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- Written by: Nelson Strasser
Last Friday and Saturday we began our initiative campaign to place rent control for senior mobile home parks on the ballot in 2014. We were anxious: How would our efforts be received?
But first, some background. Most of us live on a fixed income, and yet, our rents have increased, and they have increased at a rate that far exceeds inflation.
Normally, the market system would protect us: Ideally, the market would be the arbiter of price. For example, if the rents were set to high, tenants would move. Or, in the alternative, tenants could ask their boss for a raise, or get a second job.
But, alas we tenants are captives. Mobile homes are not mobile. In most cases, they cost more to move than they are worth. Mobile homes are difficult to sell, because as space rent goes up, the value of mobile homes goes down. if we have to move, we have to abandon our mobile homes, or sell them at “fire sale” prices. The “playing field” is tilted.
Our initiative simply ties rent increases to Social Security benefits: If benefits increase, the park owners can raise the rent. This is a win-win situation. We get more, they get more.
Back to our experience: Our fears were allayed. Overwhelmingly, people were sympathetic, and more than willing to take the time to sign our petition, and, in addition, voice their sympathy with our cause.
It was incredibly energizing to get the support of our community. I felt honored to be a citizen of the Lake County community.
In truth, there were a few nay-sayers, but, as the poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti said, “Even in heaven, they don’t sing all of the time.”
And, by the way, we have registered 10 people to vote, so far. We have the voter registration forms and can answer your questions. If you have moved in the last two years, you must re-register to vote.
We will keep coming out. We will be at the Lakeport Grocery Outlet and Safeway, Fridays and Saturdays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as other locals and other times. If you want to help us gather signatures, please contact me at
Nelson Strasser lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Jenny Senff
In honor of Nurse’s Week, we at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake would like to publicly express our respect and gratitude for all of our nursing staff who work so tirelessly on behalf of the community.
They bring not only quality professional skills, but also heroic dedication and willing hands and hearts to work each day.
We know that our nursing staff is among the most caring anywhere, in part, because our patients tell us so.
Every day, we hear new stories about how they have welcomed patients and families, eased challenging situations, and provided comfort and safety.
Our nursing staff shares in both joyful and sad times. They are always ready to intervene skillfully, in critical situations, when patients are most vulnerable.
Whether they serve in the Emergency Department, ICU, Medical-Surgical, Women’s Care, Surgery Services, Case Management, Cardiopulmonary, Employee Health or the Rural Health Clinics, our nursing staff is a vital part of everything we do here at St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake.
Their leadership and vision create opportunities for a better patient experience. They care for the community: our family members, neighbors, and friends.
Daily, the St. Helena Hospital Clear Lake and Rural Health Clinic’s Nursing Departments reflect our mission to share God’s love by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
With deep appreciation, we acknowledge their selfless service.
Jenny Senff, FNP, Interim Administrative Director for Patient Care, and the Leadership Team, St Helena Clear Lake Hospital, Clearlake, Calif.
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- Written by: Douglas Herren
The city of Clearlake would like to recognize and thank the following individuals, organizations and local businesses for their contributions and assistance with our sixth annual Clean Up Clearlake Day on Saturday, April 27: Clearlake City Council, Clearlake Public Works Crew, Clearlake Police Department, Clearlake Volunteers in Policing, Beth-Katherine Kaiman of TV8, Clearlake Waste Solutions, Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, Lake County Fire, Walt Hill and the Mormon Helping Hands with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints of Clearlake, Crossroads Church, Lake County Time Bank, Grocery Outlet, Clearlake TV & Appliance, Four Corners Hardware, Lake Express Lube, Clearlake Veterinarian Clinic, US Cellular, Nails In Town, Garage Sale Today, M.A.R.S., Clearlake Paper and Janitorial Supply, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Twila Bechler Insurance Agency, Bargain Alley, A & B Collision, Mendo Mill, Clearlake Automotive, Griffin’s Furniture Outlet, Notts Mini Mart and Gas, Cecil’s Pizza, Foods Etc., Dr. Timothy L. Young, Mort Loeb, and Turner Enterprises.
It was another monumental event that resulted in an effort that yielded over 70 yards of trash and recyclables and about 20 yards of e-waste from within the heart of the city.
Douglas Herren is the director of Public Works for the city of Clearlake, Calif.
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- Written by: Randy Ridgel
When we came to Lake County back in the 1970s it was like Mayberry RFD. Well, except for Clearlake Highlands, later incorporated as the city of Clearlake.
When I was a boy we divided up and played, “cops and robbers” – shooting at one another with pointed fingers or short sticks – and shouting, “You got me,” as we died very dramatic deaths. Next time around former cops became robbers and vice versa so we couldn’t tell cops from robbers.
Jackie and I were warned to steer clear of Clearlake because it was dangerous. If the county was described anatomically, Clearlake was always labeled as the posterior, or at least a certain part of the posterior.
For years we couldn’t tell cops from robbers there. Then the city brought on Bob Chalk as the chief of police and everything changed.
As a graduate of FBI education he was well schooled in the most modern methods of crime control. He got rid of the deadwood, brought the rest up to speed and schooled them in the most up-to-date police actions.
He was the first in California to bring in the California Highway Patrol to assist. He was always within budget and left the office with thousands of dollars surplus. Despite that he reduced crime by an incredible 65 percent during his tenure.
Jackie and I, after 35 years of volunteer work, had beaten our swords into plowshares and hung up our shields. We intended to go traveling, that is, until the spectacle of the present sheriff appeared.
I need the words of Shakespeare to describe his activities: “Tis a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
The man is a complete embarrassment to his office and the county, and for us taxpayers, a very expensive embarrassment, I might add.
Therefore we became interested when Bob Chalk declared his candidacy last year, researched his qualifications and found them superb.
Then recently Brian Martin announced that he, too, was going to run. Since we’ve been supporters of Bob Chalk, I suppose at this point I’m obligated to say bad things about Brian. But I don’t know any bad things about Brian Martin. Jackie and I have known his family for years and they’re wonderful people.
It’s just that Chalk with his experience and extraordinary performance is by far the better man for the job at this time. Perhaps Martin can bone up and relieve Chalk when he retires as sheriff.
Randy Ridgel lives in Kelseyville, Calif.