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KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — This year’s Kelseyville Pear Festival will have as its grand marshals two people who have been stalwarts in Lake County agriculture, particularly in the pear industry.
Festival organizers said they named Phil and Toni Scully as the event’s grand marshals.
The Pear Festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 28, in downtown Kelseyville.
Through Scully Packing, Phil, Toni and their family pack and ship pears from about 19 family farms from California’s three major growing regions, Sacramento, Mendocino and Lake County, with Lake County’s premium mountain Bartletts being “the crown jewels,” the festival reported.
The festival said Scully Packing alone ships about 40% of all the California Bartletts destined for consumer markets.
At the same time, Lake County growers still produce about 25% of all the pears grown in California.
Phil and Toni Scully moved their young family to Lake County in 1974, when Phil became manager of The Lake County Fruit Exchange, one of the two largest grower-owned pear packing facilities in the county.
When the Scullys moved to Lake County, there were nine pear packing houses in the county.
Nine years later they went out on their own and acquired Lollilla Packing Co., Lake County's oldest operating packing shed from the Harrell family.
The deal was sealed on Feb 1, 1984, their 20th wedding anniversary, when their sons, Pat and Andy, were ages 17 and 7, respectively, at the time.
“The whole family dug in and over the years replaced the old outdated facility with the efficient packinghouse you see today,” the festival announcement said. “In 1998 they took another leap of faith and bought their second packinghouse, the Scotts Valley Fruit Exchange.”
Brothers Pat and Andy Scully run the day to day farming and packing operations and represent the county in industry forums. Phil Scully is active in sales seasonally.
Toni Scully is active in Lake County California Women for Agriculture and its award winning AgVenture program. CWA also bakes a mountain of pear pies and popovers for sale at the Pear Festival.
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- Written by: Lake County News reports
When an owner of real property in California dies, the county assessor needs to be notified of the owner’s death.
This involves filing the assessor form titled, “Change in Ownership – Death of Real Property Owner” within 150 days of the real property owner’s death.
It is related to (assists) but separate from any transfer in title documents that are filed with the recorder’s office. Many people are unaware of the importance of this assessor form.
The death of real property form is necessary to claim the specific exclusions from reassessment when they apply. That is, the interspousal exclusion, the parent to child exclusion (very limited), the grandparent to grandchild exclusion (even more limited), and the cotenants exclusion (limited) from real property reassessment on the change in ownership as of the prior owner’s date of death. Let us discuss.
The interspousal exclusion applies when an interest in real property is left to the deceased owner’s surviving spouse. The exclusion is relevant whether the surviving spouse receives an outright ownership interest or a beneficial interest through an ongoing trust during the surviving spouse’s lifetime. While the surviving spouse owns or enjoys the use of the real property the often used interspousal exception applies.
If the surviving spouse is not the sole beneficiary, however, then the interspousal exception is reduced to the surviving spouse’s proportionate interest in the property.
For example, if the surviving spouse is one of several trust beneficiaries who live in the deceased owner’s residence, then it is necessary to allocate the shared use of the property amongst the various trust beneficiaries / co-tenants.
If appropriate, that might involve allocating the square feet of the decedent’s residence between the spouse and the rest of the co-tenants (trust beneficiaries) where exclusive use areas within the residence are allocated to the exclusive use tenant and the shared / common areas are divided amongst all tenants.
The parent to child exclusion itself (very limited) also requires the child’s submission of the additional “Claim for Reassessment Exclusion for Transfer Between Parent and Child” Assessor form.
Since Feb. 16, 2021, the parent child exclusion now only applies if the real property was both the deceased parent’s primary residence and the child moves in (or already lives in) the residence within one year of the deceased parent’s death. The child must also claim the homeowner’s exemption to show the home is the child’s primary residence.
The grandparent to grandchild exclusion requires the grandchild’s submission of the additional “Claim for Reassessment Exclusion for Transfer Between Grandparent and Grandchild” Assessor form.
This exclusion is even narrower than the parent child exclusion as it requires not only that the grandchild’s parent (i.e., the deceased real property owner’s own child) be deceased but also that the spouse of that deceased parent (i.e., the deceased real property owner’s daughter-in-law or son-in-law) either be deceased or be remarried.
