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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The 12th “Wreaths Across America” commemoration in Lake County is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 14.
Wreaths Across America honors veterans. Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom.
This gathering of individuals and communities takes place in local and national cemeteries in all 50 states as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
In Lake County, ceremonies are being held at Hartley, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Middletown, St. Mary’s and Upper Lake cemeteries.
This year’s theme is, "Everyone plays a part."
In 2018 nearly 1.8 million veterans’ wreaths were placed in total across the country in all 50 states – 253,000 of them at Arlington National Cemetery.
Two million volunteers participated last year at 1,640 locations nationwide, with 61,000 volunteers laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. More than a third of the volunteers across the country were children.
Approximately 600 truckloads of wreaths were delivered across the country by hundreds of volunteer professional truck drivers using donated equipment and fuel. There also was the first placement of 9,387 veterans’ wreaths at Normandy-American Cemetery in France.
Youth organizations are reaching out for sponsorships to place as many wreaths as possible on veterans’ gravesites and anyone is invited to participate.
If you would like to volunteer visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.com , look for the volunteer button, set yourself up as a volunteer at one of the six Lake County cemeteries and then you will receive up-to-date information by email.
Boy Scout Troop 42 in Lakeport, Girl Scouts in Kelseyville, the Lake County 4-H Group and FFA will be accepting donations for wreaths until Dec. 2.
Individual sponsorships cost $15 for one wreath and the family option costs $60 for four wreaths.
Small businesses can fund 10 wreaths for $150 and corporations can sponsor 100 or more wreaths for $1,500 or any amount can be sponsored for $15 per wreath.
Toni Funderburg, coordinator of Wreaths Across American in Lake County, said sponsorship forms can be picked up at Lakeport Tire & Auto Service, 1901 S. Main St. in Lakeport; call 707-263-5422 and they will fax or email you a sponsorship form; or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and sponsor a wreath and payment can be made with a credit card. Please make sure to designate the cemetery and sponsoring group.
Wreaths Across America honors veterans. Each year, millions of Americans come together to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, and teach the next generation about the value of freedom.
This gathering of individuals and communities takes place in local and national cemeteries in all 50 states as part of National Wreaths Across America Day.
In Lake County, ceremonies are being held at Hartley, Kelseyville, Lower Lake, Middletown, St. Mary’s and Upper Lake cemeteries.
This year’s theme is, "Everyone plays a part."
In 2018 nearly 1.8 million veterans’ wreaths were placed in total across the country in all 50 states – 253,000 of them at Arlington National Cemetery.
Two million volunteers participated last year at 1,640 locations nationwide, with 61,000 volunteers laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. More than a third of the volunteers across the country were children.
Approximately 600 truckloads of wreaths were delivered across the country by hundreds of volunteer professional truck drivers using donated equipment and fuel. There also was the first placement of 9,387 veterans’ wreaths at Normandy-American Cemetery in France.
Youth organizations are reaching out for sponsorships to place as many wreaths as possible on veterans’ gravesites and anyone is invited to participate.
If you would like to volunteer visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.com , look for the volunteer button, set yourself up as a volunteer at one of the six Lake County cemeteries and then you will receive up-to-date information by email.
Boy Scout Troop 42 in Lakeport, Girl Scouts in Kelseyville, the Lake County 4-H Group and FFA will be accepting donations for wreaths until Dec. 2.
Individual sponsorships cost $15 for one wreath and the family option costs $60 for four wreaths.
Small businesses can fund 10 wreaths for $150 and corporations can sponsor 100 or more wreaths for $1,500 or any amount can be sponsored for $15 per wreath.
Toni Funderburg, coordinator of Wreaths Across American in Lake County, said sponsorship forms can be picked up at Lakeport Tire & Auto Service, 1901 S. Main St. in Lakeport; call 707-263-5422 and they will fax or email you a sponsorship form; or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org and sponsor a wreath and payment can be made with a credit card. Please make sure to designate the cemetery and sponsoring group.
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Mendocino College is pleased to announce the Promise Program, which provides free tuition to eligible students, will be extended through the fall 2020 semester.
In order for Mendocino College students to be eligible for the Promise Program, they must be a resident of California, have submitted a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, be a first-time college student, successfully completed 15 units in their first semester (fall 2019 or spring 2020) and enroll in a minimum of 15 units in their second semester (spring or fall 2020).
