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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – On Monday, state Sen. Mike McGuire and Assemblyman Bill Dodd hosted a Lake County Heroes Day Celebration in the State Senate, held in memory of the victims of the deadly Valley fire, and honoring the state and local partners who came together when tragedy struck in Lake County just six months ago.
“When the devastating Valley fire hit Lake County, federal, state and local partners – along with thousands of volunteers – rose to the occasion in the county’s toughest hours,” Sen. McGuire said. “We had the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the incredible work and partnerships that started on day one with the initial fire response and have continued through the massive recovery efforts.”
The ceremony, kicked off by Cal Fire Honor Guard Local 2881 presenting the colors in the Senate Chambers, recognized the state agencies and their employees who have been dedicated to the response, recovery and now rebuilding process in Lake County, including special introductions of Mark Ghilarducci, director of California Office of Emergency Services; Joseph Farrow, commander of the California Highway Patrol; Ken Pimlott, director of Cal Fire; Scott Smithline, director of CalRecycle; and Malcolm Dougherty, director of Caltrans.
“From the thousands of Cal Fire firefighters pouring into Lake County to fight the blazes, to the amazing coordination of resource management by the Office of Emergency Services, to the massive debris removal effort from CalRecycle, and to CHP and Caltrans who went above and beyond during and after the unprecedented fires, we can’t thank you all enough,” Sen. McGuire said. “We know that there is a long way to go, but we wanted to thank the state and local agencies who have been the driving force in the response, recovery and rebuilding efforts in Lake County.”
In total, the deadly Valley fire scorched 76,000 acres, caused $1.2 billion in damage, destroyed 1,330 homes and nearly 1,900 businesses and agricultural buildings were lost, 20,000 people were evacuated in a matter of hours, and the fire cost five Lake County residents their lives.
During the ceremony, Sen. McGuire also presented a second recognition to two organizations who stepped up to help recover and rebuild: The Redwood Credit Union and the Press Democrat, who in partnership with Sen. McGuire founded the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund.
In just a matter of weeks, the fund raised an astounding $2.5 million from over 12,000 donors. One hundred percent of the donations are going to the victims of the Lake County fires.
“The contributions that the fund has made to the survivors of this tragedy reflect charitable giving devoted to the highest ideals of community service,” Sen. McGuire said.
Steve Falk, CEO of The Press Democrat and Brett Martinez, president and CEO of Redwood Credit Union, accepted the Senate recognition.
In attendance during the Lake County Heroes Day celebration from Lake County were Supervisors Jim Comstock and Jim Steele, Lake County Superintendent of Schools Brock Falkenberg, Sheriff Brian Martin, CHP Lt. Hector Paredes and South Lake County Fire Protection District Board Chair Jim Comisky.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Library’s lecture series “Know Lake County” presents its next installment on Saturday, March 19, with a program featuring Carolyn Ruttan of the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center.
This free program will take place at the at the Lakeport branch of the Lake County Library, 1425 N. High St., at 2 p.m.
Ruttan, a scientist specializing in invasive species with a current emphasis on aquatics, will address the health of Clear Lake.
Ruttan has worked for Lake County Water Resources for nine years looking after the health of Clear Lake, the largest lake within California and the oldest lake in North America at perhaps 2.5 million years.
The county of Lake has the responsibility to protect the public interest in Clear Lake’s eight beneficial uses including a drinking water source for 55 percent of the population, recreation and sport fishery.
Since moving to Lake County in 2000, Ruttan and her husband have developed a love for one of the most diverse counties in the state, and in particular Clear Lake, a seriously forgotten national treasure.
This led her to co-found the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center to bring permanent science to the shores of Clear Lake to answer the many questions about the ecology of Clear Lake and other eutrophic lakes in the world
Know Lake County’s inaugural series in 2015 proved so popular that the Lake County Library has committed to presenting a second year of lectures about Lake County.
Know Lake County’s family-friendly programs are designed to inform and entertain Lake County residents about Lake County.
All programs take place on the third Saturday of each month from February through December at 2 p.m.
Speakers from an array of disciplines and organizations deliver programs for Know Lake County. Programs scheduled for 2016 include the Lake County Quilt Trail, a panel of speakers on Valley fire memories, the Lake County Fair, Boggs Mountain State Demonstration Forest, the Lake County Symphony Association and the history of education in Lake County.
