To the editor: I admire Nevaeh Gomez Barajas for taking a stand for her generation and speaking out on an issue that has frustrated youth in this area for a long time. Three siblings can be a lot of work for an eldest child, so having a place to go to enjoy being an 11-year-old is important for healthy development. I myself grew up in the Columbia Gorge area and came across the same frustration when I was that age.

To the editor: Hi, my name is Nevaeh Gomez Barajas. I’ve lived in The Dalles my whole life. I am eleven years old. I have three siblings. I go to Chenowith Elementary. I am in fifth grade. I have noticed that I have been telling my big sister that we have nothing in The Dalles like arcades, bowling alleys, or any fun stuff.