Once eligible students complete their first semester and enroll in 15 units the following semester, they will receive a grant that covers all out of pocket enrollment fees for the two semesters.
More information about the Promise Program can be found at www.mendocino.edu/promise.
Registration is now under way for the spring 2020 semester.
Day, evening, and weekend classes begin Jan. 21.
With campuses in Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Willits and Lakeport, Mendocino College offers 55 associate degrees and 34 certificate programs to prepare students for in-demand careers.
Ten degrees and eight certificates are also offered completely online and nine others at least 50 percent online.
“We are excited to continue expanding our innovative schedules at all of our satellite locations,” said Dean of Centers Amanda Xu. “Our centers are a great way to offer educational opportunities to our rural community members.”
The Coast Center in Fort Bragg is continuing to build upon its offering of pre-health track courses such as Concepts of Biology and Medical Terminology in order to serve students on the coast interested in pursuing in demand health care careers.
The Lake Center in Lakeport is offering several career oriented night classes designed for working adults interested in entering or advancing in specific career fields including: business, child development, administration of justice, human services and emergency medical services, or EMT.
The North County Center in Willits is continuing its Weekends to Success program. Weekends to Success offers high value hybrid classes that meet once a month on Saturdays or twice a month on Friday evenings. These strategically scheduled courses are geared towards full-time working students.
Currently enrolled students can register for classes through My Mendo, which can be found by visiting http://my.mendocino.edu . New students can apply online at www.mendocino.edu .
For additional assistance, call the Office of Admissions and Records at 707-468-3101.
In order for Mendocino College students to be eligible for the Promise Program, they must be a resident of California, have submitted a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, be a first-time college student, successfully completed 15 units in their first semester (fall 2019 or spring 2020) and enroll in a minimum of 15 units in their second semester (spring or fall 2020).
Once eligible students complete their first semester and enroll in 15 units the following semester, they will receive a grant that covers all out of pocket enrollment fees for the two semesters.
More information about the Promise Program can be found at www.mendocino.edu/promise.
Registration is now under way for the spring 2020 semester.
Day, evening, and weekend classes begin Jan. 21.
With campuses in Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Willits and Lakeport, Mendocino College offers 55 associate degrees and 34 certificate programs to prepare students for in-demand careers.
Ten degrees and eight certificates are also offered completely online and nine others at least 50 percent online.
“We are excited to continue expanding our innovative schedules at all of our satellite locations,” said Dean of Centers Amanda Xu. “Our centers are a great way to offer educational opportunities to our rural community members.”
The Coast Center in Fort Bragg is continuing to build upon its offering of pre-health track courses such as Concepts of Biology and Medical Terminology in order to serve students on the coast interested in pursuing in demand health care careers.
The Lake Center in Lakeport is offering several career oriented night classes designed for working adults interested in entering or advancing in specific career fields including: business, child development, administration of justice, human services and emergency medical services, or EMT.
The North County Center in Willits is continuing its Weekends to Success program. Weekends to Success offers high value hybrid classes that meet once a month on Saturdays or twice a month on Friday evenings. These strategically scheduled courses are geared towards full-time working students.
Currently enrolled students can register for classes through My Mendo, which can be found by visiting http://my.mendocino.edu . New students can apply online at www.mendocino.edu .
For additional assistance, call the Office of Admissions and Records at 707-468-3101.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County residents who plan to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday morning should be on the lookout for a Middletown teen who will perform during the famed festivities.
Alle Vierra, 17, a senior at Middletown High School, will be dancing in this year’s parade, which her mom, Jill Vierra, called a “once in a lifetime opportunity.”
This is the 93rd annual parade, which Macy’s reported is expected to draw more than 3.5 million spectators in New York City and more than 50 million television viewers nationwide.
This year’s parade lineup includes 16 giant character balloons, featuring favorites like Snoopy, SpongeBob SquarePants, Smokey Bear and The Grinch; 40 novelty balloons,
heritage balloons, balloonicles, balloonheads and trycaloons; 26 floats; 1,200 cheerleaders and dancers; more than 1,000 clowns; and 11 marching bands, Macy’s reported.
Alle Vierra will be performing as part of the Spirit of America Cheer group, which Macy’s said has been part of its parade since 1989.