For more information about Know Lake County and other library programs call 707-263-8817.
The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.lakecountyca.gov and Facebook at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .
Jan Cook works for the Lake County Library.
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – This week the Clearlake Planning Commission will hear the latest on a city park project, honor a retiring commissioner and select the leadership for this year.
The commission will meet beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.
On the agenda is an update on the Highlands Park project. Last year, the city began the process of initiating a master plan for the park, located on Lakeshore Drive.
Also on Tuesday, the commission will honor Bill Perkins, who is retiring from the commission, for his years of service to the city.
Earlier this year, he announced he intended to leave the seat he has held since March of 2005, as Lake County News has reported.
In other business, the commission will appoint its chair and vice chair for this year.
Carl Webb currently chairs the commission, with Cheryl Hutchinson the vice chair. Other commission members are Nathalie Antus and Dirk Slooten.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
NORTH COAST, Calif. – The American Red Cross of the California Northwest will be honoring the courageous acts of inspirational community members at its 13th annual Real Heroes Breakfast on Thursday, April 21, in Rohnert Park.
A committee of local community leaders selected the 2016 California Northwest Red Cross Real Hero Award recipients based on the degree to which their acts of heroism uphold the values of the Red Cross and leave a lasting and positive impact on the residents of Lake, Mendocino, Napa and Sonoma counties.
The following is a list of the heroes who will be honored and a detailed description of their heroism is at the bottom of the release.
– Law Enforcement Hero: Sheriff Tom Allman, Ukiah.
– Medical Hero: Dr. Abdul Harris, Santa Rosa.
– Military Hero: Peter Cameron, Cloverdale.
– Rescue Professional Hero: Jim Wright, Lower Lake.
– Education Hero: Becky Fein, Monte Rio.
– Animal Hero: Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Middletown.
– Environment Heroes: Keary and Sally Sorenson, Sebastopol.
– Act of Courage Heroes: Lisa and Troy Lunsford, Lakeport.
– Humanitarian – Adult Heroes: Dana and Michael Bryant, Santa Rosa.
The 13th annual Real Heroes Breakfast is presented by St. Joseph Health System. The breakfast’s Honorary Chair is Todd Salnas, president of St. Joseph Health Sonoma County.
The Selection Committee Chairmen are Walt Mickens, president and CEO of Queen of the Valley Medical Center, and Daniel Dwyer, regional vice president, both of Mission Integration of Queen of the Valley Medical Center. The breakfast will be emceed by Ted Williams, a radio personality at KZST 100.1.
The Real Heroes Breakfast is a signature event for the local Red Cross chapter, benefiting the lifesaving programs and services that the chapter provides in support of nearly one million people in that area of California.
Table sponsorships and individual tickets are still available for the event. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the program begins at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rohnert Park.
For more information about the event and to purchase tickets, visit www.redcross.org/calnwheroes2016 .
A full list of honorees and information about them is published below.
2016 CALIFORNIA NORTHWEST RED CROSS REAL HEROES
Law Enforcement Hero: Sheriff Tom Allman, Ukiah
Sponsored by Merrill Lynch
Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman has been leading a team of nurses and staff on a variety of projects designed to improve the lives of mentally ill inmates.
Sheriff Allman's advocacy for the mentally ill is deeply personal, as his own brother took his life 10 years ago.
In the wake of that tragedy, Allman made a promise to his mother that he would do everything he could to help the mentally ill.
Because of his leadership, programs designed to identify at-risk individuals — and help them with socialization skills — are now in place in the county jail.
Medical Hero: Dr. Abdul Harris, Santa Rosa
Sponsored by St. Joseph Health System
Spending most of his youth in a Compton neighborhood rife with both gangs and drugs, Dr. Abdul Harris overcame many obstacles to become a successful surgeon, a respected volunteer and a mentor to youth.
Serving as chairman of the Surgery Department at Memorial Hospital, Dr. Harris generously donates his time to Operation Access. He is also a regular presenter in science classes at Piner High, where he shares his story and experiences.
Not only does Dr. Harris encourage students to shadow him at Memorial, he is an important role model, proving to students that obstacles do not have to hold them back.
