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.

CLEARLAKE, Calif. — The city of Clearlake is soliciting applications for consideration of appointment to the Konocti Water District Board by the City Council for one vacant seat to hold office until December 2024.

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The City Administration Offices have temporarily relocated to the Lake County Campus of Woodland Community College, 15880 Dam Road Extension, Room 402.

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.

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.

LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, or CWA, is making final preparations for its 2023 AgVenture program.

AgVenture is an innovative agricultural educational program designed for non-farming community leaders and others who wish to understand the vital role that agriculture plays in Lake County’s economy.

Fourteen community leaders from a range of organizations and positions have been selected to participate in this, the 12th offering of this popular program.

Members of the 2023 class include: Laura Beltran, Office of Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry; Angela De Palma Dow, Lake County Water Resources Department; Katy Evans, real estate broker, livestock producer; Nicole Flora, Lake County Economic Development Corp.; Clebson Goncalves, UC Cooperative Extension; Mark Lipps, Ripe Choice Farm; Ernie Padilla, Lake County Tribal Health; Ben Rickelman, county of Lake Administrative Office; Brad Rasmussen, Lakeport Police Department; Rick Reynolds, Reynolds Systems; Daniella Santana, Habematolel of Upper Lake; Bonnie Sears, Beckstoffer Vineyards Farming Services; Sam Upton, Lake County Agriculture Department; and Merry Jo Velasquez, Lake County Land Trust.

The program comprises four monthly sessions from August through November.

Each session focuses on a specific Lake County crop, including pears, winegrapes, walnuts, and olives, and features a range of expert speakers on ag-related topics including farm labor, history, water and land use, regulations, pest management, marketing, biotechnology, and sustainability.

Class members are given behind-the-scenes tours of a local olive mill, pear orchard, pear packing shed, walnut orchard, commercial vineyard operation, and commercial winery.

Launched in 2010 and presented annually by the Lake County Chapter of CWA, AgVenture is designed to give participants a broad yet locally oriented understanding of the agricultural industry.

The AgVenture program is guided by a dedicated steering committee, all of whom are CWA members, including Rebecca Harper, Colleen Rentsch, Toni Scully, Bonnie Sears, Debra Sommerfield, Katherine VanDerWall and Sharron Zoller.

California Women for Agriculture was founded in 1975 and is the most active, all-volunteer agricultural organization in the state, with 20 chapters and more than 1,300 members comprising farmers, ranchers, bankers, lawyers, accountants, marketing professionals, support services, consumers, and the vast stakeholders of the agriculture industry.

CWA promotes leadership within local communities, advocacy on key local/state/federal issues, public service and outreach, agriculture literacy in our schools, and promotional initiatives to preserve and educate those living in our increasingly urbanized California landscape.

CWA advocates for the economic sustainability of the diverse California agriculture community so future generations can continue to produce a healthy diverse food supply.

For more information or to become a member, please visit www.lakecountycwa.org.

UPPER LAKE, Calif. — On Saturday, Aug. 5, at 9:30 a.m. at the county park in Upper Lake, the community will join to honor the late Gene Paleno, a beloved community leader, author and friend to many.

Paleno passed in July of 2021 during the pandemic.

The gathering is hosted by the Lake County Silver Foundation at the park in Upper Lake, 615 State Highway 20, where a special engraved bench will be dedicated in honor of a man known for supporting the community he loved.

The celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. with a special ceremony to unveil the bench dedicated to Paleno, followed by remembrances and refreshments.

The community is invited to attend.

“We have been working with the county to install a commemorative park bench that celebrates the contributions of a very special man,” said Jim Steele, Silver Foundation president. “Gene’s family will attend along with our Foundation Board and District 3 County Supervisor EJ Crandell. We hope Gene’s many friends will also join us as we dedicate this bench in his honor.”

Paleno authored many literary works and published many books, most notably “Lake County History, A Mystical Adventure in Time,” “The Cleo Chronicles,” inspired by Cleo, his cat and best friend; and “The Porter Conspiracy,” a true story about a Civil War general who fought for 20 years to regain his honor.

He also had a regular column in the Record-Bee, was a frequent speaker at events throughout the county and was a regular guest on local community radio station, KPFZ.

Paleno took on leadership roles in the county as well. He was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve as the first chairperson of the East Region Town Hall and was vice president and founding board member of the Lake County Silver Foundation where he advocated for seniors.

He also was the recipient of a Lake County Stars Award and received the Inspirational Senior Award at the first annual Senior Summit in 2019.

“He was an extraordinary individual — a veteran of World War II, a local community leader, an author who often dedicated his work to our county, and a contributing and inspiring member of our Lake County Silver Foundation Board,” Steele said.

For more information about the event, visit the foundation website, call 916-849-8170 or visit the foundation’s Facebook page.