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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Big Read this month is presenting a schedule of events in honor of “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan, the 2013 event's featured reading selection.
On Saturday, The Big Read celebrated the joy of horticulture at Star Gardens in Middletown.
Nursery proprietor Tanya Striedieck shared a wealth of research and knowledge on the chinesis species and family of plants native to China.
Many of Lake County’s local garden and landscaping plants are originally from China, particularly since China was not affected by the last Ice Age, thereby preserving many of the species which became extinct in Europe.
The idyllic setting of the nursery, and the passion for gardening, reading, and baking was evident in the preparations by Striedieck and staff member Mikki Canfield and her daughter Grace, who generously prepared an assortment of Chinese teas and homemade ginger snaps and almond cookies.
This week, chef Julie Hoskins will lead a hands-on cooking class at the Lower Lake High School culinary kitchen on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
On Wednesday, the Aroma Café on the Yuba College campus will feature a Chinese luncheon buffet open to the public, as well as a student performance based on the novel.
On Thursday, the Chinese film festival at the Lower Lake Schoolhouse Museum will host the popular and critically acclaimed film, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” at 6 p.m. Admission is free. View this cinematic masterpiece on the large screen in the historic venue.
This Saturday morning, young chess players from around the lake are encouraged to compete in a chess tournament to be held at the Burns Valley School in Clearlake. Winners will receive a savings account voucher sponsored by the Mendo/Lake Credit Union. Visit the LCOE Web site to register at www.lakecoe.org .
The Saturday evening Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre (featuring a 1930s Chinese setting) at the Tallman Hotel is sold out, but the public can still partake in the Chinese appetizer and beverage pairings at the Lake County Wine Studio in Upper Lake that evening.
A delectable culinary menu will be served with carefully chosen local wines, a plum wine and a Chinese beer. Reservations can be made by contacting the wine studio directly.
Sunday morning, the Friends of Boggs Mountain will lead a “Paths and Passages” hike on Boggs Mountain. Meet at the kiosk on Forestry Road at 9 a.m. Bring a copy of the novel (or one can be provided) and water, and wear sturdy shoes for this 2.9 mile walk in the coniferous forest.
The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
For more information, visit the Big Read Communities page at www.neabigread.org or the LCOE site at www.lakecoe.org .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The deadline to register to vote in the November consolidated general district election is fast approaching, according to the Lake County Registrar of Voters Office.
The last day to register to vote for the Nov. 5 election is next Monday, Oct. 21, the registrar's office reported.
The completed voter registration form must be either personally delivered to the Registrar of Voters Office during regular business hours on or before Oct. 21 or postmarked on or before Oct. 21 and received by mail by the Registrar of Voters Office.
At this election, voters who reside within the boundaries of the Lake County Board of Education Trustee Area No. 3, Lakeport Unified School District and Upper Lake Union Elementary School District will have the opportunity to elect governing board members for each of the school districts.
Voters who reside within the boundaries of the city of Clearlake will have the opportunity to vote for or against city Measure “H.”
Voters who reside within the boundaries of the Hidden Valley Lake Community Services District will have the opportunity to elect directors for the district.
New residents of Lake County, and registered voters who have moved to a new address, changed their mailing address within the county or changed their name need to reregister in order to be eligible to vote in November election.
Pursuant to Section 2101 of the California Elections Code: “A person entitled to register to vote shall be a United States citizen, a resident of California, not in prison or on parole for the conviction of a felony, and at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election.”
Residents may register to vote at the Lake County Registrar of Voters Office, Room 209, Courthouse, Lakeport (707-263-2372) or register to vote online by visiting: http://registertovote.ca.gov/ .
Registration forms also are available at most local post offices, libraries, senior centers, city offices and chamber of commerce offices.
KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – David Weiss, chairman of the Big Valley District and Kelsey Bench Growers Committee, announced the recent publication of the final rule establishing two new American Viticultural Areas, or AVAs in Lake County by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
Weiss noted that the process to finally getting these new AVAs approved was a lengthy one.
“The addition of these two new AVAs helps to further define the distinct characteristics of Lake County as a wine region,” Weiss said. “The committee knew that both of these areas were unique growing regions that needed to be formally recognized with the creation of these AVAs.”