Macy’s reported that the 600-member group, under the direction of Roger Hayes, is comprised of female and male cheerleaders, ages 13 to 18, from all over the United States. This year they’ll be performing to RuPaul’s “Brand New” remix.
In a Wednesday phone interview with Lake County News following practice for the parade, Alle Vierra said she’s been in cheer for 10 years.
In addition, she’s been her mother’s junior cheer coach for the last four years for the varsity seventh and eighth graders for the Middletown Colts.
Alle Vierra won an award this summer at the Spirit Spectacular cheer camp. The leadership award she received put her in the top five of the 200 cheerleaders taking part in the event.
Winning the award gave her the opportunity to dance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
However, winning the award was just the first step – her mom said it required three months of steady fundraising, including selling homemade salsa and baked breads.
So, how much salsa and bread did it take to get the teen to New York? Her mom said approximately 10,343 ounces of salsa and more than 100 loaves.
Jill Vierra thanked everyone from Lake County, surrounding counties, and all the way from San Jose to Stockton to Fort Bragg who purchased bread – which she delivered – to support her daughter’s trip.
It was hard work but, Jill Vierra said, “We made it.”
The Vierras traveled to New York on Saturday, arriving at about 7 p.m., Jill Vierra said.
As soon as they got to the hotel, Alle Vierra had to get to practice, which went until 10 p.m. Jill Vierra said.
Since then, daily practices have run from 6 to 10 p.m. daily, she said.
But in addition to the work, there’s also been some fun, including sightseeing at some of New York’s famed landmarks, including the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center.
On Wednesday afternoon, Alle Vierra told Lake County News that she’s “a little” nervous about her big television debut.
The Spirit of America Cheer group is set to appear in front of Macy’s at approximately 10:48 a.m. Thursday.
Jill Vierra said neither parents nor anyone else is allowed near Macy’s during the performances, as that’s where the TV cameras are.
So she’ll be waiting impatiently down the route in front of the Hilton hotel on Sixth Street, where they’re staying, as her daughter performs.
“She's out there representing Lake County with pride,” Jill Vierra said.
The parade will be televised on NBC affiliates in all time zones from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday and by livestream on the parade Web site.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – With the inclement weather and an increase in holiday traffic, Clearlake Police officers on Tuesday conducted a special enforcement operation focused on traffic-related violations.
Operation Drive Safe took place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., the department reported.
The department reported that from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. five additional officers joined regular patrol to conduct a total of 74 traffic stops throughout the city.
Officers issued 10 criminal citations, 27 moving citations and 17 parking citations, police reported.
A total of 11 arrests were made for various misdemeanor traffic related offenses such as driving without a license, driving on a suspended license and displaying false registration. Included were also some unrelated criminal arrests such as outstanding warrants, according to the department’s report on the operation.
The Clearlake Police Department said it wanted to ensure that drivers in the community, as well as those visiting from out of town, drive safely and arrive to their Thanksgiving celebration in one piece. “It’s all part of making Clearlake a cleaner, safer city.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom will host the 88th annual California State Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The celebration, which is an annual tradition dating back to the early 1930s, is open to the public, and this year will highlight California’s cultural diversity, native heritage and spirit of inclusion.
“The holiday season is a very special time, and this year, we want to celebrate California’s rich history, people, cultures, backgrounds and religious beliefs, which give our state its unique and enviable identity,” said Gov. Newsom. “We are honored to continue this tradition of bringing people together.”
“The holidays are a time for family, for community, and for giving back,” said First Partner Siebel Newsom. “As we celebrate together with our loved ones, we are reminded of the beauty of our diverse communities and grateful for our extended California Family.”
The governor and the first partner will light the Capitol Christmas tree with special guest Nayeli Lemus.
The 10-year-old from Gilroy was selected by the California Department of Developmental Services and the San Andreas Regional Center, and will represent the more than 340,000 Californians who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lemus, a fourth grader at Charter School of Morgan Hill, loves singing, dancing, music, and art, and enjoys spending time with her parents Angel and Rosalinda, and 2-year-old sister Naia.
Additionally, California Volunteers is partnering with the Sacramento Children’s Home to place a giving tree at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The giving tree will be decorated with Wish Stars for attendees to take and fulfill the holiday wishes of local children in need. Wish Stars detail the specific gift requests of children at the home. Attendees will also be able to make monetary donations directly to the Home at the event.
