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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
UPPER LAKE, Calif. — Last Saturday the Lake County Silver Foundation joined with the Paleno family and friends to remember and honor a Lake County great, Gene Paleno, whose book, “Lake County History — A Mystical Adventure in Time,” is a favorite among locals.
A veteran of World War II, author of many books, and community leader, Paleno was remembered as a paragon of virtue. He gave back to the community he loved in many ways and in so doing inspired others to do so as well.
“He’s the reason I’m on the West Region Town Hall Council,” said his friend and neighbor Linda Alexander.
Former County Supervisor Jim Steele remembered meeting Paleno at a Civil War Roundtable — a group that met monthly to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the war that lasted 4 years.
Himself a history buff, Steele and Paleno had similar interests. “His knowledge of that time in history was impressive,” Steele said. “We became friends and allies in many ways and particularly in our advocacy for senior citizens. He was a founding member of the Silver Foundation and later I appointed Gene to chair the West Region Town Hall.”
Steele went on to say that Paleno drew inspiration for his book “The Porter Conspiracy,” from those Civil War Roundtable discussions. An injustice was done to General Porter who was stripped of his honor and fought for 20 years to get justice.
“Gene’s book is not just a history book — when you read it you find yourself transported into moments in time that shaped our country,” Steele said. “I daresay if history books were written in the style of Gene Paleno, our kids would read more.”
County Supervisor E.J. Crandell said he met with Paleno regularly to review “Gene’s list.” “I learned quickly that Gene was a force to be reckoned with — he was dedicated to getting things done for the community, often appearing before the Board of Supervisors to advocate for important projects,” Crandell said.
Crandell credited Paleno for stopping one particular project — an unwanted commercial store that did not fit with the character of Upper Lake.
Crandell said Paleno pulled the community together, simply declaring, “This will not stand!”
“Of course, he prevailed,” Crandell said.
Paleno’s Lake County friends learned about his life before settling in Lake County with his beloved late wife, Janette.
His daughters Dolly, Christina and Virginia, and son Gene all shared tidbits of their father.
“It was in the last two decades of his life that he really blossomed,” said Paleno’s oldest daughter, Virginia.
She shared a story told to her by her mother. “When dad finished college, he became a teacher and his IQ was tested. We always knew dad was really smart but we were surprised to learn his IQ was 200, immeasurable,” she said.
As for the bench, daughter Christina said, “I can see myself sitting on it, visiting with daddy.”
It took two years to finalize the bench installation and dedication. The county installed the bench and with donations, the Silver Foundation had it engraved with words from Paleno’s family and a picture of his best friend, Cleo — the cat he wrote about in his book, “Cleo Chronicles,” and who was his companion, helping him through his grief after losing his wife.
Many others spoke of Paleno — as a historian, a frequent speaker at civic organizations, a radio personality and as a kind gentleman who always had something positive to say.
Carolyn Jarrett described Paleno as a consummate gentleman who was “other person oriented.”
Ginger Kite messaged to say, “What good memories of a man who made a difference and loved his community.”
Craig Purcell added, “Good man, great historian, especially on Lake County, and a valued friend.”
Tim Chiara, current chair of the West Region Town Hall, described Paleno as a man of accomplishment, vision, compassion and an inspiration to all.
The ceremony ended with a reading inscribed on the bench. “The only thing we will be remembered for when we leave this small blue planet is what we have done for other people.” — Gene Paleno, 1926 — 2021
The Silver Foundation thanks all who attended the memorial and sent messages. “And special thanks to the county, the family, and Silver Foundation Board Member Sam Euston for recording the event,” Steele said.
The videotaped ceremony is available on YouTube at http://youtu.be/tsU43qrDaJ4 or can be viewed above.
For more information about the Silver Foundation, visit the website, www.lakecountysilverfoundation.com or call 707-295-6198.
- Details
- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
The appointee would then be asked to file candidacy papers to fill the remainder of the two-year unexpired term of office at the next general district election on Nov. 3, 2026.
Applicants must be residents of the Konocti Water District and be registered voters. Applications must be received by Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 5 p.m.
For more information on the Konocti Water District, visit their website at www.konoctiwaterdistrict.com.
Applications are available on the city’s website at www.clearlake.ca.us or contact City Clerk Melissa Swanson at 707-994-8201, Extension 106, or via email at
The City Administration Offices have temporarily relocated to the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College, 15880 Dam Road Extension, Room 402.
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- Written by: Lake County Airmen’s Association
LAKEPORT, Calif. — A team of local pilots volunteered on the morning of Sunday, July 23, to remove tall weeds that had accumulated in the transient airplane parking ramp and other locations adjacent the runway at Lampson Field in Lakeport.
The weeds were growing from cracks in the pavement that covers the airplane tie down surface on the south side of the airport, directly in front of Red’s at the Skyroom Restaurant.
The four-hour-long project was undertaken by the Lake County Airmen’s Association, or LCAA, a group of local pilots and airplane owners who are advocates for aviation related issues that impact Lampson Field.
“I thought weed eradication was perfect for an airmen’s volunteer project,” Tom Lincoln, the LCAA president, observed. “The county, which has responsibility for airport maintenance, has been without an airport maintenance supervisor for some time now, and I figured that the help would be welcome.
“Besides, the tie down area was looking rough and didn’t create a good first impression to visiting pilots and passengers. I mentioned the project at our last meeting and the support for moving ahead was quite high,” he said.
The volunteers used power weed eaters and leaf blowers to cut and blow weeds into piles that could be removed. Several thousand square feet of tarmac was cleaned during the project.
A county crew subsequently tackled the large job of mowing several acres of weeds between the taxiway and runway as well as along the north and south side margins.
That crew employed three large tractors with attached mowing devices on Thursday and Friday. A water tender stood by in the event the work sparked a grass fire.
LCAA has approximately 50 active members, most of them licensed pilots. The organization does allow for nonpilot associate members. Anyone interested in joining can contact Tom Lincoln at 707-349-3210. Annual dues are $25.
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- Written by: Elizabeth Larson
LAKEPORT, Calif. — In honor of John and Sandy Mayfield, the iconic Frostie Sign from circa 1948 has been placed in front of Barty’s Café at the Lake County Fairgrounds for the public to enjoy for years to come.
The idea to find a new home for the sign came from DJ Ken Steely and the work to get it placed was from Janeane and Ronnie Bogner and Jim Filippi.
The community is invited to the unveiling and historical reading of the sign’s history by none other than DJ Ken Steely on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 11 a.m. (use the front gate entrance).
Ice cream will be provided. Come enjoy the fun.
