LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The county of Lake is seeking four individuals to serve on a committee that will plan community visioning forums focused on promoting tolerance, respect, equity and inclusion in Lake County.
On Feb. 23, the Board of Supervisors unanimously proclaimed that promoting tolerance, respect, equity and inclusion is among its top priorities, as shown in the video above.
At that meeting, each supervisor read a portion of the proclamation and affirmed their commitment to hosting Community Visioning Forums to unearth priorities in the following categories:
· Meaningful actions and activities that will build bridges where there may be walls;
· Fostering tolerance, respect, understanding, equity and inclusion;
· Promotion nonviolence and nonviolent conflict resolution;
· Focusing resources on underlying causes and conditions that lead to inequitable resource and justice distribution; and
· Relevant solutions for any social injustices, as they may come to light.
Board members are working to develop these listening sessions now, and looking for four community members that can help ensure they are inclusive and effective.
“For nearly 80 years,” said District 4 Supervisor Tina Scott, “Americans have cast the vision that our nation should be, ‘indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’ That isn’t a simple objective that can be outlined once, accomplished, and crossed off a list. It is a call, in everything we do, to ask the hard questions, and strive toward a more perfect union.”
“It is also a demand to develop policies that offer all of our neighbors an equal opportunity to thrive,” said District 3 Supervisor Eddie Crandell. “It is a privilege to partner with and inspire Lake County residents to promote that ideal.”
Does the board’s proclamation resonate with you? Do you have experience designing effective and engaging events?
To apply for a spot on the Community Visioning Forum Planning Committee click here.
I study migration, so I began tracking the enormous changes in how and where people could move around the world. The COVID Border Accountability Project, founded in May 2020, maps travel and immigration restrictions introduced by countries in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here is how our world shuttered – and how it’s starting to reopen.
1. March 11: It begins
Travel restrictions peaked right after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic on March 11. That week, our data shows a total of 348 countries closing their borders, completely or partially.
Complete closures restrict access to all noncitizens at international borders. Partial closures – a category encompassing border closures and travel bans – restrict access at some borders, or bar people from some, but not all, countries.
2. Fully closed borders
Most countries stopped all foreign travelers from entering at some point last year.
From Finland to Sri Lanka to Tonga, 189 countries – home to roughly 65% of the world’s 7.7 billion people – put a complete border closure in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to our database. The first to isolate itself from the world was North Korea, on Jan. 22, 2020. The last was Bahrain, on June 4, 2020.
Most countries eventually eased border restrictions, and many opened their borders only to close them again as COVID-19 cases spread globally. By the end of 2020, roughly half of all countries remained completely closed to noncitizens and non-visa holders except for essential travel related to health emergencies, humanitarian or diplomatic missions, commerce or family reunification.
3. Targeted bans and partial closures
Last year 193 countries closed down partially, restricting access to people from specific countries or closing some – but not all – of their land and sea borders.
Among these, 98 countries introduced targeted bans, which restricted entry to specific groups of people based on their recent travel or nationality. The first travel bans targeted China, followed soon by other countries that experienced the earliest known outbreaks of the novel coronavirus.
Most countries added land border closures to air travel bans, including the United States. In March the Trump administration closed its borders with Canada and Mexico.
4. Restrictions on US residents
Americans faced serious restrictions on their movement last year, too. People in the U.S., with its high COVID-19 spread, were barred from 190 countries either specifically – via a travel ban – or generally, due to closed borders.
The U.S. passport, usually one of the world’s most powerful for travel access to other countries, ranked 18th place in 2020. Regions newly off-limits to Americans include most of Europe and nearly all South America.
5. Visa seekers and immigrants
Of the 98 countries that implemented targeted bans, 42 specifically restricted all visa seekers from entering the country. The week following the U.S. closure of immigration offices worldwide, 20 countries, including the Philippines, Benin and Nepal, stopped issuing all visas. More than 100 visa bans barred visa seekers from specific countries or groups.
In September, the Trump administration halted the U.S. asylum program, barring refugees from seeking asylum. The only other country that explicitly targeted immigrants and asylum seekers with a COVID-19 travel ban was Hungary.
The world today
I initially wondered whether international travel restrictions would stay in place after the pandemic ended, leading to more permanent restrictions on freedom of movement.
