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Opinion
The American Red Cross American Red Cross Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties is celebrating its volunteers and the work they do in the community during National Volunteer Week, April 6 to 12.
Last year, Red Cross volunteers in the Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties chapter provided food, shelter, comfort and hope to 112 local families who faced home fires and other disaster situations. They trained 5,640 people in lifesaving skills and provided services to military members, veterans and their families in 99 cases.
We want to invite the public to sign up to volunteer and be a part of our lifesaving work. We’re looking for diverse volunteers of all ages and skill levels.
Go to www.redcross.org/SML to learn more about volunteering with us and how to submit a volunteer application.
If you want to volunteer to help when a disaster strikes our community, download the Team Red Cross app for your smart phone. You’ll receive notifications when Red Cross volunteers are needed in the area.
The app can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store by searching for American Red Cross or by going to www.redcross.org/mobileapps .
I want to extend my sincerest thanks to the 578 local Red Cross volunteers who help us fulfill our mission 365 days a year, 24 hours a day in Sonoma, Mendocino & Lake Counties.
Nicole Massey is regional volunteer director for the American Red Cross' California Northwest Region, based in Santa Rosa, Calif.
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- Written by: Nicole Massey
As a relatively new resident of Hidden Valley Lake – just since 2010 – I became interested in its history.
I believe that someone's history tells us a lot about them; and, I believe this is also true of communities.
What I discovered was that there is really no information that is readily available: Nothing on the Hidden Valley Lake Association Web site, not much anywhere on the Internet, a little in a booklet about the “Stone House” within HVL and bits and pieces from residents.
Here's what I've found so far.
Hidden Valley Lake was started in 1968 by Boise Cascade Corp. during its real estate development heyday.
Due to a variety of factors, but mostly excessive losses, Boise Cascade Corp. sold it in 1974 to the Hidden Valley Lake Association. The “Hartmann” building and the Community Center (originally the “Country Club”) were built in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
For the remainder of the 1970s and through most of the 1980s a majority of property owners did not live in Hidden Valley Lake, holding the land for investment. It fell into receivership in the late 1980s.
By the 1990s more young families began moving in, partly triggered by Hidden Valley Lake's then-inexpensive housing and partly by the desirable amenities.
To support and maintain the amenities, property assessments were instituted in the early 1990s. It again dropped into receivership in the mid 1990s.
For most of its history HVLA has been managed by a small group of residents; not only, but primarily golfers.
Somewhere in the late 1990s, apparently as association members began to realize HVLA was becoming too big and complex for them to run without outside help, they began to hire paid staff.
Since then there have been four general managers and two interim general managers. Some of these general managers had professional credentials, some did not. Two general managers were terminated rather suddenly, partly as a result of conflict with the board and/or staff. Once (about 2000) several board directors were recalled.
In 1990 the Hidden Valley Lake population was about 1,960. By 2000 it had grown to about 3,780 and by 2010 to 5,580. Current estimates are around 7,500. It is no longer a little community. It's a small city.
Although Hidden Valley Lake was originally started as a “golf community,” according to current statistics this is no longer the case. It is now largely a “family community.”
Less than 15 percent of Hidden Valley Lake residents use the golf course; less than 5 percent have memberships in the golf course.
Well, that's it, so far. I'm still trying to fill in some of the “blanks.” My next area of exploration will be the community dynamics within HVLA.
Mike Gingerich lives in Hidden Valley Lake, Calif.
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- Written by: Mike Gingerich
Our Congress is out of control; it is so bad that it is almost criminal. They insinuate that many poor and out of work people are lazy and lousy workers.
This Congress is one of the least effective in this country’s history. It is almost treason that they are not doing their job, which they are so well paid to do.
Of course, there are more millionaires on this Congress than any in history. Is it a coincidence that this is the richest Congress in history, and the most impotent?
This Congress is almost guilty of treason, as they were elected and sworn on a Bible to represent the taxpayers and pass laws; to keep our country running smoothly and protect the interests of their constituents.
The only record this Congress is setting is the 51 votes to defund a program that they passed years ago. they are wasting their time on these votes, as they are well aware that the Senate and the president are in favor of keeping and enacting the provisions of the program as they exist. Thus, they are spitting in the wind, blustering and making fools of themselves and the constituents that elected them.
Why do we elect fools and imbeciles to such important jobs? Those who read children’s fairy tales while filibustering, while delaying legislation from reaching a floor vote, are committing treason.
Stealing valuable time from the business of running a country, because of similar childishness; they legislate super pay and benefits for themselves, but deny the needs of the country. When will they remember compromise is a key part of diplomacy and democracy?
Partisan politics has a place during elections, but the interests of constituents are the primary responsibility of lawmakers, and paramount to all is the best interests of this country as a whole. Where are our public servants?
Dave Gebhard lives in Lakeport, Calif.
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- Written by: Dave Gebhard
This week my longtime aid and great friend Cheryl Diehm is retiring after 26 years of public service to our district.
Cheryl has been with me since my first campaign for the State Senate. She has been an indispensable part of who I am and the service our office provides to constituents.
When people in our district have problems, Cheryl solves them.
She has helped countless constituents navigate everything from Medicare benefits to mortgage problems, and VA payments. She has been a trusted advisor, a loyal employee and a great friend.
Cheryl is compassionate and committed to our district and the institution of representative government. She knows that government has a responsibility to make sure things are fair and she’s always working for what is best for the American people.
In 26 years, Cheryl has made our district a better place to live, work and raise a family. Her impact on our district will endure long past her days in our office.
Cheryl, on behalf of our community, thank you for your many years of service. You will be missed.
Congressman Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) represents the southern half of Lake County, Calif., in the US House of Representatives.
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- Written by: Mike Thompson