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Written by: Editor

Published: 21 June 2010

Lake County Linchpins meet at the Featherbed B&B in Nice. Pictured, from left to right, are Rowland Mosser, Carol Cole-Lewis, Teddie Pierce, Bert Hutt, Ted Herrera, Maria Giovanni and Peggy Barthel. Not pictured: Tony Barthel. Courtesy photo.

NICE – A group of eight Lake County residents met at the Featherbed Bed and Breakfast on June 14 to take part in the Worldwide-Meet-The-Tribe-of-Linchpins Day.

Meetups were held in as many as 500 cities worldwide, to establish conversation around the thoughts and concepts raised in the book, "Linchpin: Are You Indispensable" by best-selling author and Social Media guru Seth Godin.

In the synopsis of the book, linchpins are described as “the essential building blocks of great organizations. Like the small piece of hardware that keeps a wheel from falling off its axle, they may not be famous but they're indispensable. And in today's world, they get the best jobs and the most freedom. Have you ever found a shortcut that others missed? Seen a new way to resolve a conflict? Made a connection with someone others couldn't reach? Even once? Then you have what it takes to become indispensable, by overcoming the resistance that holds people back.”

The Lake County participants discussed their individual backgrounds, then used their collective talents to explore solutions towards improving the image and economics of the county.

The group, now dubbed the “Lake County Linchpins,” agreed in the power of social media to change the world, and looked at possible approaches of using technology and the Internet to bring more visitors and prosperity into Lake County.

“We've got so much to offer,” says Tony Barthel, proprietor of the Featherbed B&B and meeting participant. “Our air is the cleanest in the state; the wildlife and natural beauty are amazing. It's time to stop keeping the secret that is Lake County to ourselves and tell the world what a fine place it is to visit, live, work and play here.”

The next meeting of the Lake County Linchpins is 6 p.m. July 12 at the Featherbed B&B, where the discussion started at the June 14 meeting will continue.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and a small donation to cover dinner is appreciated.

It's not necessary to have read the book ahead of time to attend, though it would be helpful.

Various written and audio formats are available from Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Linchpin-Are-Indispensable-Seth-Godin/dp/1591843162/permissionmarket) and Barnes and Noble (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Linchpin/Seth-Godin/e/9781591843160).

You may also order locally from Watershed Books (707-263-5887) or Catfish Books (707-263-4454‎) in Lakeport.

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Written by: Editor

Published: 19 June 2010

SACRAMENTO – Senate Joint Resolution 34 by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima), vice chair of the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry, and Sen. Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa), committee chair, was unanimously approved by the state Senate last week.

The resolution will next be heard in the Assembly.

SJR 34 urges Congress to defeat House Resolution 5034.

HR 5034 would restrict legal challenges to state laws governing the interstate shipment of wine, severely limit consumer choice of California wine throughout the nation and restrict market access for California wineries that cannot secure wholesale distribution.

Wine has become synonymous with California’s history, culture and identity.

The California wine industry produces 90 percent of our nation's wine, employs more than 330,000 Californians and generates over $61.5 billion in economic value for our state through sales as well as travel and tourism.

“California's wine industry is a critical part of California’s economy,” said Padilla. “SJR 34 sends a clear message to Congress that California wants to protect and preserve the ability of wineries to ship wine directly to consumers without discrimination between in-state and out-of-state wine producers.”

Currently, 37 states and the District of Columbia allow direct shipping of wine from winegrowers to

consumers.

To reach consumers in other states, many small California wineries use direct marketing and shipping of their wines throughout the country.

In California and across the nation these sales are regulated by laws that comply with Granholm v. Heald.

This 2005 landmark US Supreme Court case held that states have authority to regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages and wine, but may not discriminate against out-of-state sellers.

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Written by: Editor

Published: 18 June 2010

Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery has recently received numerous awards for its array of wines. Courtesy photo.

CLEARLAKE OAKS – This week Lake County’s Shannon Ridge Vineyards & Winery received notification from the Orange County Wine Society and the California State Fair of 3 “Gold Medal” awards including a “Four Star Gold” and two “Best of Class” awards.

At the California State Fair commercial wine competition Shannon Ridge’s second label, Cross Springs, 2008 Chardonnay received Gold and “Best of Class” for the north coast appellations with a 95 point rating from the panel of expert media and wine industry judges.

Also awarded was a 91 point “Silver Medal” for the Cross Springs Sauvignon Blanc, which also received a “Best of Class” for the north coast appellations.

The Orange County Fair judges also gave Shannon Ridge top honors. The 2008 Petite Sirah received a “Four Star Gold”. Only 30 wines out of the competitions 2,918 entries were given this award.

Of the 242 “Gold Medals” awarded, the Reserve 2008 Rousanne from Shannon Ridge’s “Single Vineyard Collection” was the recipient of one.

Shannon Ridge wines are made by veteran Lake County winemaker Mike Wood. Wood’s own Petite Sirah under his Shed Horn Cellars brand also won “Gold” at the Orange County Fair. Shannon Ridge uses all Lake County grown grapes for the many different award winning wines they produce.

The two ranches owned by the Shannon family in the High Valley and Red Hills Viticulture Areas of Lake County are farmed using only sustainable farming practices.

Since proprietors Clay and Margarita Shannon founded the Shannon Ridge in 2001, the winery has received over two dozen “Gold Medal” or higher honors at the country’s best wine competitions. They have also seen many 90+ point ratings from the nation’s top wine critics.

According to the Gomberg-Fredrickson report (the executive marketing report of the wine industry) Shannon Ridge is one of California’s fastest growing brands from 2008-2010 with over 100 percent growth in that time period.

For more information about Shannon Ridge, visit www.shannonridge.com or call 707-998-9656.