But, by and large, the world is reopening. By the end of last year, 137 of the world’s 189 complete closures had been lifted, and 66 of the 98 targeted bans had ended.
In addition to the staggering numbers of closures and the occasional international spats, I’ve been struck by the level of cooperation between countries, especially within the European Union. Virtually every EU country complied with the bloc’s travel recommendations – a testament to its ability to manage crisis as a unified region.
Travel restrictions will continue to emerge, end and evolve, dependent on context. As wealthier countries vaccinate their populations at rapid speed, less equipped countries continue to suffer severe outbreaks. International travel may soon require a COVID-19 “vaccination card.” New targeted travel bans could emerge.
“Normal” is a long way away.
Nikolas Lazar, Thuy Nguyen and the COBAP Team assisted with this story.
A stolen trailer located in Lucerne, California, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. At the location, numerous stolen items, as well as weapons and drugs were located. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Authorities arrested a Ceres couple last week who were found living in a stolen travel trailer in the hills above Lucerne with drugs, weapons and stolen tools.
John Wesley Buckhanan, 37, and Rochelle Ellene Slaybaugh, 32, were arrested on Wednesday, March 17, according to Lt. C orey Paulich of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Paulich said that at 8 a.m. March 17, Lake County Sheriff’s deputies were contacted by the Ukiah Police Department, which had received information regarding a burglary that had occurred in the city of Ukiah.
The victim reported locating one of the stolen items in an unpopulated area on Fulton Road in Lucerne, Paulich said.
From left, John Wesley Buckhanan, 37, and Rochelle Ellene Slaybaugh, 32, both of Ceres, California, were arrested on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, after being found in possession of stolen tools, drugs and weapons. Lake County Jail photos. The deputies went to the location on Fulton Road where Paulich said they located a Keystone travel trailer that was not hooked to any utilities.
The deputies made contact with the trailer’s two occupants, identified as Buckhanan and Slaybaugh. Paulich said a records check showed Buckhanan had a felony arrest warrant out of Stanislaus County related to stolen property and was placed under arrest for the warrant. Further investigation also revealed that that travel trailer was reported stolen out of Stanislaus County.
Paulich said the deputies conducted a search of the trailer and surrounding area, locating numerous tools that were reported stolen by the victim in Ukiah.
The theft victim was able to come to the Fulton Road location, identify the items that were stolen and recover them, Paulich said.
Stolen items were located at a stolen trailer located in Lucerne, California, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies also located a short-barreled shotgun, a handgun and ammunition for various guns, miscellaneous rifle parts, burglary tools, and small amounts for heroin and methamphetamine, according to Paulich’s report.
Paulich said Buckhanan was transported and booked at the Lake County Jail on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, and possession of controlled substances.
Buckhanan remains in custody related to his warrant and being a felon in possession of a firearm, with bail set at $170,000, according to jail records.
Paulich said Slaybaugh was arrested and transported to the Lake County Jail where she was booked on the charge of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
The sheriff’s office is also requesting the district attorney seek additional charges against Slaybaugh for possession of stolen property, possession of a short barreled shotgun, and possession of controlled substances, Paulich said.
A dive helmet found at a stolen trailer in Lucerne, California, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Due to $0 bail rules, Paulich said Slaybaugh was not able to be held in jail on these charges.
Sheriff’s detectives will be attempting to identify victims for additional items that were located and believed stolen, Paulich said.
Paulich told Lake County News that the sheriff’s office sent the location to Community Development for possible abatement.
He said the sheriff’s office had no previous contact with Buckhanan and only one prior minimal contact with Slaybaugh.
The sheriff’s office reminded the public to take a moment when purchasing items to document serial numbers. This can be easily done by taking a photo or video with a cell phone. This will assist law enforcement with identifying and returning property if it is stolen.
A second dive helmet found at a stolen trailer in Lucerne, California, on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Photo courtesy of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – After a months-long closure due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Museums of Lake County are set to reopen to the public.
The museum system – which includes the Historic Courthouse Museum in Lakeport, the Schoolhouse Museum in Lower Lake and the Gibson Museum in Middletown – will reopen to the public on Thursday, March 25, Lake County Public Services reported.
Social distancing and masking will be required at all times in the facility in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, county officials said.
When Lake County went into the most restrictive purple tier on the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy at the end of November, restrictions included closure of facilities like museums.