Members of the grower committee included Weiss, Don Eutenier, Vincent Price, Walt Lyon, Buz Dereniuk and Steve Tylicki.
Rick Gunier, CPI Marketing, was hired by the committee to work with them on making this vision a reality.
“Big Valley was one of the first areas to plant winegrapes after Prohibition in Lake County,” Gunier said. “Kendall-Jackson got its start in this area. I am pleased to see both the Big Valley and Kelsey Bench finally getting the recognition for their unique characteristics that these areas have long deserved.”
“This was really a team effort,” said Terry Dereniuk, author of both petitions. “I could not have completed the project without the help of our local growers who shared the history and data that supported establishment of both AVAs.”
Myron Holdenried, owner of Holdenried Vineyards and one of the first to plant winegrapes in this area in the 1960’s, added, “We have always felt the Kelsey Bench produced very unique grapes and wines and deserved special recognition.”
“We are excited to see the establishment of officially recognized AVAs for these two long-time viticultural areas,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. “This recognition underscores the distinct qualities that make Lake County a uniquely diverse and fascinating high-elevation winegrowing region – a region formed by volcanic and tectonic forces and carved by the flows of an ancient lake.”
Nick Buttita, chair of the Lake County Winery Association Board of Directors shared Sommerfield’s enthusiasm. “The establishment of these AVAs gives wineries another tool to tell the story of their wine to consumers. Including the name of the AVA on the wine label identifies the location where the grapes were grown and our distinctiveness.”
The Big Valley District-Lake County AVA covers approximately 11,000 acres of land with six bonded wineries, 43 vineyards and roughly 1,800 acres planted.
Once part of the ancient lakebed of Clear Lake, this area is covered in prime agricultural soils. It was the first settlement in Lake County and has a long history of agricultural activity.
The boundaries of this region include Clear Lake to the north, Mount Konocti and the Red Hills-Lake County AVA to the east, Merritt Road and Bell Hill Road to the south, and Highland Springs Road to the west. Sauvignon Blanc is the most widely planted varietal in this area.
The Kelsey Bench-Lake County AVA includes about 9,100 acres with one bonded winery and 27 vineyards. Vineyard acreage totals about 900 acres with many acres planted to red varietals.
The term “bench” was selected to reflect the topography of the area with higher elevations and hills.
Rich soils cover a large portion of the Kelsey Bench with good drainage favorable to growing grapes.
The boundaries of the Kelsey Bench AVA are the Big Valley District to the north, the 1,600-foot elevation line that runs east of Kelsey Creek to the east, Kelsey Creek Drive to the south, and Adobe Creek Drive to Highland Springs Road to the west.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau published the final rule establishing the Big Valley District and Kelsey Bench AVAs in the Federal Register on Oct. 2. The rule will become final 30 days from the date of publication.
A complete description of the boundary lines for the new AVAs can be viewed in the Federal Register for Oct. 2, available online at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-10-02/pdf/2013-23939.pdf .
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This week Lake County Animal Care and Control has several new cats and kittens available.
The group includes 10- and 13-week-old kittens, and adult cats ranging in age up to 8 years.
In addition to spaying or neutering, cats that are adopted from Lake County Animal Care and Control are microchipped before being released to their new owner. License fees do not apply to residents of the cities of Lakeport or Clearlake.
If you're looking for a new companion, visit the shelter. There are many great pets there, hoping you'll choose them.
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”).
Male tabby kitten
This male gray tabby kitten is 13 weeks old.
He has green eyes and a short gray coat, and has not yet been neutered.
He's in cat room kennel No. 35a, ID No. 38169.
Female gray tabby kitten
This gray female tabby kitten is 13 weeks old.
She has green eyes and a short coat, and has not yet been spayed.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 35b, ID No. 38170.
Female gray tabby kitten
This gray female tabby kitten is 13 weeks old.
She has green eyes and a short coat, and has not yet been spayed.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 35c, ID No. 38171.
'Mom'
“Mom” is a 2-year-old domestic long hair mix.
She has green eyes, is of medium size and has not yet been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 44, ID No. 37995.
Male brown tabby
This male brown tabby is 5 months old.
