How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
News
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake VA Medical Clinic will hold a special remembrance service for veterans who recently have died who were in its care on Thursday, May 18.
The service will take place from noon to 1 p.m. at the clinic, 15145 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake.
Families and friends of veterans who have recently passed and were cared for by programs within the Clearlake Community Based Outpatient Clinic are invited to attend.
The short program will include music, guest speakers and a reading of each veteran’s name.
All will be invited to share stories and memories of their loved ones as well.
Light refreshments will follow the service.
For more information contact Tia DeLong, acting administrative officer for the Clearlake facility, at 707-995-7235.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The seventh annual VA2K Walk and Roll will be held at the Clearlake VA Medical Clinic on Wednesday, May 17.
Registration will take place at 4 p.m. with the walk beginning at 4:45 p.m.
The event is dedicated to supporting homeless veterans while also encouraging healthy activity.
It is held in conjunction with National Employee Health Day.
The event is free and open to the general public.
Donations of shirts, shorts and personal hygiene items for homeless veterans will be accepted.
The clinic is located at 15145 Lakeshore Drive, Clearlake.
LUCERNE, Calif. – Lake County's four-year university celebrated the accomplishments of a new group of graduates this weekend.
Marymount California University held its second graduation ceremony at the Lakeside Campus, located at the historic Lucerne Castle, on Saturday morning.
Eleven men and women received degrees during the ceremony, which can be viewed in the video above.
The university is now accepting applications for enrollment in the fall 2017 semester.
Bachelor's degrees are offered in psychology, business or liberal arts, with a master’s degree in community psychology also available.
For residents of Lake County, Mendocino County, and five surrounding counties, tuition at the Lakeside campus is substantially discounted from the cost of tuition at Marymount California University’s main campus in Southern California.
For more information, please call the Lakeside Campus, at 888-991-5253, or Enrollment Coordinator Kathy Windrem at 310-303-7670.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County Animal Care and Control has two adoptable cats waiting for new homes this week.
This week’s cats are a male and a female, both gray tabbies.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.
For those looking for a barn cat to keep the rodents at bay, be sure to ask about the barn cat adoption program. Feral barn cats are adopted out for $1 each, which includes altering, ear notching and vaccines.
In addition to the animals featured here, all adoptable animals in Lake County can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Shelter_Animal_Search.htm .
The following cats at the Lake County Animal Care and Control shelter have been cleared for adoption (other cats pictured on the animal control Web site that are not listed here are still “on hold”).
Domestic medium hair
This young female domestic medium hair cat has a gray tabby coat.
She already has been spayed.
She’s in cat room kennel No. 4, ID No. 7468.
Domestic short hair
This male domestic short hair has a gray tabby coat and green eyes.
He already has been neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 6, ID No. 7356.
To fill out an adoption application online visit http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Dog___Cat_Adoption_Application.htm .
Lake County Animal Care and Control is located at 4949 Helbush in Lakeport, next to the Hill Road Correctional Facility.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Visit the shelter online at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control.htm .
For more information call Lake County Animal Care and Control at 707-263-0278.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Lake County Office of Education Career and College Readiness Department held the 12th annual Lake County University Admittance Reception on May 8 in Kelseyville.
Each year, administrators, board members, counselors and college representatives all gather to honor the graduating seniors and their families who have been accepted to a four-year college.
This year, the schools invited a record 114 students, up from 93 last year.
Colleges included California State Universities: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chico, Dominguez Hills, Fresno, Fullerton, Humboldt, Long Beach, Maritime Academy, Monterey Bay, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sonoma and Stanislaus.
Universities of California offering places to local students included Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz.
Out-of-state and private colleges where local students will be heading include American Musical & Dramatic Academy, Baylor University, Beloit College, Boise State University, Brigham Young University Idaho and Utah, Culinary Institute of America, Dominican University, La Tourneau College, Lourdes University, MacMurray College, Montana State University, Oregon State University, St. John Fisher College, University of Nevada Reno, University of Newcastle, University of the Pacific and Washington State University.
Guests were welcomed by Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg.
Soon-to-be-retired Upper Lake Unified School District Superintendent Patrick Iaccino addressed the crowd with his words of wisdom gathered from not only his years in education but as a parent.
Iaccino stressed the importance of time management in college as well as always having a “plan B.” To the parents, he reminded them to just love their children through this next journey.
Middletown High 2016 alumna and current Chico State student Gracie Pachie enlightened the students about to enter college with her advice on how to enjoy their higher education experience.
She told them that it's OK to be scared, that college has something for everyone, and she encouraged them to listen and to admit when they're homesick.