However, last week Lake County dropped into the less-restrictive red tier, allowing for reopening of some sectors, as Lake County News has reported.
The days and hours of operation at each museum site will be Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Historic Courthouse Museum will resume normal hours of operation as staffing allows.
Museum visitors can sanitize their hands with sanitizer readily available throughout the building.
Staff will be monitoring the building to ensure the capacity limits set by California state guidelines are not exceeded.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The system of highway motorist aid call boxes is undergoing updates.
The Lake Area Planning Council, the local agency responsible for maintaining the Call Box Program in Lake County, the Lake Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies, or SAFE, is currently working to facilitate a necessary, systemwide upgrade.
APC said the majority of call boxes in Lake County operate on cellular service, and the service provider has recently transitioned from 3G to 4G network technology.
The internal radios of the call boxes were designed to work with the former 3G service. As a result, the APC said some boxes could become inoperable until their hardware can be upgraded for compatibility with the newer cellular signal.
The APC said its staff is working closely with the provider and technicians to upgrade the radios. However, progress has been delayed by the limited availability of the new radios and statewide demand.
While working through this upgrade process, APC said its staff continues to monitor and place call boxes in out-of-service status until they begin operating correctly.
The APC said the Lake SAFE program appreciates the patience of all travelers during this transition and upgrade.
To report a call box not working properly, please call 707-234-3314.
The GPS-collared gray wolf known as OR-93 continues to travel farther south in California than the collared wolves that have preceded him.
OR-93 has traversed a significant distance since the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced he was in Modoc County in early February.
Over the past few weeks, he moved from Mono County, through parts of Tuolumne, Mariposa, Merced and Madera counties.
The last collar reading showed the wolf in agricultural areas in central Fresno County, officials reported.
OR-93 is a young male that dispersed from Oregon’s White River pack, southeast of Mt. Hood.
He was fitted with a tracking collar by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs within the White River pack’s territory in June 2020. Like many young wolves, he subsequently left his pack in search of a new territory and/or a mate.
Gray wolves are listed as endangered pursuant to California’s Endangered Species Act, or CESA. It is unlawful to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap or capture gray wolves.
Gray wolves pose very little safety risk to humans. CDFW is working to monitor and conserve California’s small wolf population and is collaborating with livestock producers and diverse stakeholders to minimize wolf-livestock conflicts.
CDFW will continue to monitor his whereabouts with the cooperation of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Cal Fire investigators said they’ve traced the cause of last year’s Zogg fire in Shasta County to a tree that hit electrical equipment operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
The Zogg fire began on Sept. 27, 2020, on Zogg Mine Road and Jenny Bird Lane, north of the community of Igo.
The fire ultimately burned a total of 56,338 acres in Shasta and Tehama counties, destroyed 204 structures and caused four civilian fatalities and one non-life-threatening injury, Cal Fire said.
Cal Fire said its investigators were immediately dispatched to the Zogg fire and began working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
After “a meticulous and thorough investigation,” Cal Fire said it has determined that the Zogg fire was caused by a pine tree contacting electrical distribution lines owned and operated by PG&E located north of Igo.
In response to Cal Fire’s report, PG&E issued a statement in which the company said, "The loss of life and devastation in the communities impacted by the Zogg Fire is tragic, and we recognize that nothing can heal the hearts of those who have lost so much. We also thank the courageous first responders who saved lives, protected property and worked to contain and put out the fire.”
PG&E said it has fully cooperated with Cal Fire’s investigation.
“While we have not been given access to Cal Fire's report or evidence it collected, we look forward to reviewing both when we are allowed to do so. We filed an Electric Incident Report with the California Public Utilities Commission on Oct. 9, 2020, related to the Zogg Fire,” the company reported.
PG&E said it remains focused “on continuing to reduce wildfire risk throughout our system and executing on the commitments made in our 2021 Wildfire Mitigation Plan,” which include new electric grid technology, hardening of the electric system, accelerated inspections of electric infrastructure, enhanced vegetation management around power lines, and real-time monitoring and situational awareness tools to better understand how severe weather can impact PG&E's system.
“PG&E's most important responsibility is the safety of our customers and communities we serve. As the threat of extreme weather continues to impact portions of California, we remain focused on preventing major wildfires and are committed to our mission to safely deliver energy to our customers and communities,” the company said.
