Our View: About to sail & dragging anchor

Dragging anchor: We are the fortunate commuters. We don't sit in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour or two just to get to work. We only need to navigate two- or four-lane roads. These are some of the benefits of living in a small remote community. The recent outburst of road rage on Hwy. 101 and Elk Valley Road is pure stupidity. It ranks right up there with someone crossing double yellow lines to pass you when you're already driving 10 mph over the speed limit. Let's mellow out, folks, and enjoy the benefits of living far from Los Angeles freeways and Bay Area bridges. Let's drive safe and sober this holiday season.

Dragging anchor: A commercial crab boat captain ignored a small craft advisory and turbulent high seas to attempt crossing the bar at the Port of Brookings early last Saturday morning. Strong waves pushed the vessel into the jetty, sending over 400 crab pots overboard. Two Coast Guard life boats came to the rescue, but the lost gear blocked parts of the channel for half the day. Many boats delayed going out, feeling threatened by the danger of pots and lines under the surface. It pays to wait for fair winds and seas to seek your bounty. Fortunately, this time everyone came home safe, but jeopardizing the safety of the Coast Guard and fishing vessels, not to mention your own crew, makes no sense at all.

About to sail: Holiday Helpers, a five-part series that ends today, has spotlighted just a few of the many helping hands that guide Del Norte County. You can pick and choose a cause to help — either with donations or volunteer time. As a recap, here are the nonprofits we featured this week, and how to reach them:

Northcoast Marine Mammal Center rescues and hosts about 60 animals each year. The center also serves as an oil wildlife care facility. It needs volunteers to care for animals, manage office and gift shop work and make repairs on the fences and building at Beachfront Park. Call 465-6265.

The Del Norte County Library's roof leaks. The dated and worn orange carpet needs to be replaced. The Smith River branch is staffed by volunteers in a one-room facility. The Klamath branch closed. Friends of the Library's sole aim is to raise money for the library. To volunteer or donate, call the library at 464-9793 or call Friends of the Library leaders at 465-3281 or 464-9444. Visit their book sale and auction today from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the library in Price Mall.

The Community Assistance Network provides a food bank, hot showers and hygienic supplies for poor people. It also offers child abuse prevention programs, jobs, workforce training, community gardens, nutritional education, Bible study groups and prayer meetings. Expansion of services has created a need for more volunteers. A coat drive is in progress. Call 464-9190.

Harrington House is a shelter for abused women and their children. More than 150 women and 100 children have stayed there over the past year. Donations help those who leave abusive relationships with little or no money, clothes or household items. There are many opportunities for volunteers and much needed items, from a small crib to a paper shredder. Call 465-3013.

Rural Human Services runs food banks, helps homeless people find shelter, helps job seekers find jobs and gives Christmas gifts to hundreds of children in Del Norte County each year. Call 464-7441.

For All Time Cat Haven provides a clean, warm home and a back yard to abandoned and abused felines off of Northcrest Drive. To help, call 464-4121.

There are many other nonprofit groups in our community doing great things with few resources. Seek them out and help any way you can this holiday season and throughout the new year.