Military Hero: Peter Cameron, Cloverdale
Sponsored by Sonoma Raceway
In 1974, Vietnam War veteran Peter Cameron, along with a handful of fellow vets, formed the veterans aid group Flower of the Dragon; with headquarters in a laundromat and a budget of $9,000 per year, the group had modest beginnings.
Because of Cameron’s leadership, the Flower of the Dragon group eventually evolved into Veterans Resource Centers of America — an organization with an annual budget of $7 million that serves more than 15,000 veterans in California, Nevada and Arizona.
The original Flower of the Dragon organization was recognized by President Jimmy Carter during his administration, and Cameron has continued to advocate for vets through advisory work done with the White House and various government agencies.
Rescue Professional Hero: Jim Wright, Lower Lake
Sponsored by Queen of the Valley
Cal Fire Division Chief Jim Wright is being honored for his role in saving the lives of four firefighters who were among the early responders to the catastrophic Valley fire in fall 2015.
The firefighters, who had been lowered from Cal Fire's Copter 104 onto the ground on Cobb Mountain, were among the firefighters trying to contain the blaze in its early stages.
When the fire mushroomed in size, the four found themselves trapped and in great danger.
Risking his own safety, Wright responded to their mayday call by driving a truck and crew up the mountain to find and successfully rescue the four men.
Education Hero: Becky Fein, Monte Rio
Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente
Becky Fein is the cofounder of the Powerful Voices Project, which creates short video profiles of people who have experienced sexual assault.
Through her videos, Fein – who is a sexual assault survivor herself – is shattering myths about the subject, including who it involves and what form it takes.
In the process, Fein is showcasing the resiliency of people who have endured rape, abuse, molestation and other forms of sexual assault.
Fein, who also teaches in the Santa Rosa Junior College Health Education Department, sees survivor empowerment as a means to enhance the conversation around the issue of sexual assault and its survivors – and in the process, prevent future violence.
Animal Hero: Dr. Jeffrey Smith DVM, Middletown
Sponsored by AmericanAg Credit
Because of the generous and selfless actions of Middletown veterinarian Jeffrey Smith, more than 800 rescued animals were treated during or after the devastating Valley fire.
Dr. Smith, his son and a friend not only searched for and rescued many domestic and wild animals, Smith's hospital became a center for others to take in animals that were found.
Veterinarian service and treatments, medicines, food, and shelter were provided at no cost, and Dr. Smith's generosity helped ensure that the animals were returned to their homes or relocated.
Environment Heroes: Keary and Sally Sorenson, Sebastopol
Sponsored by PG&E
As the owners of Everclean North, Keary and Sally Sorenson could be expected to be passionate environmental advocates. But for more than 20 years, they've also proven to be impactful environmental stewards.
When a cleanup crew is organized, there's a good chance the Sorensons will be there to get their hands dirty.
While cleaning beaches, waterways, riverbanks and home encampments, the Sorensons have collected between 600 and 700 pounds of trash – and that's in a single month.
And if that isn't enough of an environmental commitment, they also have been trained by the Gulf of the Farralones Marine Sanctuary – and have been assigned to monitor the bird health of Marshall Gulch Beach.
Act of Courage Heroes: Lisa and Troy Lunsford, Lakeport
Sponsored by Sutter Regional Medical Center and Sutter Lakeside Hospital
Lisa Lunsford, area manager for Sequoia Senior Solutions in Lakeport, and her husband Troy displayed tremendous courage during the Valley fire, putting themselves at risk to rescue two elderly women from their homes.
When Lisa Lunsford found out that both women were still in their residences, and in grave danger, she and Troy insisted that they be escorted to the homes of the two women.
The Lunsfords initially were told that no one was permitted to go back into that particular area, but their persistence paid off when the two women were safely evacuated.
Humanitarian – Adult Heroes: Dana and Michael Bryant, Santa Rosa
Sponsored by Silver Oak/Twomey
In 2011, Dana and Michael Bryant founded the non-profit Crossing the Jordan Foundation as a long-term residential program for women, including mothers with children, who have been victims of abuse, homelessness and/or addictions.
Their commitment to this cause initially began with the couple walking their community, literally going "door-to-door" to ask for donated items; today, the couple's dream has expanded to include three retail locations and three residential locations.
Even more impressive is the fact that the company is fully operated and managed by the program's residents.
