UPPER LAKE, Calif. – In the wake of last week’s cancellation of Upper Lake’s holiday light parade due to weather, another community event to celebrate the season will be held on Friday, Dec. 13.
The holiday party and visit from Santa will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Main Street and at the IOOF Hall.
Santa will visit with children and the Upper Lake High School Senior Class will serve hot cocoa.
Upper Lake High wrestling team members will sell tri-tip sandwiches, chili and whole tri-tips, while the Upper Lake eighth graders will sell hot cocoa and hot cider.
Community members are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift and donate it to Northshore Fire’s toy drive on Dec. 20 or drop it off at the Nice Fire Station, or stop in at Vintage Deli BBQ and donate to its inaugural Lake County Toy Drive Giveaway on Dec. 14 at the Upper Lake Grange Hall.
Lighted holiday floats and vehicles also will be on display.
Kathleen Wilber, University of Southern California
Scams of elders are common during the holidays, when companies prey on people’s loneliness and longing to help their families. Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com
The holiday season brings up memories and emotions for people of all ages, but elders are often overlooked. This time of year also can provide an opportunity to become more alert to signs of elder abuse, aware of how to help and available to begin sincere conversations with older adults about their perceptions of abuse and the remedies they recommend.
The World Health Organization estimates that one in six older adults worldwide is a victim of elder abuse. As the global population grows grayer, this issue is only expected to increase. There are now more adults age 65 or older than there are children under five, and the number of adults age 85 or older is projected to triple from today, exceeding 425 million by 2050, according to the United Nations.
As director of the Secure Old Age Lab at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, I have spent the past several decades devoted to researching issues and interventions around elder abuse. It is important to recognize that there are actions family members and friends can take to prevent abuse while respecting the dignity and autonomy of their older relatives.
Financial abuse of older adults
Financial fraud is rife this time of year. That’s because the holidays can be a peak season for scammers who capitalize on the generosity of their victims.
Financial elder abuse is a growing problem that, while likely underreported, can cost older Americans approximately US$3 billion to $37 billion each year, according to National Council on Aging estimates.
Here are some examples:
An older adult is contacted by someone claiming to represent a charity and is convinced to wire a donation right away.
A grandparent gets a call from an alleged grandchild facing an emergency – they could be in jail in a foreign country, or in an accident out of state – and in urgent need of money to save them from a horrific fate.
An unsuspecting senior is congratulated for winning a sweepstakes and told to pay a processing fee with a gift card that is then quickly depleted of its value.
Beyond stranger danger
While it is important to be on the lookout for the variety of scams targeting older adults, it is also important to know that most elder abuse is committed by family members. And, abuse by family members often goes beyond the financial to the emotional and even the physical.
The consequences cost lives: One study found that older adults who have been abused have a more than 200% higher risk of death when compared to those who have not been mistreated. Additional research associates elder abuse with serious social and physical injuries, including increased risk for depression, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and nursing home placements.
Why it’s hard to stop
One of the most challenging aspects in addressing elder abuse is in determining what is and is not a good outcome. Of course, putting an end to all forms of abuse is desired but at what cost? If the solution to being abused by a family member at home involves the older adult being placed in a facility against his or her will, many people might, correctly in some cases, not consider that a successful resolution.
In addition to stigma, shame and fear of retribution, these concerns may prevent victims from seeking help. Medical providers, who are mandated to report abuse to Adult Protective Services, have also expressed concerns that filing reports can sometimes lead to more harm being done if patients lose trust or resist treatment as a result.
Several state and national studies, largely funded by the National Institute of Aging and the National Institute of Justice, are currently underway to help inform the development of improved programs and effective treatment options. My USC colleague Diana Homeier and I designed a pilot program that, according to preliminary reports, may show promise. In this program, a team member is assigned to visit victims at home. He or she then represents the victim’s perspective to our team of medical and legal professionals, who discuss cases and determine the best course of action.
At the individual level, there are small steps we can all take to prevent and address elder abuse.
Provide social support: It is important to ensure that older adults don’t become isolated. Be sure to check in on them or ask others to do so if you are not close by.
Give caregivers a break: Caregiver stress may contribute to forms of abuse. It can be alleviated by making sure they get the support and respite they need.
Pay attention to details: Notice the appearance of bruises on the body and the disappearance of money from bank accounts.
Start conversations: Older parents should be clear with their children and caretakers about what they want as they age. Elder abuse should be openly discussed as the stigma around it only helps hide it.
Know where to go: Call 911 in an emergency, or Adult Protective Services in your county. Also The National Center on Elder Abuse has resources available online.
Perhaps the most meaningful gift you can give an older adult, and your future self, is attention to their health and safety and wishes not just during the holidays but all the days of the year.
A belted kingfisher. Photo by Brad Barnwell. LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – This year, the annual Clear Lake Christmas Bird Count, held by the Redbud Audubon Society, will be on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The Christmas Bird Count, or CBC, is a traditional project of Audubon societies around the country.
