BEST OF LUCK HUNTERS The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 29
RECORD Alturas, California
October 10, 2024
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
16 Pages
Modoc School District Faces Mascot Change Following New Legislation By: Chelsea Bacon The Modoc Joint Unified School District is undergoing a significant transition following the passage of Assembly Bill 3074, which mandates the replacement of the Modoc Braves mascot and Modoc Middle Schools mascot the Warriors. This legislation is part of a broader statewide effort to remove Native American names and imagery from school mascots in hopes of promoting cultural sensitivity and respect for Indigenous communities. For years, the Braves mascot has symbolized pride and tradition for the school and the wider community. However, with the new law in effect, the district must now select a new mascot that reflects contemporary values. Assemblyman James Ramos, a key supporter of the legislation, stated, “We can’t just let the state of California and local jurisdictions use offensive mascot names to continue that mentality that Indian people are somehow less than human. We are sitting right with people today.” According to the Legislative Council Digest, this law impacts all public California schools currently using mascots considered to be derogatory Native American terms, including names such as Apaches, Braves, Chiefs,
Comanches, and others. Unless operated by a tribal organization, schools cannot use such terms, including “Redskins,” for school, mascot or any athletic team names. This ruling will affect not only Modoc High School’s Braves mascot but also Modoc Middle School’s Warriors mascot, as “Warriors” has also been identified as derogatory. The Modoc Joint Unified District is required to select and implement new mascots before the July 1, 2026 deadline. While there is time, the district anticipates numerous adjustments and ongoing communication will be needed to ensure a smooth
transition. There is an exception within the ruling for schools that can obtain written consent from a local federally recognized tribe to continue using their existing mascot. The district plans to work closely with students, staff, alumni, and tribes during this process. Modoc High School Principal Kristen Budmark affirmed her support for the school and community, saying, “I love my school, my students, my parents, and my community, no matter who or what our mascot is. Nothing and no one will change that.” Though the timeline for the change is still being
finalized, the district is committed to an inclusive, collaborative process. Superintendent Tom O’Malley emphasized the importance of working together with local tribes and educational partners, stating, “We are just going to reach out to our local tribes and see where they are at and work together to move forward in everyone’s best interest.” The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by state legislation. If the Commission on State Mandates determines this bill
imposes state-mandated costs, the district will receive reimbursement accordingly. Among the anticipated expenses, one of the most significant will be replacing the high school gym floor, which currently features the Braves mascot, along with other unforeseen costs involved in rebranding materials. In an earlier article posted online to the Modoc Record Facebook page about this matter and what’s to come many followers provided input favoring the long, prideful use of our Modoc Braves. While many in the comment section were not in favor of this decision,
the future of the “Modoc Braves” is really in the hands of our tribes and leaders. Meredith Cooper Richno encouraged our four local tribes and tribal leaders to ask them to write letters of their support. This change provides the Modoc community with the opportunity to create new traditions while honoring the past, with a focus on respect and inclusion for future generations. Stay tuned for further updates on the mascot selection process from the Modoc Joint Unified School District.
Adin Fire Contained After Growing to 56 Acres Firefighters contained a vegetation fire in Adin on October 8 after it spread to 15 acres, prompting an evacuation order for the nearby town. The fire, which started around noon near the local cemetery, was initially reported at four acres, burning through grass and sagebrush with a slow rate of spread. By 12:48 p.m., the fire had expanded to 15 acres, moving east toward Adin, with two spot fires igniting ahead of the main blaze. Modoc County Sheriff’s Department issued a wildfire evacuation order for the Adin and Lookout areas at 1:08 p.m. Multiple agencies, including Cal Fire, Adin Fire, Adin Volunteer Fire, Lookout Fire, the Modoc County Road Department, and the U.S. Forest Service, responded to the scene. Air attack support and two air tankers were requested when the fire approached within half a mile of the nearest structure. Ash Street, Adin Street, and Cemetery Road were closed to aid firefighting efforts. By 2 p.m., the fire had grown to 40 acres, according to reports from Watch Duty. Fire crews,
U.S Forest Service-Modoc National Forest supported by aircraft, focused containment efforts on the fire’s shoulder, successfully halting its progression by 3 p.m.
The Modoc County Sheriff’s Department lifted the evacuation order at 3:59 p.m. as firefighters worked to extinguish the remaining
flames and begin cleanup operations. “The fire had gotten dangerously close to homes, but thanks to the swift action of our local,
state and federal fire crews, they were able to prevent any damage to the surrounding homes,” Sheriff Dowdy said. This event highlights
the fortunate efforts of the Modoc community, showcasing their quick response team that promptly took action to contain the fire.