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• Water on the way

• Tokay High teen gets chance to meet star of her dreams, Robert Pattinson of 'Twilight'

• City of Lodi begins leaf removal program

• Lodi school district Trustee Ken Davis eyeing seat on Stockton council

• 'Principal for a day' gives appreciation for the job

• Regional Roundup

• Public Meetings

November 20th, 2009

• Acampo woman killed

• Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff

• Advocacy groups sue East Bay Municipal Utility District over Pardee expansion

• Regional Roundup

• Galt plans to help residents with energy-efficient projects

• Stable southeast of Lodi approved

• One year after a heart attack, Lodi's Judy Mims thanks rescuers

• National Guard troops return home in time for the holidays

• Real estate market gets on more solid ground

November 19th, 2009

• Lodi Unified School District board votes to cancel summer school for 2010

• Water surges in Mokelumne River yield more salmon

• Lodi City Council will consider redevelopment next June

• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22

• Corrections

• Chase ends in crash

• Operation: Christmas

• Logbook

• Suspect arrested after hiding in fridge

• Galt Joint Union High School Distric hires new superintendent

• Sales tax hike yields dividends: 5 new officers join Galt Police

November 18th, 2009

• Regional Roundup

• Paranormal group conducts second investigation of building

• Congress allocates money for local water projects

• Lodi man finds wife's ashes during police display of stolen property

• Galt City Council rejects study on rent stabilization

• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react

November 17th, 2009

• Clarification

• Lodi Budget and Finance Committee to look into ways to save money on employee benefits

• Regional Roundup

• Decision on summer school expected at tonight's Lodi Unified School District meeting

• Clements gets free water rescue boat

• Redevelopment to be discussed by Lodi City Council again

• Court reinstates death penalty for killer of Lodi grad

• Paying tribute to a Lodian

November 16th, 2009

• Correction

• Public Meetings

• Regional Roundup

• Three members of Lodi-area family fall ill after eating poisonous mushrooms they reportedly found at Lodi Lake

• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi

• Lodi's First Sip event showcases area wineries' latest vintages

• City Council 'triple-dog dared' to ditch cars, use Lodi buses

November 14th, 2009

• Galt school district narrows superintendent search to one

• Regional Roundup

• A first look at 2009 vintages at Lodi's First Sip wine-tasting event

• Watchful neighbor in Lodi helped bust suspected burglars

• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise

• Despite an increase in homeless students, school districts look to bolster enrollment, raise revenue

• New Galt city manager juggles job, family

November 13th, 2009

• What to expect with new homebuyer tax credit

• Lodi Muslim: Local mosque not involved

• Regional Roundup

• Mayor Larry Hansen points out Lodi's economic progress

• First phase of Lockeford park by 2011?

• Lodi veteran recounts close calls in Vietnam

• Burglary suspects are under arrest

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• The country's mess is our fault (161)
• Obama is not a moderate (130)
• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react (70)
• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise (58)
• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22 (48)
• The haves should help the have-nots (30)
• Public health care is a Christian option (29)
• Lodi Flames slim playoff chances vanish in setback to Tracy Bulldogs (25)
• Tokay in, traveling to unbeaten No. 3 Grant for football playoffs (25)
• Nightmares about America's future (23)

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Exchange students give host chance to learn and teach

Susan Pazo became interested in hosting foreign exchange students as a senior in high school, when her family hosted one. Pazo was contacted last year by a local coordinator about hosting some foreign exchange students for a short time, then later she was contacted about hosting year-round students. Now, she hosts both and currently has two staying with her. She also serves as a teacher and coordinator.

Pazo said she enjoys the learning and teaching process that hosting students involves. "You learn and teach constantly. We've had some interesting conversations of lifestyles and opinions," she said.

What is your role as a teacher/coordinator?

I have organized and coordinated groups. I make lesson plans from the approved curriculum. Since I was a beginner, we did basic grammar. I do activities so they learn about the community and the culture. We learn about holidays and make Mother's Day cards, decorate Christmas trees and have birthday parties with piñatas. I accompany them on trips, such as to the capitol in Sacramento and to San Francisco, so they can see parts of the California culture.

What are the benefits of being a host family?

One of the benefits for my kids is to see some of another culture and how they are. It forms a lifelong bond. Some have been in contact with students for years. I know I'll be in contact with James when he goes back. It's rewarding when you show someone else your hometown and way of living.

What do students do when they are here?

The academic year program students are enrolled in school. They are required to take certain classes. They can participate in sports or clubs. The short-term (students) are supposed to hang out with the host family because it is such a short time, to get the real feel. They are supposed to participate with the family and are really encouraged to participate in American teenager activities.

What is expected of the host family?

To treat them like your own. They are not really a house guest. James has chores assigned to him. They are expected to do the same as my teenagers.

What has been a memorable situation while hosting?

In the Japanese culture they are really respectful, always bowing and saying, "Yes, ma'am." I brought my Japanese student to my Puerto Rican in-laws and at the end he was hugging everyone.

Also, James was very serious when he came. The first joke I ever played on him, he got me back with a zinger and it hasn't stopped. It's (great) when they become comfortable.

What are the benefits of foreign students coming here?

For them, it's giving them that deep base understanding of English. That can give them that edge in China because it is so competitive. English is so desirable. For others, it gives them that authentic exposure that America isn't like it is on TV. They are exposed to things they have never thought about before.

You have students coming here in the next month. How can someone become a host to them?

They can visit the Web site or contact the area coordinator, Janice Vanderlans, at 662-0318. Or they can contact the school. It's a lot of word-of-mouth. We always need short-term (hosts) and they can contact me at 345-8035. Once you are on the list, you'll always be called. All three of us do the short-term and long-term programs.