Thanks to the generous loan of plants by Kelseyville Lumber, students were called onto the beautifully decorated stage to receive a small congratulatory gift. Tables were decorated with wrapped bottles of sparkling cider, courtesy of Safeway in Lakeport. Welcome gifts were requested from each of college with some receiving t-shirts, pennants and other spirit items.
Representing the UC system was longtime supporter Jacquelyn Ross of UC Davis. CSU bags were distributed by Sonoma State University Shannon Smith. The honor of awarding the bags for out-of-state and private colleges was given to Kathy Windrem of Marymount California University Lakeside Campus in Lucerne.
A wonderful buffet dinner prepared by Michelle Borghesani and her staff at Kelseyville High School was offered free-of-charge to the attending students and guests. Among the staff manning the barbecue were administrators Matt Cockerton and Mike Jones.
Organizers offered special thanks to Debbie Ingalls of Kelseyville for always volunteering to help at this event and to Middletown High’s Julie Woodard for stepping in to help where needed throughout the night.
During dinner service, guests were able to view a slideshow presentation featuring students’ career goals and special thanks to those that assisted them in achieving their college admission.
To conclude the evening, students were treated to a free drawing of prizes that included dorm survival bags, snack boxes and other assorted gifts.
The University Admit Reception was created 12 years ago to honor the hard work and dedication of local students and families who achieved a challenging academic goal.
In addition, the purpose of the event is to introduce students to other students throughout the county who may be attending the same or nearby colleges in the hopes that they can form a support system for each other.
The Career and College Readiness Department is proud of all of Lake County's graduating seniors and wishes special congratulations to this group of college-bound students as they embark on their higher education endeavors.
If you would like more information about the University Admit Reception or would like to make a donation to support next year’s event, please contact Education Specialist Tammy Serpa at
SANTA ROSA, Calif. – On Thursday, April 27, community members, business leaders, and guests joined the American Red Cross of the California Northwest in honoring 15 inspirational community members for their selfless acts of courage at its 14th annual Real Heroes Breakfast.
The event took place at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel in Santa Rosa, CA and raised $138,000 to benefit the American Red Cross.
The event sponsors included American AgCredit, Wells Fargo Bank, Jackson Family Wines, PG&E, St. Joseph Health System, Kaiser Permanente, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Silver Oak/Twomey Cellars, Sonoma Raceway, UnionBank, Camelbak, Eye Care Institute, Keysight Technologies, Redwood Credit Union, Sutter Health, Biagi Brothers Trucking, Steve Countouriotis, Veronica Ferguson, Lagunitas Brewing, Mary’s Pizza Shack, Reach Air Medical Service, and Verihealth.
The Real Heroes Breakfast is a signature event for the local Red Cross chapter, in benefit of the numerous lifesaving programs and services the chapter provides in support of nearly 1 million people in that area.
After careful consideration, a committee of local community leaders selected the 2017 California Northwest Red Cross Hero Award recipients based on the degree to which their heroic actions have benefited their communities and upheld the values of the American Red Cross.
The following individuals were honored at this year’s banquet.
Act of Courage Hero: Jose Martin
Jose Martin, a 27-year veteran volunteer of the St. Helena Fire Department and professional firefighter in American Canyon for the last 13 years, demonstrated extraordinary courage when he put his life in danger to help three victims of a fatal car crash off Interstate 10 last November.
Against instruction to stay away from the vehicle due to a fire in the engine, Martin valiantly removed David Collins and Betty Burns from the burning vehicle.
With the help of his family, the fire was put out, and Martin began to tend to the injured passengers. Delaine and David Collins both suffered critical injuries, and unfortunately, 94-year-old Betty Burns was later pronounced dead by paramedics.
Despite the loss of his aunt, David Collins wrote a letter to Mayor Alan Galbraith praising Martin’s heroism for helping them that day.
Animal Hero: Shirley Zindler
Shirley Zindler has always been an animal lover. Following her passion for animal care, she has been an animal control officer with Sonoma County Animal Shelter for15 years. Responding to encouragement from her family and friends, she founded Dogwood Animal Rescue a year ago.
Zindler and her team of volunteers offer low and no cost spay and neuter services, provide medical and rehabilitation, and new homes for many pets.
She is connected with various Animal Control locations throughout Northern California and Southern California to support their needs of rehoming the numerous pets that come through their doors when they are unable to accommodate them.
Zindler compliments her work with various other volunteer commitments and activities to raise money for animal wellness.
Education Hero: Lee Morgan Brown
Lee Morgan Brown is executive director of Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, which pairs together adults with kids in the community who need an extra layer of social and emotional support.
SVMA began 20 years ago in one school in Sonoma and today, under Brown’s leadership, the program is now present on eight school campuses, as well as at the Hanna Boys School, and serves 450 students with 100 more on the waiting list.
Once students are matched with an adult, they typically meet once per week for at least an hour. Since the program’s start, 1,700 mentors and mentees have been matched in all.
