LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — In Nevada, 74% of families with children under the age of 6 cannot access affordable childcare. The SkyView YMCA’s Early Learning Village is working to address that issue.
“When you shop around, it gets scary, it gets daunting,” said Ryanne Shea-Brink, a Las Vegas parent who struggled to find childcare.
Shea-Brink eventually found the Early Learning Program at SkyView— which she said brought much-needed relief.
“It’s such a relief because you’re constantly worried about your child’s environment,” Shea-Brink said. “But, when we pick her up and see her happy, you can finally take a breath and say, ‘Okay, this is great.’”
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Shea-Brink said her 4-year-old daughter, Riley, feels at home at the YMCA, largely due to the caring staff.
Every time we walk in—whether it’s through the front door or into her preschool group—the staff is all smiles and hugs. They’re always so happy and excited to show her everything.
Affordability is a key factor for many families and SkyView YMCA offers various financial options.
Erica Stegall, executive director of SkyView YMCA, said nearly half of the families in the program receive financial assistance.
45% of our families actually pay zero, thanks to partnerships with private entities.
“We also fundraise to help subsidize another 55% of our families, keeping childcare costs low so parents can redirect those funds back into their households.”
Shea-Brink said she is grateful for the program.
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“It’s safe, it’s supportive, and it’s a really great community,” she said. “I’m so glad my daughter gets to be a part of it.”
TRUCKEE — With another weather system just about done with Northern California, roads in the Northern California high country are open but still potentially treacherous on Christmas Day.
As of noon, there are no restrictions on both Interstate 80 and Highway 50 in the Sierra Nevada.
The same can’t be said for the smaller highways, however.
On Highway 89, Caltrans says chains or snow tires are required from Truckee to the Sierra/Plumas County line, and from Truckee to around 11 miles north of Truckee.
Highlighting how dangerous the conditions could be, on Christmas morning California Highway Patrol posted about a driver who nearly went completely off the side of the road near Emerald Bay. The vehicle had to be towed out.
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Further south, along Highway 88, Caltrans says chains are also still required on all vehicles from 6.5 miles east of Peddler Hill in Amador County to about 5 miles west of Picketts Junction in Alpine County.
Another impactful weather system is expected to arrive by Thursday in Northern California
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Cecilio Padilla
Cecilio Padilla is a digital producer for CBS Sacramento and a Sacramento-area native who has been covering Northern California for more than a decade.
Neither of the authors of “Homesteading 2.0” (Dec. 15 Review-Journal) lives in Nevada. Yet, they believe they are qualified to advocate for increased development of our public lands.
To date, much new development has focused on luxury housing and green energy projects, rather than the need for affordable housing. While the authors acknowledge our successful conservation efforts, they fail to mention that current residents are being heavily regulated by the water authority, facing penalties, and pressured to reduce water usage. Lawns are being replaced with desert landscaping, and ongoing development to accommodate growth is contributing to the urban heat island effect. This growth has led to more congested roadways, wildlife encroaching into urban areas due to habitat loss and reduced access to recreational spaces that residents once enjoyed.
One of the defining features of Las Vegas was the open space surrounding the valley, which has long been a unique advantage of living in the Southwest. We must carefully consider how much growth we are willing to support moving forward.
Due to rainy weather forecast, the Annual Menorah Lighting in Nevada City has been moved indoors to The Miners Foundry (325 Spring St, Nevada City). Co-sponsored by Chabad of Grass Valley and The Miners Foundry, this special and FREE Chanukah celebration will take place on Thursday, December 26, at 4:00 p.m., and the public is invited to join the fun.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will feature the lighting of a 12-foot illuminated menorah, the largest and brightest in Nevada County. The menorah lighting promises to be an inspiring and memorable moment, bringing the community and our elected officials together to celebrate the message of Chanukah.
The evening will also include a unique performance by a Hassidic fire performer from Brooklyn, adding excitement and energy to the festivities. Guests will enjoy live Chanukah music, singing, and dancing, along with warm Starbucks coffee. Delicious latkes and donuts will be served, and there will be Chanukah gelt and dreidels for everyone to enjoy.
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“Chanukah is about bringing more light into the world each day,” said Rabbi Nochum Yusewitz. “We’re grateful to be able to gather indoors this year to keep everyone warm and dry while celebrating the holiday together. Although it’s the 9th year we are organizing this, there are lots of ‘firsts’ this year so that’s very exciting.”
For more information about the event, about Chanukah or about Chabad call Rabbi Nochum at 530-404-0030 or email hello@JewishGV.com