Performers for this year’s celebrations will include the Paradise Strong Chorus from Paradise Ridge Elementary School, Quetzalcoatl Aztec Dancers, the Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps, the Sacramento Taiko Dan, the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento, the Kalinka Russian Folk Dance Group, bbmoves, the KEEN Khmer Ballet of Stockton, the Korean Culture Center Urisawe, the Palestinian Dabke Dancers, Hmong Youth & Parents United, Silver Flower, the Lao Association of Sacramento Group, Dream Dance Studios, Wild Bear Sacramento Pow Wow Drum & Dance and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. This year’s announcer will be Ebony Harper.
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree is a 66 foot tall white fir from the LaTour Demonstration State Forest located near Redding in Shasta County, which is managed by Cal Fire.
The tree will be illuminated by approximately 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights and is being decorated with more than 300 traditional ornaments and more than 500 hand-crafted ornaments made by children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The event will be livestreamed beginning at 5 p.m. on the California Governor Facebook page.
The celebration, which is an annual tradition dating back to the early 1930s, is open to the public, and this year will highlight California’s cultural diversity, native heritage and spirit of inclusion.
“The holiday season is a very special time, and this year, we want to celebrate California’s rich history, people, cultures, backgrounds and religious beliefs, which give our state its unique and enviable identity,” said Gov. Newsom. “We are honored to continue this tradition of bringing people together.”
“The holidays are a time for family, for community, and for giving back,” said First Partner Siebel Newsom. “As we celebrate together with our loved ones, we are reminded of the beauty of our diverse communities and grateful for our extended California Family.”
The governor and the first partner will light the Capitol Christmas tree with special guest Nayeli Lemus.
The 10-year-old from Gilroy was selected by the California Department of Developmental Services and the San Andreas Regional Center, and will represent the more than 340,000 Californians who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Lemus, a fourth grader at Charter School of Morgan Hill, loves singing, dancing, music, and art, and enjoys spending time with her parents Angel and Rosalinda, and 2-year-old sister Naia.
Additionally, California Volunteers is partnering with the Sacramento Children’s Home to place a giving tree at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
The giving tree will be decorated with Wish Stars for attendees to take and fulfill the holiday wishes of local children in need. Wish Stars detail the specific gift requests of children at the home. Attendees will also be able to make monetary donations directly to the Home at the event.
Performers for this year’s celebrations will include the Paradise Strong Chorus from Paradise Ridge Elementary School, Quetzalcoatl Aztec Dancers, the Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps, the Sacramento Taiko Dan, the Brazilian Center for Cultural Exchange of Sacramento, the Kalinka Russian Folk Dance Group, bbmoves, the KEEN Khmer Ballet of Stockton, the Korean Culture Center Urisawe, the Palestinian Dabke Dancers, Hmong Youth & Parents United, Silver Flower, the Lao Association of Sacramento Group, Dream Dance Studios, Wild Bear Sacramento Pow Wow Drum & Dance and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. This year’s announcer will be Ebony Harper.
This year’s Capitol Christmas Tree is a 66 foot tall white fir from the LaTour Demonstration State Forest located near Redding in Shasta County, which is managed by Cal Fire.
The tree will be illuminated by approximately 10,000 ultra-low wattage LED lights and is being decorated with more than 300 traditional ornaments and more than 500 hand-crafted ornaments made by children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The event will be livestreamed beginning at 5 p.m. on the California Governor Facebook page.
With the holiday season now arriving, the California Department of Public Health is reminding people that you can stay physically and mentally healthy by taking simple steps before, during and after the holiday meal.
Bacteria can be found in foods such as meat and poultry and may cause illness if it isn’t cooked long enough, or if it’s inadequately cooled or improperly handled.
It is important to carefully wash fresh produce and to not let uncooked food come in contact with raw meat or poultry and its juices.
“We can help ensure that foodborne illnesses don’t ruin our holidays by properly preparing and handling all of the ingredients, whether it is meat, poultry, fruit or vegetables,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Public Health Department Director.
Most foodborne illnesses can be prevented by:
– Washing hands with soap and warm water before and after food preparation, especially after handling raw foods.
