Happy Mothers Day The Modoc County Vol. 133, No. 7
RECORD Alturas, California
May 8, 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
16 Pages
Staying Power: Modoc County’s Aging Population and the Youth Who Choose To Return By: Shaelene Tims In Modoc County, quiet rural roads lead to a serious challenge: a rapidly aging population. With nearly one in three residents now over the age of 60, this remote corner of northeastern California is facing an uncertain future. Birth rates are low, school enrollments are dropping, and the demand for senior services keeps rising. Many younger adults have moved away for education, jobs, or broader opportunities, leaving a shrinking workforce. Hospitals and clinics feel the strain, while local schools operate with fewer students each year. The aging trend also impacts the local economy, as retirees tend to spend less and contribute differently than working-age residents. In a county with just over 8,000 people, every shift matters. Longtime residents worry about the future of civic and volunteer leadership— often driven by older residents. The question becomes not just who will care for the aging, but who will lead, work, and invest in the years ahead. The answer may be closer than it seems. Through local efforts like Advancing Modoc, young people are choosing to come home—not out of obligation, but out of love for their community and a desire to make a difference. Advancing Modoc is a homegrown program working to address the county’s biggest longterm challenge: keeping rural communities alive and thriving. It connects youth to job opportunities, builds career pathways
in high-demand fields and encourages local leadership. Through initiatives like the Child Savings Account program for kindergarteners, the Education Explorer summer enrichment program for aspiring educators, and the Come Home Campaign that invites former residents back to fill critical roles in healthcare, education and public service, Advancing Modoc is making tangible investments in Modoc’s future. For those with entrepreneurial goals, the Start. Grow. Thrive. initiative offers tailored support and business resources to help rural startups launch and expand. The goal is clear—equip Modoc’s next generation with the tools and support they need to stay, grow and lead. Modoc’s leaders see these young returnees as key to building the future. They can fill critical roles in healthcare, education, and local business, offering a generational bridge between the community’s history and what comes next. The decision to return isn’t always easy— opportunities are fewer, and amenities are fewer— but for some, the tradeoff is worth it. They’re choosing meaning over mobility, and their choice could reshape Modoc’s path forward. Mya Sharp didn’t feel pressured to leave Modoc County after high school. Instead, she felt a pull to stay. “I came back home because I absolutely love it here,” she said. “Affordability didn’t really make it or break it… but my family, friends and
the familiarity of the community did.” Now studying elementary education and working at the local elementary school, Mya says the decision brought her a deep sense of purpose. “Living and working here has been awesome—it’s not always exciting, but there’s a strong sense of stability and balance.” Scott Lewis, another young local, echoed that sentiment. After spending time away, he returned to Alturas for the calm and connection. “It offers the perfect blend of peace and outdoor adventure,” he said. “The rural setting, with its abundant fishing and hunting opportunities, is exactly what I’ve been looking for.” For Scott, being near family and doing what he loves felt more valuable than chasing something elsewhere. Stories like Mya’s and Scott’s don’t always make national news. But here, they matter. Advancing Modoc is helping make those stories possible—not by telling young people what to do, but by showing them they have options and a place in the future of this community. The road ahead for Modoc won’t be easy. With limited resources and an aging population, the challenges are real. But there is a path forward; investing in the local youth. Their choice to stay, serve, and invest in their home offers a powerful counter to the trend of rural decline. It’s not just about who’s leaving anymore; it’s increasingly about who returns.
Mother’s Day in Modoc: Honoring Local Moms with Brunches and Community Spirit Mother’s Day has been part of American tradition since 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson declared it a national holiday. The day was originally championed by Anna Jarvis to honor the quiet strength and tireless care of mothers everywhere. Over a century later, Modoc County is celebrating in true local fashion—with good food, small-town charm, and heartfelt appreciation. This Sunday, two beloved local venues are offering brunches to celebrate moms in the community. The VFW in Cedarville is hosting a special Mother’s Day brunch, bringing families together for a morning of good food and conversation in a warm, welcoming setting from 9- pm.. It’s a great chance to honor mothers, grandmothers,
and all the women who hold families together. In Alturas, The California Pines Lodge is also serving up a Mother’s Day special featuring classic favorites and beautiful views—an ideal setting for families looking to relax and enjoy time together. Reservations are encouraged, as this event tends to draw a crowd. In Alturas, Wagon Wheel will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a hearty Mother’s Day special of prime rib and eggs in the morning, followed by a prime rib sandwich later in the day. It’s a great stop for early risers or brunch-goers looking for something filling and familiar. Also in Alturas, Antonio’s Cucina Italiana is running Mother’s Day specials all weekend long, making
it easy to plan a dinner out with loved ones in a warm, local setting. However you choose
to celebrate, Modoc’s Mother’s Day events are a chance to pause, gather, and show the
women in our lives just how much they matter. From Cedarville to Cal Pines to Alturas, the
county is full of ways to make the day feel special.