The Zogg Fire investigative report has been forwarded to the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office, Cal Fire said.
All branches of the Lake County Library System are open their normal operating hours for in-person browsing. Photo credit Lake County Library. LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Starting Tuesday, March 23, all branches of the Lake County Library are open for browsing and checkout of materials.
A mask covering the nose and mouth and social distancing is required.
Library visitors can sanitize their hands with sanitizer readily available throughout the building.
Safety remains a top priority. Staff will be monitoring the building to make sure the library doesn't go over capacity limits set by California state guidelines.
The library is asking visitors to limit the amount of time they spend in the library to ensure equal access.
Due to their smaller size, entry to the Middletown and Upper Lake branches will be by appointment only. Please call the Middletown branch at 707-987-3674 or the Upper Lake branch at 707-275-2049 to set up an appointment.
The public computers providing access to the library's blazing fast Internet connection will be available as well. There are fewer computer stations open to ensure proper social distancing.
Despite the previous restrictions on in-person services like browsing the shelves, the library remained open by providing contactless pick up of books and materials. The library also lent notebook computers to use in the parking lot with the library Wi-Fi.
Over the past year, the library expanded its digital offerings and saw even more residents taking advantage of eBooks, streaming video, and downloadable audiobooks than ever before.
Digital checkouts are up 62 percent compared to the year before.
While people can now come inside for in-person browsing and computer use, safety precautions are still in place.
The library will continue to use Zoom for its book clubs, crafting clubs, and other events. Amy is one of the library staff members who hosts events online for the library. She has seen the events help connect people despite social distancing. "We've seen some people join our clubs that couldn't make it in person before, so it's been really fun to continue these meetings online," she said.
You can register for library events on their website or by contacting your local branch over the phone.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors will return to a meeting format that will be open to in-person participation from community members thanks to changes in state restrictions for Lake County.
With the county moving into the red tier last week on the state’s COVID-19 Blueprint for a Safer Economy, the board will return to a hybrid meeting model that includes both Zoom and in-person participation by the public in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St. in Lakeport. The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8, online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx and on the county’s Facebook page. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
The meeting ID is 939 2613 1795, password 755349. The meeting also can be accessed via one tap mobile at +16699006833,,93926131795#,,,,*755349# US.
All interested members of the public that do not have internet access or a Mediacom cable subscription are encouraged to call 669-900-6833, and enter the Zoom meeting ID and passcode information above.
At 9:06 a.m., the board will get its weekly update on COVID-19 from Public Health Officer Dr. Gary Pace.
At 10:15 a.m., the county will present the Employee Service Awards.
At 10:30 a.m., the board will consider a report from the Lake County Tourism Improvement District on its activities over the past year and approve an agreement between the county of Lake and Visit Lake County California for the provision of administrative services in the amount of $78,000 from March 2, 2021 to June 30, 2021, and authorize the chair to sign.
County Administrative Officer Carol Huchingson’s report to the board states that the board passed a resolution on June 19, 2018, declaring the intention to establish the Lake County Tourism Improvement District, or LCTID.
The LCTID Board is composed of lodging business owners, a representative from the county of Lake, the city of Clearlake and the city of Lakeport as well as other tourism representatives and was seated on Nov. 7, 2018, Huchingson said.
She said the official manager of the LCTID is Visit Lake County California, a 501(c)3 organization which acts as the owners’ association for the LCTID.
“With the establishment of the LCTID and its own revenue stream, County staff are no longer engaged in tourism marketing directly and funds previously used for direct services are now provided to the LCTID for marketing and destination tourism activities, which promote the local economy,” Huchingson said.
Huchingson asked for the board’s approval of the agreement, which authorizes the county to provide funds for the purpose of marketing Lake County.
“Historically, the funds for these services have been directed to multiple vendors. With the creation of the LCTID the funds can now be directed to one vendor (Visit Lake County California) which will be responsible for promoting Lake County as a tourist, meeting and event destination,” Huchingson said.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: (A) Approve the purchase of a Probewell Electric Meter; and (B) approve a budget transfer; and (c) authorize the ag commissioner/sealer to sign the purchase order.
5.2: Adopt resolution authorizing the agreement between the county of Lake and the Sierra Health Foundation: Center for Health Program Management Services for the period of Sept. 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021, and authorize the Behavioral Health Services director to sign the agreement.