Previous to the bird count, at the Thursday Dec. 12, Redbud Audubon Society meeting, Brad and Kathy Barnwell will present an extensive slide show and discussion of distinguishing features of birds that are often seen during the annual count.
The meeting is open to the public and visitors are encouraged to attend. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church Social Hall in Kelseyville.
Redbud Audubon invites all birders and nature enthusiasts to join in the upcoming count. Birders of all skill levels are encouraged to participate.
This is Audubon’s longest running wintertime tradition and is the 45th year the count has taken place in Lake County.
There will be two main groups that participants might wish to join – one will meet at Anderson Marsh State Historic Park and the other will meet at the Visitor’s Center Parking lot at the Clear Lake State Park.
Both groups will meet at 8 a.m. and continue through to early or mid-afternoon.
After the count, participants are invited to a pizza dinner at 5 p.m. at Kelseyville Pizza on State Street in Kelseyville to join in the count compilation where the tally of the day’s sightings is compiled.
If you are interested in participating in the bird count, call Brad or Kathy Barnwell at 707-263-1283.
This is National Audubon's 120th Christmas Bird Count with all counts being held between the dates of Friday, Dec. 13, through Saturday, Jan. 4.
Each December or early January, birders gather to record every individual bird and species encountered during the day.
Each count group has a designated circle of 15 miles in diameter and tries to cover as much ground as possible within a certain period of time.
There is a specific methodology to the CBC, and all participants must make arrangements to participate in advance with the circle compiler within an established circle, but anyone can participate.
A great horned owl. Photo by Brad Barnwell. Count volunteers follow specified routes through the designated 15-mile (24-kilometer) diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day.
It's not just a species tally – all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day.
If you are a beginning birder, you will be able to join a group that includes at least one experienced birdwatcher.
If your home is within the boundaries of a CBC circle, then you can stay at home and report the birds that visit your feeder on count day as long as you have made prior arrangements with the count compiler.
The data collected by each count group are then sent to the National Audubon Headquarters in New York and is made available online.
The Christmas Bird Count began more than a century ago when 27 conservationists in 25 localities, led by scientist and writer Frank Chapman, changed the course of ornithological history.
On Christmas Day in 1900, the small group posed an alternative to the “side hunt,” a Christmas day activity in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds and small mammals.
Instead, Chapman proposed to identify, count, and record all the birds they saw, founding what is now considered to be the world’s most significant citizen-based conservation effort – and century-old institution.
Scientists rely on the remarkable trend data of Audubon’s CBC to better understand how birds and the environment are faring throughout North America – and what needs to be done to protect them.
Data from Audubon’s signature Citizen Science program are at the heart of numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies.
With all of the issues, including climate change and habitat loss, facing both local bird species and birds worldwide, there is no time like the present to start getting involved in local bird conservation and educating yourself about the numerous bird species we have right here in Lake County; the annual Christmas Bird Count is a fun way of doing this.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Following a foggy Monday, forecasters are calling for the potential for rain this week thanks to a series of incoming weather systems.
The National Weather Service’s Sacramento office said the week is starting off with quieter weather, but later in the week more rain is in the forecast.
Forecasters said an approaching short wave trough – the agency defined a trough as an “elongated area of relatively low atmospheric pressure” – will push into the Pacific Northwest later on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing chances of light showers.
That will be followed by another trough that the National Weather Service said will crash into the Pacific Northwest on Thursday, bringing more chances for precipitation, especially in the higher elevations on Thursday afternoon and evening.
The National Weather Service said still another system is set to arrive in the region on Friday and continuing through the weekend, bringing periods of rain and mountain snow to Northern California.
The forecast calls for precipitation on Friday mainly in the higher elevations, but an incoming cold front expected to arrive on Friday night and into Saturday, there could be light rain in the lower areas, the National Weather Service said.
The National Weather Service said mountain snow is anticipated to continue from Friday into Saturday, before dry weather returns on Sunday.
The specific forecast for Lake County shows chances of rain from Wednesday night through Saturday night, before conditions clear up into early next week.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to be in the low to mid 50s throughout the week, with nighttime temperatures in the low 40s, dropping into the 30s over the weekend.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Organizers of the Lake County Wreaths Across America memorial effort for veterans invite the community to take part in ceremonies across the county that will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14.
The ceremonies, which seek to “remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families, teach our children the value of freedom,” will take place beginning promptly at 8:50 a.m. at Hartley, Kelseyville, Upper Lake, Lower Lake, Middletown and St. Mary’s cemeteries.
This year the theme is "Everyone plays a part."
The ceremonies honor veterans during the holiday season as part of the annual Wreaths Across America Day. On this brisk December morning help to show the veterans and families that they will not be forgotten.
Youth organizations and veteran organizations have volunteered to conduct the Wreaths Across America ceremonies this year.
Seven ceremonial wreaths will be placed to remember all soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who served, honor their sacrifices and teach our younger generations about the high cost of our freedoms.
Wreaths Across America pursues its mission with nationwide wreath-laying events during the holiday season, and year-round educational outreach inviting all Americans to appreciate our freedoms and the cost at which they are delivered.