Lastly, the cotenant exclusion from reassessment requires that the deceased and surviving cotenant (only two cotenants allowed) together own 100% of the property either as tenants in common or joint tenants, for the one-year period immediately preceding the death of one of the cotenants, and that the property was their principal residence for that same period.
Also, the transfer must occur due to a cotenant’s death that results in the surviving cotenant obtaining complete ownership interest. Moreover, the surviving cotenant must sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury affirming that he or she continuously resided at the residence for the one-year period.
Even when no exclusion from reassessment applies, the Death of Real Property Owner form is also required to be filed when no exclusion applies to alert the Assessor that there is a change in ownership.
The foregoing brief discussion is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance.
Dennis A. Fordham, attorney, is a State Bar-Certified Specialist in estate planning, probate and trust law. His office is at 870 S. Main St., Lakeport, Calif. He can be reached at
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- Written by: DENNIS FORDHAM
Limiting the spread of respiratory viruses helps everyone, especially vulnerable members of our community like children, older adults and those who are immunocompromised.
The California Department of Public Health, or CDPH, is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and their loved ones from respiratory viruses.
Respiratory infections like flu, COVID-19, and RSV are common during the fall and winter seasons, and getting immunized against these diseases has been proven safe and effective in preventing serious illness and death in children and adults.
“It’s time to start preparing for the fall and winter virus season, and that means getting immunized against flu, COVID-19, and RSV,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH director and state Public Health officer. “Taking this step means fewer sick days and more time with your loved ones. We are stronger when we are all protected against respiratory diseases."
RECOMMENDED VACCINES: Updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. RSV immunizations are recommended for eligible pregnant people, older adults, infants and toddlers. As always, talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you and your family.
• Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu annually, ideally before the end of October.
• COVID-19: The updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine will be increasingly available throughout California beginning in September for everyone 6 months and older. The updated vaccine is expected to protect against circulating variants throughout the winter.
• RSV: RSV most often spreads between October through March. The following groups should get immunized: Adults aged 75 and older; and adults aged 60-74 at increased risk; Pregnant people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant from September through January; Babies younger than 8 months and children ages 8-19 months who are at high risk for severe RSV.
• The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, so adults who have already received a dose do not need another dose.
SCHEDULING: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can all be administered during the same visit. Schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov, or contacting your local pharmacy or health care provider.
COST: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines will be covered for most people through their health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular health care providers. Those having difficulty obtaining vaccines can contact their health care provider or local health department for help finding a place to get immunized.
Vaccines For Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children (18 and younger) who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of an inability to pay. Contact your doctor to learn if they are enrolled in VFC or visit MyTurn to find a location based on your eligibility.
ADDITIONAL LAYERS OF VIRUS PREVENTION: In addition to vaccines, people can follow simple actions to prevent viruses from spreading:
• Stay home when sick: Staying home when you’re sick prevents the spread of flu, COVID-19, RSV and even the common cold.
• Test and treat: Test for COVID-19 and flu if you have symptoms (like fever, chills, runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, stomach issues). If you test positive, contact your health care provider, and ask about prescription medications, which work best when started right after symptoms begin. Learn more about treatments for both COVID-19 and flu.
• Wear a high-quality mask in indoor public places: Wearing a high-quality mask (N95, KN95) significantly reduces the spread of respiratory viruses, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash hands: Wash hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of viruses. Wash or sanitize your hands and dispose of your tissue after.
• Ventilate indoor spaces: Good ventilation helps reduce the spread of viruses. If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows as much as possible to bring in fresh outdoor air. This can help keep virus particles from building up indoors.
Get more information about respiratory virus prevention by visiting CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses webpage.
The California Department of Public Health, or CDPH, is encouraging all Californians to get vaccinated this season to protect themselves and their loved ones from respiratory viruses.
Respiratory infections like flu, COVID-19, and RSV are common during the fall and winter seasons, and getting immunized against these diseases has been proven safe and effective in preventing serious illness and death in children and adults.
“It’s time to start preparing for the fall and winter virus season, and that means getting immunized against flu, COVID-19, and RSV,” said Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, CDPH director and state Public Health officer. “Taking this step means fewer sick days and more time with your loved ones. We are stronger when we are all protected against respiratory diseases."
