How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Opinion
- Details
- Written by: Jaclyn Ley
The Lake County Historical Society would like to thank its members and guests who participated in our many events this fall.
On Sept. 19 at the annual Lake County Wine Alliance auction, more than $4,500 was donated towards the completion of the Ely Stage Stop and Museum. Pretty good for one night! We sincerely thank the generous attendees of the event for their donations. It was a marvelous display of support for local history and the community.
Our members beat the heat to decorate the Pear Pavilion at the Kelseyville Pear Festival. The centerpiece of the event was loaded with relics of pear farming in the good old days. Just about everyone who attended the event took a pit stop under the shade of the tent. The folks finding refuge from the sun were treated to displays by Greg Dills, Don McCloud and Rudy Glebe. Much thanks to them and to all who stopped by to have a look.
Thanks also to our volunteers Mike Anderson, Floraine Chalk, Joe and Pat George, KC Patrick, Florence Peck, and Bonnie and Shelly Skee. They all defied nature by exposing themselves to the heat in our booth. Maybe next year we’ll find some more room in the Pear Pavilion …
The same day as the Pear Festival, ECV Chapter Yerba Buena 1 dedicated a plaque at the historic house on the Brassfield Winery and Estate. The ceremony was part of their annual doins and was attended by one of our bravest members, Janeane Bogner.
On Oct. 4 at the general meeting society members and the public were treated to an enlightening presentation on “Indian History of Lake County” by archaeologist Dr. John Parker. Dr. Parker packed the house and we thank him for providing a fascinating presentation. Volunteers were many, and special thanks for their efforts in bringing this terrific event together. Thank you to the many who attended as well.
Also at the meeting, Eileen Rasmussen of Lake County Hospice donated two 1800s-era handmade quilts to the Historical Society. These quilts are made from flour-sacks; in the 1800s flour-sacks were also made into pantaloons, women’s blouses and men’s shirts. The magnificent donation will eventually be displayed at the Ely Stage Stop and Country Museum.
On Oct. 16 and 17, our neighbors to the west in Mendocino County hosted an outstanding occasion. Attending members were immersed in the history of the region during this two-day tour. Food, fun and fascinating history were all part of this wonderfully arranged event, whose highlights included the Grace Hudson Museum, a talk on “Civil War in California” led by Phil Smoley, a tribute at Seabiscuit’s grave and a train ride at the Roots of Motive Power in Willits.
Thanks to Jean Beeson, Bonnie Skee and Florence Peck for their contribution to this event, and a special thanks to Mildred Pickersgill for being a bridge for our historical societies.
The Lake County Historical Society has had a busy fall so far, and the best is yet to come. Members, don’t forget our annual Thanksgiving dinner party! More information to follow.
Jaclyn Ley is publicity director for the Lake County Historical Society.
- Details
- Written by: Jill Ruzicka Leighton
My two sons are receiving a solid education and tremendous positive reinforcement at both of these schools. This is such an accomplishment, particularly when our school administrators are being overwhelmed with class and staffing cuts.
My boys and I moved to Lakeport from Southern California. My oldest son’s first day of school in Lakeport was as a CLHS freshman. He had no friends and looked like a sixth grader. When he chose to wear his Elmo shirt on that first day, I died a little on the inside wondering about how in the world this short, goofy kid would ever be accepted into the new social world of high school.
Two and half years later, I can say my worries were unfounded. Fellow students immediately “adopted” him into their social circles, faculty picked up on his talents and nurtured them, and the administration positively responded to any questions and concerns that I had as a new parent to the school system. My youngest son’s experience at the Terrace Middle School has been just as positive.
I volunteer at both schools and have experienced the student population firsthand. Last year, the Terrace Middle School drama students were introduced into the world of high school when they helped usher at the production of “Grease.” I was amazed when, in turn, numerous high school students stepped in to help make sure the middle school drama production was a success.
On the Washington DC field trip, I observed seventh and eighth graders successfully interacting with each other throughout the entire week-long trip. During senior project panels last year, I was humbled by the community service projects undertaken by CLHS students in a quest to help make their world a better place.
This year, during high school football games, I’ve enjoyed watching my two sons socialize with students ranging from seniors to seventh graders. There has been acceptance and respect on the students’ parts, which one might find surprising given the age range. There are so many wonderful teens in our community.
I have also been amazed at the work of parent volunteers. Right now, as a community our biggest concern with our local schools should be how to make sure our kids continue to get an excellent education when school budgets are being slashed left and right. I have seen parent after parent step up to the plate to help ease the pain of those cuts.
My boys and I have had such a positive experience with our local schools. Kudos to those who work so hard to educate our kids during these difficult times.
Jill Ruzicka Leighton lives with her sons in Lakeport.
- Details
- Written by: Dean Gotham
The outpouring of support from so many different components of Lake County society produced a true community event. As a longtime Lake County resident, I cannot remember an event that drew so many Lake County citizens together; united in a common purpose. Lake County honored and remembered the brave veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Presenting the “Moving Wall” provided the opportunity for friends and families of the fallen, fellow Vietnam veterans, and private citizens from all over the state and country to heal emotional wounds.
President John F. Kennedy stated: “A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers.” Lake County revealed the depth of its character: compassion, honor, moral and financial support and the spirit of community.
For the officers, board of directors and members of VVA Chapter 951, THANK YOU Lake County.
Dean E. Gotham Jr. Is president of Chapter 951. He lives in Clearlake.
******
VVA Chapter 951 greatly appreciates the support of our Five-Star sponsors and donors
Five-Star Sponsors
Lake County Fairgrounds: Thanks to Richard Persons, Ray Stark and their hard working staff who did everything that they could to help us.
Konocti Vista Casino, Resort and Marina: Thanks to Andy Kalin, general manager; Dave Majestic, marketing director, and graphic designer Carol Dellinger for their generosity, advice and material support.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 547: The Marin County chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America provided financial support at a critical stage in the planning.
Lakeport Rotary Club: Lakeport Rotary Club was the first civic organization to make a generous donation, which came at an important time.
Clearlake Rotary Club: Clearlake Rotary Club provided a generous donation at an equally important time.
Lake County Record-Bee: Thanks to Gary Dickson, editor, and staff for their efforts at informing the public, providing a financial donation and supporting veterans. Special thanks to Sports Editor Brian Sumpter for his dedicated work at producing a special section on the Vietnam War.
Konocti Rod and Gun Club: Thanks to the members of the Konocti Rod and Club for their generous support.
Kono Tayhee Estates: Thank you to the residents who donated to the “Wall.”
BiCoastal Media: BiCoastal Media donated generous amounts of on-air time in announcing the dates and times for the event.
Skylark Shores: Thanks to the owners and staff for their hard work in making “The Moving Wall” staff comfortable and providing rooms for the Redwood Vet Center staff.
Lake Transit Authority: Thank you to the Transit Board of Directors, General Manager Mark Wall and drivers for providing free transportation for veterans to and from the “Wall” including service on Sunday.
Lake Event Design and Party Rental: Thanks to Beth Havrilla and staff for their time, help and encouragement in supplying and setting up tents.
Golden State Electric: Thank you to Jerry Pendleton and staff for the outstanding design and installation of all the lighting at the “Wall.”
Powerhouse Multimedia, publishers of the Mendo-Lake Exchange: Thanks for the Marketing Solutions outstanding graphic design on Chapter 951's posters, logo and t-shirts.
Lake County Marketing and Economic Development: Thank you to Debra Sommerfield and Terre Lodgson for their help in press releases throughout the state.
Piedmont Lumber: Thank you to Rick White, Clark Day and the staff of Piedmont Lumber for their outstanding support.
Lake County News: Thanks to Elizabeth Larson, editor and publisher, for her encouragement, consultation, graphic design, donation and, especially, her tireless support of veterans.
Rolf Kriken, sculptor: Lake County resident, Rolf, is the sculptor who produced all the bronze statues and murals at the California State Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Rolf’s statues at the “Moving Wall” provided an important emotional link – each statue directly representing the physical and emotional cost of warfare. Rolf’s work presented a dimension to the “Wall” that very few people will experience.
Chapter 951 wants to express gratitude for support, materials, and/or time to the following organizations:
– Redwood Vet Center: The Redwood Vet Center came to Lake County from Eureka with their mobile service van to provide mental health support and general veteran service support during the entire stay of the “Wall.”
– Ukiah Veterans Affairs Medical Clinic: The clinic provided service support and mental health support during the entire stay of the “Wall.”
– Lake County Veteran Service Office: The office provided an on-site veteran service officer for the entire stay of the “Wall.”
– Lakeport Police Department: The department provided advice and support to insure personal safety of visitors and contributed to overall security.
– Lake County Sheriffs Office: The agency provided advice and support.
– National Guard: 129th EN TM and Det 1, 649th Engineers provided advice and camouflage netting. Special thanks to Sgt. Gonzalez and Sgt. Macpherson.
Four Star Donors
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 500, Sacramento
Veterans of Foreign Wars- Clearlake Post #2337
Veterans of Foreign Wars- Joy Maderios Post #2015, Lakeport
Disabled American Veterans Post #83
American Legion Post #194, Kelseyville
Dr. and Mrs. Wayne Scheidemann
Paul Axtell, M.D.