He has a short coat and has not yet been neutered.
He's in cat room kennel No. 46a, ID No. 37986.
Brown and white male tabby
This brown and white male tabby is 5 months old.
He has a short coat and has not yet been neutered.
He's in cat room kennel No. 46b, ID No. 37985.
Female brown tabby
This female brown tabby is 1 year old.
She has a short coat and has not yet been spayed.
She's in cat room kennel No. 59, ID No. 37984.
Domestic medium hair mix
This 2-year-old domestic medium hair mix cat is of undetermined gender.
The cat has a black and white coat and gold eyes.
You can find the cat in cat room kennel No. 67, ID No. 38040.
'Tweety'
“Tweety” is an 8-year-old domestic long hair mix cat.
He has a tricolor coat and has been neutered.
He's in cat room kennel No. 70, ID No. 38181.
Male tuxedo kitten
This black and white tuxedo kitten is 10 weeks old.
He has green eyes and has not yet been altered.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 83d, ID No. 37998.
Female tuxedo kitten
This black and white tuxedo kitten is 10 weeks old.
She has green eyes and has not yet been altered.
Find her in cat room kennel No. 83e, ID No. 37997.
Adoptable cats also can be seen at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Animal_Care_And_Control/Adopt/Cats_and_Kittens.htm or at www.petfinder.com .
Please note: Cats listed at the shelter's Web page that are said to be “on hold” are not yet cleared for adoption.
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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday. The shelter is open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 1 p.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
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – A cooperative sun blessed the Smith Family Trout Farm – tucked back in the hills of Western Mine Road – on Saturday, Oct. 5.
Fire trucks from the South Lake County Fire Protection District in Middletown and Santa Rosa Fire Fighters Local 1401 were present, as was a dog from the Sonoma County K-9 corps and a couple of horses ready to be ridden, brought there by Michael and Susie Salmina.
Not to forget Smokey the Bear, without whom no event for small fry would be complete.
There was also face painting, hot dogs and hamburgers, gifts and the main event, a trout-fishing tournament, and just about everything else that would make it a special day for children with special needs.
All of this was arranged by an association called Field of Dreams, which links people who are committed to organizing hunting and fishing trips, not only for children but for disabled veterans of wars dating back as far as World War II.
Founded 10 years ago by Tom Dermody of Colusa, who serves as its unpaid executive director, it functions in Lake County through the abiding humanitarianism of Ron Minudri, an insurance agent who maintains an office on Main Street in Middletown, and John Montelli, a rancher.
“It's just ordinary guys doing ordinary things to raise money and help people,” said Minudri, who in the 14 months he's been involved with Field of Dreams has been a dynamo in its existence in Lake and Sonoma counties.
“I didn't find out about it till last year,” he said. “It's been an opportunity to help a lot of people and build up a lot of friendships among guys who say, 'Hey, I'm not here by myself in helping I care about.'”
Montelli, who introduced Minudri to Field of Dreams, has been as much an integral operative in supporting its cause.
“The people in Lake County have been phenomenal in this program,” said Dermody. “Ron and John have done phenomenal work over there.”
The special needs children who are provided with what may for them be the highlight of their lifetime are paraplegics – even quadriplegics – mentally challenged, born with physical defects, or severely injured in accidents and fires.
Dermody said his goal for Field of Dreams is to attract a major corporate sponsor that would provide in the neighborhood of $50,000 a year to its operation. The $90,000 that supported the organization's activities this year alone was contributed by various organizations in year-long fundraising, he said.
“Most of the funding, like for what the kids did last Saturday, comes from everyday guys,” he added. “To them this a very viable program and they make a donation.”
The aforementioned $90,000 provides funding for eight to 10 hunting and fishing trips for kids and veterans groups, which range to as far away as Colorado – twice – for white-tailed and black-tailed deer and elk, and as close as the Sacramento and Oroville rivers for salmon, trout and spotted bass.
A group of 17 special needs children were taken on a fishing trip in May. In December, 12 special-needs veterans will be taken on a duck hunting trip.
Field of Dreams also funds a number of individual trips.
None of the funds are spent on administrative costs. Dermody said he has “never taken a dime” from the money raised.
