time skiing here since 1965.
Discuss your interest in serving on City Council. What is your prior experience in working with civic, community or governmental organizations
Letter: Larry Reilly is the right man for the job
Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 11/05/2016 - 9:10pmThis is a critical School Board election. It is important that our future Board continue the great work our present Board has completed over the last decade. So, it is imperative that Larry Reilly be elected as LTUSD School Board Trustee for Area #1. There is a great deal of work that needs to be done in our district. There are important decisions that need to be made. Our schools and our community need practical, tough, experienced leadership to support Dr. Tarwater in his continuing efforts to make LTUSD a great district for our children.