Environment Hero: Alden Olmsted
Alden Olmsted has dedicated much of the last several years to raise funds to complete the Across California hiking trail.
The Across California Trail will be the second longest trail in California, stretching over 300 miles from Mendocino to Lake Tahoe. This trail is vital to environmental preservation because it will link many of the protected areas in California.
Olmsted has focused on creating a continuous trail with plenty of signage and public awareness to ensure the land is preserved for future generations.
Also a photographer, Olmsted spearheaded the installation of an interpretive panel at Jug Handle State Natural Reserve as well as The Pygmy Forest, which received Congressional recognition as a National Natural Landmark.
Humanitarian Adult Hero: Jeff Gilman
Jeff Gilman, executive director of Redwood Gospel Mission, is the silent strength behind one of Sonoma County’s biggest and most appreciated charity event, the Great Thanksgiving Banquet.
Beginning as a 14-bed shelter in 1963, Redwood Gospel Mission now mobilizes the community to minister to the needy through a variety of homeless services, recovery programs, vocational training, jail ministries, outreach events, and thrift store.
Redwood Gospel Mission’s annual Great Thanksgiving Banquet served over 5,000 poor and homeless people this year.
Humanitarian Youth Heroes: Brice Marcuz, Jack Marcuz and Gunter Kison
Approximately 6 a.m. on Dec. 22, 16-year-old Brice Marcuz, his 13-year-old brother Jack, and 17-year-old Gunter Kison launched their boat into Stone Lagoon, just south of Orick to go duck hunting.
Shortly after leaving shore, they came upon a capsized boat with three teenage boys on top of the overturned boat, which had hit a three-foot wave sideways and flipped.
The boys rescued all three stranded teenagers, took them to safety and called 911 for rescue help.
If these three boys had not acted so heroically that morning, the three in the water might not have survived this admittedly frightening boating accident.
Law Enforcement Heroes: Sergeant Jason Bahlman, Matthew Barawed, Dan Russo, Dan Mitchell
Marin CHP Officers Dan Russo and Dan Mitchell pulled onto the freeway in Terra Linda during a night of regular patrol when they immediately spotted a car weaving between lanes and tailgating.
Sonoma County Sgt. Jason Bahlman, received the call for assistance and he and Officer Matthew Barawed moved into action.
After multiple attempts to stop the vehicle, the car finally came to a halt on Cotati grade after the car’s tires were shredded by spike strips.
The vehicle ignited and burst into flames as Jason noticed there were two small children in the backseat.
The officers were able to successfully rescue all of the passengers following their instincts to help those in danger.
Medical Hero: Erin Morales
Erin Morales is manager at La Cantera Racquet and Swim Club in Santa Rosa.
In August of 2016, Richard Allen suffered a cardiac arrest while playing tennis. Because of her decision to purchase an automated external defibrillator for the club years before, Morales was able to use the machine to deliver a powerful electric jolt and restart Allen’s heart.
After administering the shock, the response was immediate. The man who was silent and motionless one minute was now conscious and asking “Why am I on the ground?”
Morales’ quick action had undoubtedly saved his life. “I did not need to be helpless. I could take action,” she said.
Military Hero: Akash Kalia
Kalia left college in Oregon where he was studying business, taking over his parents’ struggling motel in Santa Rosa.
While working at the motel, he saw a need in the community for low-cost housing. He encountered veterans, addicts, homeless convicts, and families that could not afford rent in the area.
Kalia converted all 104 rooms of what is now known as the Palms Inn into single occupancy housing for 60 veterans and other vulnerable homeless people.
With help from local agencies and charities, the hotel complex includes not only living quarters, but a garden and library where residents can enjoy reading materials, poetry and music classes, and participate in support group sessions.
Kalia defers any honor from himself as he insists it is the veterans he houses that are the heroes.
Rescue Professional Hero: Aaron Pendergraft
Aaron Pendergraft is a seasonal lifeguard for California State Parks and volunteer firefighter/emergency medic for Bodega Fire.
Pendergraft was on patrol one November day near Goat Rock Beach when he saw an unpredictable wave crash and pull out three members of the Viola family.
From a distance, Pendergraft had seen the set moving in and jumped in his vehicle, racing across the sand to where the family was now in trouble.
He fought the strong waves to get to where he saw 7-year-old Angeleek who had vanished in the churning surf.
After multiple attempts, Pendergraft was able to reach the girl safely and guided the girl’s mother, Amanda, toward him where the three were lifted out of the water by County Sheriff’s helicopter crew.
Pendergraft was awarded the Medal of Valor from the United States Lifesaving Association for his heroic effort.
For more information, visit www.redcross.org/calnw or call 1-707-577-7600.