In a solemn start to the recent government meeting, officials paid tribute to two prominent figures from the Eastern Sierra who recently passed away. Howard Schechter, known locally as the weatherman of the Eastern Sierra, and Tony Parkhurst, a dedicated civil servant and former Marine, were remembered for their significant contributions to the community.

Parkhurst, who served in the Marine Corps for 23 years, was a familiar face in local parades, often seen riding with mules and horses. His unexpected death occurred while he was shoeing a horse, just days before he was set to retire. A memorial event, dubbed \"the last ride for Tony,\" is scheduled for October 4th at the Mountain Warfare Training Center, where attendees are encouraged to RSVP.

Following the memorial, the meeting proceeded with a tribal land acknowledgment, recognizing the ancestral lands of the Bridgeport Indian Colony, Mono Lake Kitsootica Tribe, and Uto'utu'gwatu Scribe. This acknowledgment was made in a spirit of respect and collaboration towards the indigenous peoples who have cared for the land for generations.

The meeting concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Supervisor Salcedo, as the room filled with community members gathered to honor the memory of those lost and to engage in local governance.