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Opinion
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- Written by: JoAnn Saccato
I'm elated to see the excitement build around the senior center garden in Clearlake. The fact that so many people are rallying around this grassroots effort for a vital community project leads me to think that the garden will be a resounding success.
While the county and city have been working on the community garden's infrastructure, as was reported in a recent article in the Clearlake Observer (June 9, 2010), Linda Burton, Highlands Senior Service Center (HSSC) Director, and David Goolsbee, board member of the Lake County Community Co-op (Co-Op) and CREATE (the public benefit nonprofit arm of the Co-op), have been laying out the detailed plans of the actual garden including the physical design of the space, operating guidelines, and gardener agreements for the individual plots.
Additionally, both have been working physically on the site on things such as facilitating the removal of firewood and installing irrigation.
Donations for the project in the form of plants and tools are beginning to show up at the Center. Barber's Country Farms, Lovie's Garden Emporium and Easter Seals of Northern California are some of the benefactors.
Partnerships are forming, too, including one with the Master Gardeners, who hope to give education classes in the demonstration garden portion of the project. The co-op's Web site (www.lakeco-op.org) details garden ideas and includes a list of items currently needed, contact information for those interested in getting involved, and a list of those that have donated to the effort.
The fact that so many people had germinated the idea at around the same time tells me that the project is a good one. I'm referring to the knowledge that Ms. Burton and Walter Robinson, previous director of HSSC, had been dreaming of a garden for the senior's use for many years.
When Barbarajo Bloomquist stood up and mentioned the co-op's intention of supporting community garden efforts, which spurred the conversation between Jeff Smith and others in attendance at a Judge's Breakfast over two years ago, I was delighted to see the enthusiasm around the project. That type of spontaneous creation effort is at the core of the co-op's principles of co-creation and sustainable projects.
"What does community want?" and "What is community willing to sustain?" are the founding inquiries of the Co-op and its projects. We applaud the county, city and community members for their efforts to create the community garden thus far.
Once the longterm agreement between the city and HSSC is in place, we will be actively enlisting the larger community for ongoing support and participation.
The idea that HSSC will be able to help bridge a food security gap with fresh produce, and community members will be able to grow their own produce when otherwise they wouldn't, is at the heart of one of the co-op's goals – and for that I'm grateful.
JoAnn Saccato, a native of Lake County, holds a master's degree in co-creating sustainable futures and is chair of the Lake County Community Co-op and CREATE. You may reach her at
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- Written by: Denise Rushing
Thank you so much to all those in District 3 who voted for me and everyone in Lake County who supported me in the District 3 supervisor election on June 8. The opportunity to represent you is an honor.
To those who endorsed, supported or contributed to my campaign and especially to those who worked on the campaign by walking precincts with me, organizing events, running the office, placing signs and contacting voters – THANK YOU. I am humbled by your ongoing support and am so grateful for it.
I also want to thank my opponents, Robert Hesterberg and Gary Lewis, for their issue-oriented campaigns and for caring enough to run for office.
Whether or not you voted for me, please know that I will continue to work hard on your behalf.
Together, with you, I am certain we can create a positive, hopeful future for Lake County, our home.
Denise Rushing lives in Upper Lake. She was elected to her second term as District 3 supervisor on June 8.
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- Written by: Jack Baxter
I want to congratulate both sheriff’s candidates Frank Rivero and Rodney Mitchell who will now move to the November runoff election.
This has been a hotly contested campaign, which has been difficult for candidates, their families and supporters. It is my hope that the next phase will be conducted professionally, staying on the issues, avoiding personal attacks.
Continued innovation is a critical part of today’s professional law enforcement. During this campaign all candidates have expressed many new ideas.
I hope each candidate will now be able to go forth using these valuable ideas to improve the department and their service to the community. Many voters have shown that business as usual is no longer acceptable. I believe positive change and new ideas are what they want for their Sheriff’s Department.
I wish to thank all those who reached out supporting my campaign during the last six months. We have had the honor of meeting many fine people. We are grateful for our new friends, acquaintances and a greater appreciation of Lake County, our chosen home.
I will be pleased to make myself available to assist both candidates and share my own experience and professional connections with anyone who may ask.
Jack Baxter ran for sheriff of Lake County in this year's primary. He lives in Lakeport.
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- Written by: Francisco Rivero
To all my friends and supporters, thank you for the vote of confidence in the June 8 primary election. We worked very hard to build a broad-base of community support and I am humbled at the overwhelmingly positive response from the voters.
I want to offer a very special thanks to my family, campaign team and the thousands of you who endorsed me and contributed so generously towards my campaign. Thanks to your efforts we prevailed in the June 8 primaries; with your continued help, we will prevail in the Nov. 2 general election.
Looking ahead towards the next phase of campaigning, the voters were clear in their message on June 8: it’s time for change. Please join me in my efforts to bring hopeful and positive change to the office of sheriff-coroner by bringing forward your ideas and concerns. I will respond to each and every one of you who contacts me.
After taking a few days of quiet reflection and time with my family, I will be back on the campaign trail. I look forward to the opportunity to honorably serve the people of Lake County.
Once again, you have my sincerest thanks and appreciation.
Frank Rivero, is a candidate for sheriff-coroner of Lake County. He lives in Middletown.