5.3: A) Authorize the district attorney/assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order for $6,662.55 to L.C. Action Police Supply for eight Glock duty weapons; and B) approve budget transfer in Budget Unit 2110, District Attorney Department to Object Code 62-74, to purchase duty weapons for district attorney investigators.
5.4: (a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest due to the unique nature of goods or services; and (b) approve the first amendment to the agreement between the county of Lake and Management Connections for Temporary Staffing Support Services completed during Fiscal Year 2020-21 for a sum of $150,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the amendment.
5.5: Approve utility agreement between the county of Lake and Lower Lake County Waterworks District No. 1 for the relocation of a water main on the Clayton Creek Road at Clayton Creek Bridge Replacement Project; Bid No. 20-10; Federal Aid Project No: BRLO-5914(077).
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:06 a.m.: Consideration of update on COVID-19.
6.3, 9:45 a.m.: Public hearing, vacatIon of a roadway known as Arabian Lane (CR#148D) in the Hidden Valley Lake area.
6.4, 10:15 a.m.: Presentation of Employee Service Awards.
6.5, 10:30 a.m.: (a) Consideration of report from the Lake County Tourism Improvement District on its activities over the past year; and (b) approve agreement between the county of Lake and Visit Lake County California for the provision of administrative services in the amount of $78,000 from March 2, 2021 to June 30, 2021, and authorize the chair to sign.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Conference with legal counsel: Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9 (d)(2)(e)(3): Claim of Earthways Inc.
8.2: Public employee evaluation: Title, Health Services director.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
New research released by the nonpartisan California Policy Lab finds that contrary to suggestions about a mass exodus from California, most moves in 2020 happened within the state.
Exits from California in 2020 largely mirrored historical patterns, while the biggest statewide change was a decrease in people moving into California.
Using a new dataset of quarterly credit bureau data, the research team analyzed where Californians from each county moved after the pandemic struck in March 2020.
“While a mass exodus from California clearly didn’t happen in 2020, the pandemic did change some historical patterns, for example, fewer people moved into the state to replace those who left,” explains author Natalie Holmes, a Research Fellow at the California Policy Lab and a graduate student at the Goldman School of Public Policy at UC Berkeley. “At the county level, however, San Francisco is experiencing a unique and dramatic exodus, which is causing 50 percent or 100 percent increases in Bay Area in-migration for some counties in the Sierras.”
“Some folks seem to be worried about the tax implications of wealthy individuals leaving the state, but we don’t yet see any dramatic evidence that rich households are fleeing California en masse,” comments Evan White, executive director of the California Policy Lab at UC Berkeley. “Unfortunately, because the state relies heavily on income taxes on the uber-wealthy, the departure of even small numbers of wealthy people could negatively impact revenues if they aren’t replaced with new entrants.”
This is the first published analysis using a new dataset of quarterly credit and residency information that CPL will use to inform the state’s understanding of mobility, wildfire impacts, financial well-being and student loans.
The data shows that Lake County had 1,062 exits in Q4 of 2020, down by 2.5 percent over the prior year. At the same time, Lake County had 1,148 entrances, up by 1.4 percent over the same time period in 2019. The total share of the population that moved was 3.2 percent.
Fifteen counties had lower exit rates than Lake County, based on the data.
Among the key findings, the study discovered that the share of movers that leave the state has grown slightly since 2015, from 16 percent to 18 percent, a trend that continued in 2020 with no marked increase.
Historically, the number of people leaving California tracks the number of people entering California, but this pattern deviated in Q4 2020, when 267,000 people left the state and only 128,000 entered.
The research also found that there is no evidence that wealthy households are leaving the state en masse. Their rates of exit track trends in less wealthy areas.
Net exits from San Francisco from the end of March to the end of the year increased 649 percent as compared to the same period in 2019, from 5,200 net exits to 38,800.
Researchers also found that approximately two-thirds of people who moved out of San Francisco remained within the 11-county Bay Area economic region, and 80 percent remained in California.
Counties in the Sierra Nevada mountains and other parts of Northern California saw huge increases in entrances by former Bay Area residents, with 50 percent and in some cases 100 plus more in-migrants in 2020 as compared to 2019.
This analysis uses the University of California Consumer Credit Panel, or UC-CCP, a new dataset created through a partnership between the California Policy Lab, the Student Borrower Protection Center and the Student Loan Law Initiative.