Humanitarian – Youth Hero: Max Nunley, Santa Rosa
Sponsored by Jackson Family Wines
In the midst of a busy birthday swim party, Boy Scout Max Nunley, a 15-year-old freshman at the Rincon Valley Christian School, was alert enough to notice a toddler face down at the deep end of the pool.
Max jumped into the pool, lifted the toddler’s head from the water and pulled him to the edge while 911 was called.
Due to Max's awareness and quick-thinking, the child was soon breathing again and has completely recovered.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Thanks to the generosity of more than 12,000 donors to Redwood Credit Union’s Lake County Fire Victim’s Relief Fund, nearly $875,000 was dispersed last week to 1,184 victims who lost their primary residence in the fires.
Approximately 1,300 homes were lost in the fires, so a majority of fire victims will benefit from this support.
Funds are provided for unmet needs of those who lost primary residences and who filed for assistance with FEMA.
Those who lost their primary residence but did not register with FEMA may be eligible for funding and should contact Team Lake County at 707-367-4614.
The deadline to apply is March 31.
Redwood Credit Union’s Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund was created by Redwood Credit Union Community Fund Inc. in partnership with Redwood Credit Union (RCU) and the Press Democrat, and in conjunction with Sen. Mike McGuire.
Many local community advisors were engaged for valued input, including county officials – the Office of Emergency Services, Cal Fire and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office – as well as agencies, superintendents, nonprofits and community leaders.
“We hope this recent support will further assist our Lake County neighbors with their unmet needs and aid in the recovery of the community,” said Cynthia Negri, president of RCU Community Fund Inc.
With this most recent funding, the RCU Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund equally divided $900 per primary burned address among the household of FEMA-registered residents.
"When tragedy struck in Lake County, thousands mobilized to help neighbors in need. While there is a lot of work ahead of us, the Lake County Fire Victims Relief Fund has helped countless residents begin the long process of recovering from this unprecedented disaster," said Sen. McGuire.
Previous disbursements from the fund have supported: gift cards for clothing and school supplies to students, teachers and school employees; funding for immediate food, shelter and housing; support for first responders who lost homes; funding for residents with livestock to build paddocks; and support for numerous community holiday events, food and gifts.
Additionally, support for swift water rescue equipment and training was provided to help protect the community.
Funds have also been set aside for top community needs, economic recovery and community rebuilding.
For information about fund allocations visit www.redwoodcu.org/lakecountyfirevictims .
NORTH COAST, Calif. – Authorities are planning a tsunami warning system test for three North Coast counties later this month.
The test for Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino counties will take place between 11 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, March 23, according to Capt. Gregory Van Patten of the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office.
Van Patten said the test will be conducted by the National Weather Service, the California Office of Emergency Services, the Offices of Emergency Services for Del Norte, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties and tribal governments.
He said the test of the tsunami warning system is to ensure it works properly during a real tsunami emergency.
People in the three counties watching television between 11 a.m. and noon March 23 can expect to see a crawler at the bottom of the screen indicating that a tsunami warning has been issued and hear a voice indicating that it is only a test. Van Patten said those who don’t hear the TV audio are reminded this is only a test.
Not all cable and satellite TV Stations may be able to participate, Van Patten said.
Anyone listening to the radio will hear alerting tones followed by a voice announcing that the test is occurring, he said.
For those with a NOAA weather radio with the “Public Alert” feature, the radio will automatically turn on and they will hear the same message as broadcast on radios, according to Van Patten.
In some areas, people may also hear the sounding of a tsunami siren, an airplane testing its public address system or receive other communication tests in some local jurisdictions.
The Wireless Emergency Alert system that comes across smart phones will not be activated for this test, Van Patten said.
Community members are reminded that when they hear the warning test on March 23, they do not need to take any action.
Additionally, they are asked not to call 911 or local authorities, and not to evacuate their home or business.
Find out more about preparing for earthquakes, tsunamis or any other disasters on the North Coast at http://humboldt.edu/shakyground or contact the American Red Cross for Humboldt, Del Norte, Lake and Mendocino counties at 707-443-4521.
America’s PrepareAthon! Web site at http://www.community.fema.gov/ also offers preparedness information for any natural hazard.
For more information about the tsunami warning test, contact the National Weather Service at 707-443-6484.