Focus on little things
One recent morning, while I was riding my bike near a local park, I noticed a van full of young men who quickly walked through the park picking up trash. I have seen them before at this park but never stopped think about them being there or who paid them. I'm sure they visit several parks in Kern County. Why is this necessary? I'm compelled to find out who employs them and what the employer budget might be for cleaning up after those who use these parks.
This reminded me of the custodians who work in our local school districts. I know that they walk around campuses picking up trash on playgrounds and around classrooms. While I can't quantify their time picking up trash and the cost to taxpayers, I wonder why this, too, is necessary. I don't believe that custodians can make or break our education budgets, but I believe the simplicity of little things could help us weather the budget storm.
Can we begin at home by teaching our children to pick up after themselves and modeling this when we pick up after ourselves in public? Perhaps if we all take pride in ourselves and our schools by taking care of these facilities, we might have a bit more money for sports, performance arts and extended educational opportunities.
CYNDEE STARK
Bakersfield