“No one is on salary.” he added. “There is no paid staff. It's strictly 100 percent volunteer. Most of our (material) costs are for postage. This year we had to buy a new computer and a laser printer. We bought a nice trailer to haul all of our gear in.”
Field of Dreams field trips, as they are called, have been made to Arizona, Southern California and Canada.
As knowledge of the existence of Field of Dreams proliferates, the number of children and veterans who have experienced Field of Dreams trips has grown rapidly and there is a steady demand for them.
In 2012 a combined 70 children and veterans were taken into the field, Dermody said. This year that number has approximately doubled.
In terms of friendships he has built in Field of Dreams, Minudri calls himself a rich man. Tony King, a deputy sheriff in Sonoma, has joined the cause, as has Middletown High School football coach Bill Foltmer, who has an autistic son.
A number of firefighters from the Lake-Sonoma-Colusa region including Jim Wright, Dave Muncie, Mike Lane and Bob Smith also have pledged support for Field of Dreams. Fledgling groups have started up in Arizona, Colorado and far-off Saskatchewan, Canada.
As important in Lake and Sonoma counties is Minudri's objective of bringing high school seniors on board.
“We're hoping that the fishing tournament will have some life about it and that a senior next year at Middletown High School – if he doesn't have a project – will take this on,” he said. “It's really important that each (student) works on an individual event, including our annual dinner in December.”
Andrea King, Tony King's daughter, along with Sara Schweitzer and Sierra Egger, all Middletown High seniors, have devoted their senior projects to Field of Dreams.
“I'm really proud of them because most kids don't do stuff like this,” said Minudri. “In time I'm hoping that we'll pass it on to younger people.”
Andrea King said she committed herself to Field of Dreams “because we can help people in a special way that nobody at school knows about.”
She added, “We are going to try to get more people from school involved in it. After our projects are done we're going to make books on (Field of Dreams), what it takes to get it started, what it takes to get it operating, who you need to contact to join and things like that.”
One of the children with special needs is 10-year-old Joe Salmina, who received national exposure for bringing down a full-grown bear – with a crossbow – while on a guided hunt in eastern Arizona paid for by Field of Dreams. The bear is being made into a rug, said Joe's father, Michael.
Joe Salmina will be the main speaker at the Field of Dreams Dec. 7 Christmas party. Birth defects left him without legs from the knee down and a deformed left hand. But, on his specially made prosthesis, he walks just fine and is an upbeat youngster.
“I got the crossbow last Christmas,” he told a reporter. “I'd been saving up for a couple of Christmases and birthdays to get it. The best part – even though I got the bear – was seeing the (hunting) dogs work.”
Just then Jack Barker, a popular Middletown resident, disguised as Smokey the Bear, came in from the parking lot.
“He's not in season,” quipped Tony King.
For more information or to reserve a ticket or a table for the Field of Dreams annual Christmas party on Dec. 7 at Moore Family Winery call Ron Minudri at 707-987-3400, John Montelli at 707-570-6070 or Rick Bulloch at 707-782-8211.
Single banquet tickets are $60, sponsor's table of eight $700 and veteran sponsor tables are $2,500.
For more about the organization, visit its Web site, http://fieldofdreamsinc.org .
Email John Lindblom at
LUCERNE, Calif. – A man was flown to a regional trauma center Saturday night after being in a fight in Lucerne.
The incident was reported at around 10 p.m. at the Driftwood Lounge, located at 6914 E. Highway 20.
The first call to authorities reported an unknown number of subjects fighting in the street, with a second call reporting a stabbing, according to radio reports.
Two male suspects were said to have fled the scene on foot, heading north on Rosemont Drive, based on scanner traffic.
An air ambulance was requested to respond to pick up the male victim. REACH 7 landed at Lucerne Harbor Park shortly before 10:30 p.m.
The helicopter lifted off with the patient en route to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital a short time later, according to radio reports.
The extent of the man's injuries was unclear. Northshore Fire Chief Jay Beristianos said that, based on the information he had received, the man may have suffered a knife wound.
There was no word late Sunday if the suspects had been taken into custody.
Additional details on the victim and suspects were not immediately available.
Email Elizabeth Larson at