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MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – In a compassionate response to the recent Valley fire, Lake Co-op reopened its doors to its customers, extending two major specials, including owner discount pricing for all new customers and at-cost pricing through Nov. 30 for those families who lost their homes to the fire.
“Having the trauma of being evacuated and returning to a standing home,” noted Val Rasmussen, who along with his wife Veronica manages Lake Co-op. “I can't even imagine what it must be like to return to nothing. And I have many friends who have done so – it is heartbreaking.”
This is the driving factor for offering all of Lake Co-op's offerings at cost to co-op customers who've lost their homes to the fire.
“There is so much going on in the aftermath. Being able to receive and afford high quality organic and local food should be as easy as can be,” added Veronica Rasmussen. “This is the least we can do to help our community recover from this horrendous tragedy.”
The at-cost offer is for all current and new customers signing up on the co-op's Web site at www.lake.coop who lost their home in the Valley fire. The special will run through Nov. 30.
Additionally, all those registering as new customers can do so under a trial owner membership and forgo purchasing a share to receive the 10-percent owner discounts.
“These generous offers go to the heart of a worldwide compassionate response extended to our community at this important time of healing,” said Jim Leonardis, Lake Co-op Board president and Leonardis Organics owner.
Lake Co-op offers fresh, in-season produce and value added products from throughout Lake County, including squashes, tomatoes, kale, lettuces, sprouts, sprouted beans, wheat grass, herbs, and value-added products such as local olive oils, breads and chocolates.
“We are excited to again offer locally baked artisan breads from the newly opened Sweet Annie's Bakery in Kelseyville,” said Veronica Rasmussen. “It really rounds out the regional cheeses and butters we offer.”
Lake Co-op has 10 easily accessible pick up points around Lake County and offers home/office delivery for a small fee.
Lake Co-op is California's only cooperatively owned online food ordering system and seeks to strengthen Lake County's local food system through congregating organic products of local and regional producers, including fresh produce, value-added foods such as rice, beans, flour, cheeses, oils and baked goods.
For more information and to register to purchase through Lake Co-op, visit www.lake.coop or call 707-513-5226.
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LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Redwood Credit Union (RCU) is offering special loan programs to residents of Lake County who have been affected by the recent fires.
These programs include: an interest-free loan of up to $5,000 for up to 12 months; a special 1.90 percent APR auto loan through RCU Auto Services for those who lost vehicles in the fires; a 2.90 percent APR RV loan to assist displaced homeowners with motorhomes or trailers for temporary shelter; increased RCU Visa credit card limits to assist with emergency purchases; loan payment relief on RCU loans and lines of credit; and other financial assistance programs to meet the needs of the victims of the Lake County area fires.
Detailed information is available at www.redwoodcu.org/firereliefprograms .
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to those impacted by these devastating fires, and we want to help them get back on their feet as quickly as possible,” said Brett Martinez, president and chief executive office of Redwood Credit Union. “We are offering these financial assistance programs to give fire victims some peace of mind as they start to recover from this devastating event. We’re here to help.”
Lake County area residents impacted by the fires who are interested in RCU's special loan programs can call 707-545-4000 or 800-479-7928 (select option 2, then 3), or visit any of Redwood Credit Union's 16 branches.
In addition to special loan and financial assistance programs for victims of the fire, Redwood Credit Union is accepting financial donations via a secure website at www.redwoodcu.org/lakecountyfirevictims , or at any of RCU's 16 North Bay and San Francisco branches.
One hundred percent of the funds collected will go to aid fire victims and relief efforts in the affected areas.
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SACRAMENTO – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is warning consumers about the dangers of hiring unlicensed contractors following a disaster, whether it is earthquake, fire, flood or mudslide.
Unscrupulous, unlicensed contractors often prey on victims of natural disasters.
It is a felony to contract without a license in a declared disaster area. Consumers can protect themselves by using CSLB's resources to check a contractor's license status and history.
“Although it’s understandable that property owners want to begin rebuilding quickly, it’s important not to rush the process and hire the first contractor who comes along,” said CSLB Registrar Cindi Christenson. “Take your time and protect yourself against con artists who will take your money and run – or incompetent contractors who will perform shoddy work. Hire only licensed contractors and check their qualifications.”
Consumers can verify a contractor's license status and order publications on this website. You can also call CSLB, toll-free: 800-321-CSLB (2752).
Contractors working on a job — from debris removal to rebuilding – totaling $500 or more for labor and materials must be licensed by CSLB.
To become licensed, a contractor must pass a licensing examination, verify at least four years of journey-level experience, carry a license bond, and pass a criminal background check.
CSLB urges consumers to follow these tips when dealing with a building contractor:
– Hire only licensed contractors and ask to see the license.
– Verify the contractor's license by checking online at www.cslb.ca.gov .
– Don't rush into decisions and don't hire the first contractor who comes along.
– Don't pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000 – whichever is less.
– Don't pay cash, and don't let the payments get ahead of the work.
– Get three bids, check references, and get a written contract.
– Contact CSLB if you have a complaint against a contractor.
The Contractors State License Board operates under the umbrella of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
CSLB licenses and regulates California's 290,000 contractors. In fiscal year 2014-15, CSLB helped recover nearly $68 million in ordered restitution for consumers.
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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – A job fair for local residents and businesses will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
The fair will be held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Kelseyville High School, located at 5480 Main St.
Given the recent devastation caused by the local fires, there will be a surge in the need for services in construction and related fields.
Agencies from around the county have pulled together to host a job fair for potential positions that may arise out of this need.
With so many homes destroyed and/or damaged, businesses may need to expand to keep up with demand.
Businesses are asked to come ready to talk to those that want to work. Job seekers are asked to come ready with resumes and certifications in hand.
The intention of this event is to allow employers to create a bank of applicants that are available to work when the time arrives.
In order to help support local businesses, only companies with valid licensed contractor numbers will be allowed to participate.
This event is open to Lake County owned and operated businesses.
Job seekers do not need to register. Employers must register online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCrebuilds ; by calling Norma Cromwell, 707-263-8918, Extension 284, or 530-392-2905; or email Tammy Serpa at
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- Written by: Editor