– Cleaning all work surfaces, utensils and dishes with hot soapy water and rinsing them with hot water after each use.
– Cooking food thoroughly and refrigerating leftovers promptly after meals.
– Preventing cross-contamination (from raw foods to foods that are ready to eat).
– Keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Symptoms of foodborne illness can include diarrhea, which may be bloody, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. Most infected people recover from foodborne illnesses within a week.
However, some people may develop complications requiring hospitalization. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for potentially life-threatening complications. People with severe symptoms should see their doctor.
Make healthy choices this holiday season:
– Be physically activity, even if it is a quick walk. Even five minutes of physical activity has real health benefits.
– Treat the family with fun physical activity. When it is time to celebrate as a family, do something active as a reward. Plan a trip to the zoo, park or lake.
– Make healthy food choices. Watch portion sizes, fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. – Focus on whole fruits, a variety of vegetables and whole grains.
– Serve water at meals and avoid sugary drinks.
– If you choose to consume alcohol, limit your intake.
– Enjoy some “me” time and take a break from family and friends, if needed, to avoid feeling stressed.
“Even as the holidays can be a time of joy, they can also be stressful. Remember to take time for yourself and treat yourself well. Get enough sleep, stay physically active and aim for meals that are nutritionally balanced,” said Dr. Angell.
For more information about food preparation and storage, and physical fitness ideas, visit the following CDPH links:
Food Safety Tips for Holiday Feasts ;
Safe Food Handling Practices ;
Foodborne Pathogens and Illnesses ;
Controlling Food Allergens ;
CalFresh Healthy Living .
Additional information about food safety is available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry hotline at (888) MPHotline (674-6854). The hotline is open on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p. m., Eastern Standard Time, but closed on other Federal government holidays. Consumers can also access the Partnership for Food Safety Education’s “Fight BAC!” (bacteria) Web page.
Bacteria can be found in foods such as meat and poultry and may cause illness if it isn’t cooked long enough, or if it’s inadequately cooled or improperly handled.
It is important to carefully wash fresh produce and to not let uncooked food come in contact with raw meat or poultry and its juices.
“We can help ensure that foodborne illnesses don’t ruin our holidays by properly preparing and handling all of the ingredients, whether it is meat, poultry, fruit or vegetables,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Public Health Department Director.
Most foodborne illnesses can be prevented by:
– Washing hands with soap and warm water before and after food preparation, especially after handling raw foods.
– Cleaning all work surfaces, utensils and dishes with hot soapy water and rinsing them with hot water after each use.
– Cooking food thoroughly and refrigerating leftovers promptly after meals.
– Preventing cross-contamination (from raw foods to foods that are ready to eat).
– Keeping hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
Symptoms of foodborne illness can include diarrhea, which may be bloody, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. Most infected people recover from foodborne illnesses within a week.
However, some people may develop complications requiring hospitalization. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk for potentially life-threatening complications. People with severe symptoms should see their doctor.
Make healthy choices this holiday season:
– Be physically activity, even if it is a quick walk. Even five minutes of physical activity has real health benefits.
– Treat the family with fun physical activity. When it is time to celebrate as a family, do something active as a reward. Plan a trip to the zoo, park or lake.
– Make healthy food choices. Watch portion sizes, fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables. – Focus on whole fruits, a variety of vegetables and whole grains.
– Serve water at meals and avoid sugary drinks.
– If you choose to consume alcohol, limit your intake.
– Enjoy some “me” time and take a break from family and friends, if needed, to avoid feeling stressed.
“Even as the holidays can be a time of joy, they can also be stressful. Remember to take time for yourself and treat yourself well. Get enough sleep, stay physically active and aim for meals that are nutritionally balanced,” said Dr. Angell.
For more information about food preparation and storage, and physical fitness ideas, visit the following CDPH links:
Food Safety Tips for Holiday Feasts ;
Safe Food Handling Practices ;
Foodborne Pathogens and Illnesses ;
Controlling Food Allergens ;
CalFresh Healthy Living .
Additional information about food safety is available on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry hotline at (888) MPHotline (674-6854). The hotline is open on Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p. m., Eastern Standard Time, but closed on other Federal government holidays. Consumers can also access the Partnership for Food Safety Education’s “Fight BAC!” (bacteria) Web page.