Dear Editor:
I’m sure everyone is getting tired of this seemingly never-ending election season!
As a candidate for Supervisor, I know I am looking forward to things going back to normal. With two weeks to go my team and I have knocked on thousands of doors and learned so much from our neighbors. We have a lot to be proud of in all of our communities. Luckily, we can all have a well-deserved break and have some good family fun this October 31st!
As a mother of three, Halloween has to be one of my favorite holidays. The leaves are transforming into beautiful fall color and we are getting some cooler days. Families are gathering to spend time carving pumpkins, making tasty treats and decorating homes. And best of all, Halloween provides a time for the entire community to go outside and spend time with one another. Neighborhood block parties, haunted houses and trick-or-treating bring people of all walks of life together to have a ghoulishly good time.
It is important that kids and parents remember to stay safe while trick-or-treating. Here are a few tried-and-true tips that have always kept my family safe:
- Children should always go trick-or-treating with an adult. But it’s also fun for kids to go out with a group of their friends. When trick-or-treating as a group, parents can walk together to help keep watch over all the kids and get to know each other better.
- Plan your route in advance. Halloween can be scary for small children but trick-or-treating in a familiar place can help them—and you—feel more comfortable. Plan your route in advance and make sure everyone knows how to find their way home.
- If you have older kids, plan their route with them before they go out and set a time that you expect them back. Be sure to have them always carry their cell phones in case they need to reach you.
- Bring a flashlight! It is getting darker earlier each day and it can be difficult for drivers to see children crossing the street. Be sure to have everyone carry a flashlight (or glow sticks) so they can see where they are walking and can be seen by others.
- Talk to your kids about only going to houses with a porch light on and never, ever entering a home or car for candy.
- Always inspect your children’s treats before they eat them. Throw away any candy that looks opened or tampered with.
Most importantly, have fun! We have a wonderful community here in East County. Take advantage of every opportunity to have a good time and get to know your neighbors.
Diane Burgis
Mother of Three and Candidate for County Supervisor in District Three
Oakley, CA
