Congressman Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasenton, left, talks with Lodi High student Josh Gums, who is in Washington, D.C., for the National Young Leaders Conference. (Courtesy photo)

Regional Roundup

Lodi High junior plays role of president in D.C.

Josh Gums, a Lodi High junior, is spending time in Washington, D.C., this week rubbing elbows with political big wigs as part of a National Young Leaders Conference.

During the conference, Gums will meet with political leaders, cabinet officials and diplomats.

Gums met with Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, Monday morning.

The high schooler also participated in a mock decision making session between the executive, legislative and judicial branches, where he served as the president.

Gums was nominated by his English teacher. He is also part of the Lodi Youth Commission.

Lodi teen develops seatbelt safety cartoon

Lodi's Keith Harty, 19, may have a chance at winning one of three $5,000 scholarships. The scholarships are sponsored by the Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC.

Harty, a Lodi Academy graduate developed a 38-second cartoon about the importance of wearing a seatbelt.

Bridgestone Spokesman, Dan MacDonald said students involved in the competition learn about driving laws and marketing to peers.

"It is truly inspiring to see the sensitivity these kids have put into this project, just to get the message out to their peers," MacDonald said.

Harty's project was once one of over 600 national videos turned in. But now, he is in the top ten.

Since he has made it this far in the competition, he has already won a brand new set of Bridgestone tires.

Online voters will determine if his video is their favorite by casting online votes until July 25.

To view the cartoon, visit: http://safetyscholarsvideo.com/top10.html.

Budget, parkland to be discussed

The Lockeford Community Services District board will consider adopting its 2008-09 fiscal year budget at Wednesday's special board meeting.

In other action, the board will: