With the death of former state Sen. Pat Wiggins, thousands of California home wine and beer makers lost a true champion.

In 2008 the state Alcohol Beverage Control agency, citing a little-known legal ruling, threatened to shut down amateur wine and beer contests and exhibitions including the Napa Classic, the Lake County Home Wine and Beer Makers Festival, county fairs and even the State Fair, all of which had held such events for years.

Closure would have dealt a heavy blow to the many charities and other community groups who relied on these nonprofit events for their funding.

Pat Wiggins came to the rescue. In an incredibly short period of time she drafted curative legislation and then fast-tracked it through the state Assembly with virtually no opposition.

Labeled SB 607, it effectively legitimized activities that had taken place since the end of prohibition.

Now, unfortunately, in Sen. Wiggins' absence, the ABC is once again employing even murkier resolutions to curtail home wine and beer making.

Competitions have been eliminated from many fairs, and the Napa Classic – the major fundraiser for the Dry Creek Volunteer Fire Department – was canceled, while the Lake County event was revised to completely eliminate amateurs. The latter has threatened the viability of its sponsor Clear Lake Performing Arts and the fine music groups who have benefited from the festival in the past.

We can only hope that Sen. Wiggins’ successors will pick up her dropped torch and quickly pass additional legislation to once again permit our amateur wine and beer makers to resume their traditions.

Connel Murray is a member of Clear Lake Performing Arts. He lives in Kelseyville, Calif.