As November comes to an end, we find ourselves in a season rich with opportunities to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and the inherent worth of every individual. Today marks both International Children's Day and Trans Day of Remembrance, and throughout the month, we observe Native American Heritage Month, all while preparing for Thanksgiving. These occasions emphasize the importance of living freely, authentically, and without fear of persecution or violence.

Today, we celebrate International Kindness Day, a global reminder of the incredible impact that small acts of kindness can have on our world. In a time when it's easy to focus on what divides us, this day invites us to pause and appreciate the simple, powerful force that unites us all: kindness.

As the dust settles on the 2024 presidential election, it's crucial to take a moment to pause, breathe, and reflect. While the outcomes may be challenging to process, it's important to recognize the significant victories that deserve celebration. Let's focus on regrouping, caring for each other, and preparing for the battles ahead. Above all, let kindness guide our actions.

Growing up in Pacific County, I fell in love with the beautiful environment and community. We are fortunate to live in an area with farm land, forests, rivers, bays, and more. 

Creciendo en el condado de Pacific, me enamoré del hermoso entorno y la comunidad. Tenemos la suerte de vivir en un área con tierras de cultivo, bosques, ríos, bahías y más.

Pacific County, our beloved home, is a vibrant community built on natural resources and tourism. Most of us have immigrant roots, except for the original indigenous residents, the Chinook Indian Nation. For decades, we’ve welcomed a diverse and growing immigrant and refugee community — Hispanics, Laotians, Cambodians, Vietnamese and more. But the harmony of our community is now under threat.