The UC-CCP consists of data from Experian, and contains longitudinal information about adults with a credit history who have lived in California since 2004.
Data includes each person’s zip code of residence, as reported by creditors, and credit information at a quarterly frequency. We define moves as changes in zip codes from one quarter to the next.
The analysis is focused on reported moves – defined as the date when that move is reported to financial institutions and shows up in the dataset – which are expected to lag behind actual moves.
More information about methodology is included in the report.
Sean Coffey writes for the UC Berkeley News Center and the California Policy Lab.
This male tuxedo cat is in cat room kennel No. 39, ID No. 14359. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Male tuxedo cat
This male tuxedo cat has a short black and white coat and green eyes.
He is in cat room kennel No. 39, ID No. 14359.
This young male domestic short hair cat is in kennel No. 66, ID No. 14417. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. Male domestic short hair
This young male domestic short hair cat has a black coat and gold eyes
He is in kennel No. 66, ID No. 14417.
“Buddy” is a male domestic short hair cat in cat room kennel No. 100, ID No. 14384. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control. ‘Buddy’
“Buddy” is a male domestic short hair cat with a flame point and white coat and blue eyes.
He has been neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 100, ID No. 14384.
This male domestic short hair cat is in cat room kennel No. 142, ID No. 14386. Photo courtesy of Lake County Animal Care and Control.
Male domestic short hair cat
This male domestic short hair cat has a black and white coat and green eyes.
He has been neutered.
He’s in cat room kennel No. 142, ID No. 14386.
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.
Artichokes are the immature buds of a plant in the thistle family. Photo by Esther Oertel. LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – To celebrate peak season for artichokes, I thought it would be fun to begin today’s column with an ode to this delectable fare.
Oh, prickly globe of humble leaf Grown on ocean cliffs so steep You woo us with your inner heart Your thorns shock fingers like a dart
We seek you for your tasty flesh And love you when you’re on our dish We dig through leaves for our reward, That tender disc which thorns do guard
Oh, artichoke, how you please! With oil, butter, or mayonnaise We peel a leaf, we take a bite (What’s left behind does look a sight!)
Oh, artichoke, you’re worth the time It takes to eat your parts sublime You make for us a mighty feast With heart, and each and every leaf
Groaning aside, the artichoke is a vegetable worthy of an ode, don’t you think? It’s mysterious, after all, as well as metaphorical and unique.
As to mystery, who ate the first one? What prompted that curious soul to look past the thorns and discover tasty flesh inside?
Its prickly leaves and tender heart evoke endless metaphors:
You can’t judge a book by its cover.
Good things take time.
Life unfolds like the leaves of an artichoke.
One must dig deep for hidden treasure.
A thorny exterior belies a tender heart within.
Patience wins all.
And its uniqueness speaks for itself. There is no other vegetable quite like it.
Peak season for artichokes is from March to May, and almost 100 percent of the U.S. artichoke crop is cultivated in California, with Monterey County – specifically Castroville and surrounding areas – accounting for a whopping 75 percent of it. Apparently the moderate coastal clime of that area and its fog-shrouded fields bode well for its growth.
Not surprisingly, Castroville, which began hosting its artichoke festival in 1956, has been dubbed the artichoke capital of the world.
And the town has an additional, if lesser known, claim to fame: Marilyn Monroe, then a barely recognizable starlet, was crowned Castroville’s artichoke queen in 1948.
Artichoke plants are large, with spiny, arching, ferny leaves that spread to up to six feet in diameter and stalks that grow to about three or four feet in height.
Edible artichokes are officially known as globe artichokes, and there are a number of varieties in varying sizes and shades of green and purple.
The part we eat is actually an immature bud that develops in various sizes depending on which part of the stalk it resides. The largest artichokes grow at the top of the stalk, medium ones grow from side shoots, and “baby” (or petite) artichokes grow at the base of the stalk hidden in the leaves.
“Baby” artichokes are fully mature but of a smaller size. The fuzzy portion near the heart doesn’t develop on them, making them easier to prepare.
If the buds are allowed to mature, they flower into a violet, thistle-like bloom, appropriate for this member of the thistle group of the sunflower family.