Lake County Palms
Lincoln Leavitt Insurance Agency, Inc
Star Gardens, Middletown
Sleep Shop Ltd.- Rhonda West
Sutton Associates Wealth Management
Three Star Donors
Lake County Guns, LLC
Barnes Family Trust
Pearl Harbor Survivors Association Luther Burbank Chapter 23
North American Organics, David Lowe- owner, Redwood Valley, CA
Two Star Donors
VFW Joy Maderios Aux 2015 in memory of Barnett Hoffman
GI Joe’s Outdoor Store, Ukiah CA
Pestmaster Services of Lake and Mendocino County
Rotary Club of Middletown
Anna Girod Management
Military Officers Association of America Lake County Subchapter
Vietnam Veterans of America Santa Rosa Chapter 223
California State Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America in memory of Barnett Hoffman
Charles T. McLaughlin, Redwood City, CA
Ronnie and Janeane Bogner, Clearlake Oaks, CA
Kelly F. Cox, Kelseyville, CA
Dean E. Gotham, Jr, President-VVA Chapter 951
Gregory D. Scott, Secretary-VVA Chapter 951
Don and Peg McCown, members VVA Chapter 951
Hugh and Karan Mackey, member VVA-Chapter 951
Donald C. Whitney-member VVA Chapter 951, Commander VFW #2337
Steve and Pat Sayers, member VVA-Chapter 951
Ken and Donna Melville, member VVA-Chapter 951
Rene R. and Gloria Vega, member VVA-Chapter 951
Arthur Grothe, Lakeport, CA
Northshore Business Association, Lucerne, CA
William H.H. Wolfe. Kelseyville, CA
Wilds Signs. Lakeport, CA
Steve and Elizabeth Davis, Lakeport, CA
William and Dana Kearney, Kelseyville, CA
Kelseyville Lumber and Supply
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Lucerne, CA
Jerry Yamamoto, Harbor City CA National VVA Board of Directors
E.K. Rusth and H. Whitney, Middletown, CA
John and Bette Mueller, Kelseyville, CA
T. Hoberg and Howell Karabell, Cobb, CA
Clearlake Road Riders, Kelseyville, CA
Phillip J. Dow, Ukiah, CA
Lake County Farm Bureau, Lakeport, CA
Bruno’s Property Management LLC, Lakeport, CA
Pivniska Trucking, Upper Lake, CA
Billie and Gene Kirkendall, Lakeport, CA
Lake County Republican Women Federated
Voiture 912
One Star Donors
Becky and James M. Hiss, Lucerne, CA
Ellen and Milton Heath, Middletown, CA
Kate O’Hare-Palmer, Petaluma, CA member VVA-Chapter 223
David Herrick, Lakeport, CA
Joe D. and Judith A. McAuley, Lucerne, CA
Mary Heare Amodio (Law Offices), Lakeport, CA
Raphael V. and Barbara J. Lopes, Lakeport, CA
Lowell A. Grant Real Estate Company, Lakeport, CA
Jeremiah and Juanita Collins, Kelseyville, CA
Anthony and Claudia Marchese, Lucerne, CA
Jamie and Fadonna Jamieson, in memory of Barnett Hoffman, Kelseyville, CA
Louis and Jean Rigod, in memory of Barnett Hoffman, Nice, CA
VFW Post 2015, Woman’s Auxiliary in memory of Barnett Hoffman, Lakeport, CA
Eileen Hoberg, T. Hoberg and Sandra Fox, Cobb, CA
T.F. Jordon, Lucerne, CA
James and Eldina Russell, Hidden Valley Lake, CA
Watershed Books, Lakeport, CA
The following donors donated in the memory of Shawn Biggs:
Russell and Beryle Biggs, Tollhouse, CA
Lorna Susan Cruz Higdon, Lakeport, CA
Billy Prewitt and Becky Biggs, Fairacres, NM
Joseph P. Ford, Kelseyville, CA
Dennis and Judy Ouellette, Berwick, Maine
Michael J. Biggs, Kerman, CA
Ron and Joyce Kay Biggs, Kerman, CA
H.E. and M.L. Boak, Billings, MT
Kathleen L. Musick, Tempe AZ
Alex and Nancy Zabala, Healdsburg, CA
- Details
- Written by: Wayne Diggs
In Mr. Norman Ihle's letter to the editor in the local newspaper regarding the planning commission approval of the Cristallago Project, he accuses Supervisors Brown, Smith and Comstock of perpetuating the Good Old Boy (GOB) rule of Lake County. In my opinion he is terribly mistaken and the past history proves it. For the past 50 years the GOB rule has been to discourage development. Looking around Lake County, I see a county that has lost much of its economic base. With the closing of Konocti, the loss of several large employers over the past few years, the recent loss of two major bass tournaments and the expected downturn in tourism, Lake County is shrinking both economically and socially.
Soon, it will populated by a large segment of the have nots and a small group of the haves. Hopefully the planning commission and the Board of Supervisors will not continue the past folly of discouraging growth and revert to the past GOB no-growth rule. While I do not always agree with decisions made by the Board of Supervisors, I will be the first to applaud them if they go forward with Cristallago. It will mean a huge gain for all of Lake County. It will create long-term employment for our now unemployed craftsmen, it will bolster sales at local building supply companies, it will add to the need for decent housing for workers. As the project builds out, it will certainly bolster all aspects of the retail and restaurant economy. I certainly hope that the Chamber of Commerce and all merchants will loudly and clearly tell the supervisors how they feel.
Wayne Diggs lives in Lakeport.