Letters

Neft: Better for having known Zino

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Written by: David Neft
On Saturday, Oct. 9, I was one of the many who attended the celebration of life for Zino Mezoui.


I had planned to say words to the effect that follow when those who wanted to speak were invited to do so.


Zino's sudden and senseless passing has deeply saddened me to the point where I knew I wouldn't be able to speak.


Many of you know I have been playing piano at Zino's restaurant in Soda Bay on most Saturday evenings over the past year.


As we go through this journey called life, it is truly rare we meet people like Zino.


All who met Zino liked him immediately. This was voiced over and over by those speaking last Saturday and by the many conversations overheard at this memorial.


It is not hard to imagine how my also liking Zino right off quickly grew to love, seeing and interacting with this man weekly over those many months. I am very grateful for the time I was able to spend with him.


I've always wanted to pattern my own life on the Jimmy Steward character in the movie “It's A Wonderful Life.” In Zino, I found my George Bailey. “He who is truly rich has friends.” Zino Mezoui clearly had too many friends to count.


I will miss my dear friend Zino so every much. I am so much the better, and privileged and honored, for having known him so well.


David Neft lives in Middletown, Calif.

Gonzalez: Injustice in justice

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Written by: Michelle Gonzalez
As a recent retiree from the sheriff's department, it saddens me to read and hear the innuendos, half-truths and, in some cases, lies that are circulating about the sheriff's opponent. Character assassination in the name of politics seems to be a national pastime, but in my mind that doesn't excuse it.


Deputy Francisco Rivero is on unpaid leave for the duration of the campaign, while Sheriff Rod Mitchell receives full salary and the use of supportive employees and their families.


The voters of this beautiful county showed their clear preferences in the June primary election with all of the candidates' qualifications available to them.


I hope that the voters will again vote their consciences in the upcoming November election.


Michelle Gonzalez lives in Kelseyville, Calif.

Mezoui family thanks the community for its support

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Written by: Jan Mezoui
Words cannot begin to express our deep appreciation for the outpouring of support our entire family has received from this community as we struggle with our loss.


From the moment we were notified, people came together to share our grief, and to offer help in so many ways.


The cards, the flowers, the hugs – all made us realized even more what a tragedy the loss of Zino is, not only to us, but to a huge number of people from all walks of life.


The memorial on Oct. 9 was an incredible tribute to Zino, and we appreciated your presence there, whether in person or in spirit.


Every person Zino met was special to him, and for always, the people of Lake County will hold special places in our hearts as well.


A memorial fund (No. 991992488) has been set up at Umpqua Bank for Zino's sons and to help with his burial expenses.

We thank you for all you have done.


Jan Mezoui and her family live in Kelseyville, Calif.

Meyers: Acme Foundation celebrates 12th anniversary

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Written by: Patricia and Jon Meyer
The Acme Foundation thanks all those who donated, volunteered and participated at the 12th Anniversary Celebration of Caring, which took place on Sept. 12 at Rob Roy Golf Club.


The delicious champagne brunch was prepared and served by Rob Roy staff and the event was organized and coordinated with the help of Rob Roy’s Sue McDonald. All attendees received gift bags with donated items and special offers.


Thanks are extended to John Zimmerman for providing his wide array of wonderful music, Eric Patrick for his usual phenomenal job as an entertaining emcee and auctioneer, Jan and Paul Woycheshin of San Leandro for their photography of the event, and volunteers Frank and Toni Dehaven from the Cobb Mountain Lions Club, Yvonne Scott and Kristin Westcott from Clearlake Veterinary Hospital, Ann Aldridge from Berkeley and Lilo Hansen from Hidden Valley Lake.


Most of the donations for the live and silent auctions and raffle were sent from throughout the United States and were obtained by the foundation’s secretary, Ann Aldridge.


Generous donations from Lake County came from Hardester's Markets, Twin Pine Casino, Tri Counties Bank, West America Bank, Walmart Clearlake, Steele Wines, Gregory Graham Wines, Langtry Vineyards, Terrill Cellars, High Valley Wines, Robledo Winery, Rosa D’ Oro Wines, Wildhurst Wines, Beaver Creek Wines, Shannon Ridge Vineyards, Moore Family Winery, Clearlake Veterinary Hospital, Kathee Toy CMT, AAA Lakeport, Krista Davidson, Sheila O’Hara, Rhonda West, Sandy Leggitt, Lake Tree Design, Tom and Linda Darms, Anita Engberg, Voris Brumfield, Gene Bates, Barbara Blake, Diane and James Tullos, Shanda Harry, Holly Evans-White, Lori White, Craig Waters, Timothy Snider and Leslie Slater, Diana Gallagher, Mark Loebs, Milt and Jan Andreasen, Phyllis Lambert, Helen Leard, Sandy and Phil Bayles, Sandra Boorn, Michele Quere, James and Helen Scroggins and Colleen Beardsley.


The successful event raised enough funds to continue providing grants to Lake County’s low income seniors and the disabled to help with the expenses incurred for the treatment of their seriously ill cats and dogs.


The Acme Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and 100 percent of all net proceeds are awarded to qualifying grant applicants.


The Acme Foundation’s Web site is www.AcmeFoundation.org.


Patricia and Jon Meyer are the founders of The Acme Foundation. They live in Cobb.

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