Artichokes grow wild in southern Europe and northern Africa and were first developed for cultivation in Sicily, Italy. They were later cultivated by the African Moors near Granada, Spain in about 800 A.D.
It was Spanish settlers who brought them to California in the 1600s, but they didn’t achieve popularity here until more than three centuries later, in the 1920s.
They were mentioned in the literature of the Greeks and Romans as far back as 77 A.D. In fact, shortly before his death, Pliny the Elder, an oft-quoted Roman author and naturalist, said they were one of “earth’s monstrosities.” Clearly he wasn’t a fan.
Artichokes contain more than nine powerful antioxidants that contribute to our health in a diverse array of ways, from promoting cardiovascular health to inhibiting the growth of cancer cells to aiding in the regeneration of liver tissue.
They’re also full of fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium.
The best artichokes are globes that are heavy for their size with tight leaves. Don’t choose those that are dry looking or turning brown. If leaves are open, it means the artichoke is past its prime.
Artichokes may be stored in your fridge in a plastic bag, unwashed, for up to four days.
Before using, wash artichokes well, and if homegrown, be sure to tap them upside down in the sink. This helps remove any critters that may have made the leaves their home.
Artichokes are most commonly steamed, but they can be boiled, grilled, or roasted. If using the latter two methods, I recommend parboiling them first to tenderize the leaves and then finishing on the grill or in the oven to infuse the rich, smoky flavor that these methods impart.
When steaming, the top half-inch or so may be cut off to remove prickly thorns and, for the same reason, the tips of each leaf may be trimmed with scissors. I often slice artichokes in half to reduce the cooking time. I clean out the fuzz near the heart before popping into the steamer.
Artichoke stems are tasty and needn’t be completely removed before cooking. A couple inches may be left intact and lightly peeled.
A garlic clove, bay leaf, or slice of lemon (even all three) may be added to the water that steams the artichokes to impart flavor.
Artichokes may be served cold or hot, and are often accompanied by mayonnaise (usually when served cold), melted butter, or garlic-infused olive oil. I especially love them with a sauce of mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fresh dill.
In Italy and parts of France, raw artichoke hearts are shaved and tossed in salads with a vinaigrette dressing and shavings of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
In Sicily, a mixture that includes bread crumbs, garlic, olive oil, anchovies, and cheese is stuffed between the bracts (the official term for an artichoke’s leaves) and then baked in the oven.
Polish cooks braise artichoke hearts in white wine and garlic, while Moroccans bake them with lamb.
I have to say that the most unusual use of artichokes I’ve seen is in the Italian liqueur cynar. This bitter aperitif is made with 13 different plants, the most predominant being the artichoke.
Today’s recipe, cream of artichoke heart soup, is a spin on one by Giada De Laurentis of the Food Network. Its delicate flavor and creamy texture marry well with a salad of hearts of Romaine lettuce tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
If frozen artichoke hearts are unavailable, canned or home-cooked ones may be used. (Just be sure the canned variety is not marinated.) If you prefer not to use cream, plain yogurt may be substituted, or add an extra potato and forgo the dairy all together.
As to my ode, I may have broken some poetry etiquette through its creation. According to thinkquest.org, “An ode is a poem that is written for an occasion or on a particular subject. They are usually dignified and more serious as a form than other forms of poetry. Unfortunately, today's society has distinctly less respect for propriety, morality, and dignity. Modern odes include sarcastic poems about various subjects, including Velcro and vegetables. “
I hope you’ll forgive me. At least mine wasn’t sarcastic; I meant every word.
Cream of artichoke heart soup
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 leeks, white part only, washed well and chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1 small potato, peeled and chopped 1 (8 or 10 ounces) package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed 2 cups stock of your choice ½ teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper ¼ - ½ cup heavy cream
Heat olive oil in a heavy, large pot over medium heat.
Add the leeks and the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the artichokes, stock, salt, and pepper and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
Off heat, use a handheld immersion blender to puree the soup.
Add the cream to taste and blend again to combine.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed, and heat to serving temperature.
Makes about four servings.
Esther Oertel is a writer and passionate home cook from a family of chefs. She grew up in a restaurant, where she began creating recipes from a young age. She’s taught culinary classes in a variety of venues in Lake County and previously wrote “The Veggie Girl” column for Lake County News. Most recently she’s taught culinary classes at Sur La Table in Santa Rosa. She lives in Middletown.
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