RECOMMENDED VACCINES: Updated 2024-2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. RSV immunizations are recommended for eligible pregnant people, older adults, infants and toddlers. As always, talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccines are right for you and your family.
• Flu: Everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated against the flu annually, ideally before the end of October.
• COVID-19: The updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine will be increasingly available throughout California beginning in September for everyone 6 months and older. The updated vaccine is expected to protect against circulating variants throughout the winter.
• RSV: RSV most often spreads between October through March. The following groups should get immunized: Adults aged 75 and older; and adults aged 60-74 at increased risk; Pregnant people who are 32-36 weeks pregnant from September through January; Babies younger than 8 months and children ages 8-19 months who are at high risk for severe RSV.
• The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine, so adults who have already received a dose do not need another dose.
SCHEDULING: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines can all be administered during the same visit. Schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov, or contacting your local pharmacy or health care provider.
COST: Flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines will be covered for most people through their health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular health care providers. Those having difficulty obtaining vaccines can contact their health care provider or local health department for help finding a place to get immunized.
Vaccines For Children (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children (18 and younger) who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of an inability to pay. Contact your doctor to learn if they are enrolled in VFC or visit MyTurn to find a location based on your eligibility.
ADDITIONAL LAYERS OF VIRUS PREVENTION: In addition to vaccines, people can follow simple actions to prevent viruses from spreading:
• Stay home when sick: Staying home when you’re sick prevents the spread of flu, COVID-19, RSV and even the common cold.
• Test and treat: Test for COVID-19 and flu if you have symptoms (like fever, chills, runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, stomach issues). If you test positive, contact your health care provider, and ask about prescription medications, which work best when started right after symptoms begin. Learn more about treatments for both COVID-19 and flu.
• Wear a high-quality mask in indoor public places: Wearing a high-quality mask (N95, KN95) significantly reduces the spread of respiratory viruses, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Wash hands: Wash hands throughout the day with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Remember to cough or sneeze into your elbow, your arm, or a disposable tissue to help prevent the spread of viruses. Wash or sanitize your hands and dispose of your tissue after.
• Ventilate indoor spaces: Good ventilation helps reduce the spread of viruses. If it is safe to do so, open doors and windows as much as possible to bring in fresh outdoor air. This can help keep virus particles from building up indoors.
Get more information about respiratory virus prevention by visiting CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses webpage.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports
Moving to protect the health and well-being of youth on digital platforms, Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed SB 976 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), which prohibits online platforms from knowingly providing an addictive feed to a minor without parental consent.
The bill also prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during school hours and late at night.
“Every parent knows the harm social media addiction can inflict on their children – isolation from human contact, stress and anxiety, and endless hours wasted late into the night. With this bill, California is helping protect children and teenagers from purposely designed features that feed these destructive habits. I thank Senator Skinner for advancing this important legislation that puts children’s well-being first,” said Gov. Newsom.
Friday’s action builds on the enactment of bipartisan legislation in 2022 to require that online platforms consider the best interest of child users and to default to privacy and safety settings that protect children’s mental and physical health and well-being.
The state continues to defend the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act from a lawsuit challenging the first-in-the-nation law.
“As a mother, I’m proud of California’s continued leadership in holding technology companies accountable for their products and ensuring those products are not harmful to children. Thank you to the governor and Senator Skinner for taking a critical step in protecting children and ensuring their safety is prioritized over companies’ profits,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
The bill also prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications to minors during school hours and late at night.
“Every parent knows the harm social media addiction can inflict on their children – isolation from human contact, stress and anxiety, and endless hours wasted late into the night. With this bill, California is helping protect children and teenagers from purposely designed features that feed these destructive habits. I thank Senator Skinner for advancing this important legislation that puts children’s well-being first,” said Gov. Newsom.
Friday’s action builds on the enactment of bipartisan legislation in 2022 to require that online platforms consider the best interest of child users and to default to privacy and safety settings that protect children’s mental and physical health and well-being.
The state continues to defend the California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act from a lawsuit challenging the first-in-the-nation law.
“As a mother, I’m proud of California’s continued leadership in holding technology companies accountable for their products and ensuring those products are not harmful to children. Thank you to the governor and Senator Skinner for taking a critical step in protecting children and ensuring their safety is prioritized over companies’ profits,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
- Details
- Written by: Lake County News reports