Specially designated wreaths for the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and POW/MIA will be placed on memorials during a ceremony that will be coordinated simultaneously at over participating locations all across the country and overseas.
In 2018, more than 1.8 million veteran wreaths were placed on headstones at 1,640 participating cemeteries around the country in honor of the service and sacrifices made for our freedoms, with each name said out loud.
More than 400 truckloads of wreaths were delivered across the country by hundreds of volunteer professional truck drivers.
Wreaths Across America expanded the mission overseas with the placement of 9,387 veterans’ wreaths at Normandy-American Cemetery in France.
This year ceremonies will have youth participation from Boy Scouts, Sea Scouts, 4-H, Girl Scouts, FFA, Lake County Sheriff’s Explorers, Mariners, Clear Lake High School Band, North Shore Fire Dept. Explorers, Lake County Funeral Honors Team and the Patriot Guard Riders.
Take an hour amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and bring your families to attend one of these heartfelt ceremonies.
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – During its last meeting of the year, the Middletown Area Town Hall will discuss some area projects and accept board nominations.
MATH will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Middletown Community Center, 21256 Washington St.
Meetings are open to the community, and offer the opportunity for additional public input on items not included on the agenda.
On the agenda are discussions on the Guenoc Valley development, the homeless in community park and a proposal to become a Firewise community.
Action items include a sign board for public display of MATH agendas and accepting nominations for two MATH board seats.
There also will be an update from District 1 Supervisor Moke Simon.
The MATH Board includes Chair Sally Peterson, Vice Chair Claude Brown, Secretary Paul Baker, and at-large members Tom Darms and Marlene Elder.
MATH – established by resolution of the Lake County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 12, 2006 – is a municipal advisory council serving the residents of Anderson Springs, Cobb, Coyote Valley (including Hidden Valley Lake), Long Valley and Middletown.
Meetings are subject to videotaping.
For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Air Quality Management District reported that the annual Lake County Burn Ban for 2019 has been lifted as of 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9.
Burn permits are required for all outdoor burning in the Lake County Air Basin.
Burn permits are available at your local fire protection district. A smoke management plan is required for all multi-day burns, standing vegetation burns, whole tree or vine removals over one acre, burns over 20 acres in size, and any other burns where significant smoke impacts may occur or sensitive receptors may be impacted.
Smoke management plans can be obtained at the Lake County Air Quality Management District office Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; appointments are recommended. A fee is required for all burn permits, payable at the time the permit is issued.
Smoke management plans, agricultural burn permits and residential burn permits are $28, while land development/lot clearing burn permits are $84, cash or check only.
Only clean dry vegetation that was grown on the property may be burned. Residential burn permits require a one-acre or larger lot of record, a burn location that is located at least 100 feet from all neighbors and at least 30 feet from any structure.
Lot clearing/land development burns require special permits available at your local fire protection district. Burn only the amount of material that can be completely consumed during burn hours. Read your burn permit carefully and follow all the conditions.
Consider using the vegetative waste pickup provided with your waste collection services or composting as an alternative to burning leaves. Please be considerate of your neighbors. A permit does not allow you to create health problems for others. You can be liable for health care costs, fines, and other costs resulting from your burning.
Lake County’s joint fire agencies and air quality management district’s open burning program has incorporated both fire safety and air quality management since 1987.
Santa Claus visits with a child at a previous Christmas in Middletown event in Middletown, California. Photo by Davis Palmer. MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – The annual “Christmas in Middletown” event will take place this year on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. throughout downtown Middletown.
Sponsored by the Middletown Area Merchants Association, this free event lets friends and families celebrate the season together with local businesses, clubs, and organizations, filling the streets of Middletown with cheer, rain or shine.
Start your evening by picking up a Passport to Fun with its schedule of events at one of three locations:
– The Middletown High School cafeteria at the north end of town; – The MAMA booth at the corner of highways 175 and 29 in the middle of town; or – The Hospice Thrift Store at the south end of town.
Children, teens, and adults alike enjoy collecting stamps in the Passport to Fun from businesses throughout town for the chance to win prizes, including two firepits donated by Hardester’s Markets.
The passport will also have information about where to go, what to see and do, and when scheduled events are happening.
The Middletown High School cafeteria is the place to be for dance recital performances by the students at Kim’s Dance Factory at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and for craft shopping and for dinner benefitting the Middletown Unified School District drama and choral programs all evening long.
Besides local restaurants that will be open for business, street food will be available throughout town including tri-tip sandwiches served in front of Noble’s by the MUSD Ag Boosters.
The combined Middletown Middle and High School bands will give a performance starting at 5 p.m. on the steps of the Library in conjunction with a “Celebrate a Life” service conducted by Hospice Services of Lake County (rain cancels the band performance).
Santa Claus arrives at 5:30 p.m. at the Middletown Square Park on a fire truck. Afterward, he meets children from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Mrs. Claus gives each a stuffed animal, courtesy of Hospice Services of Lake County.
Inside the Middletown Community Room nearby, everyone can warm up with a free hot chocolate and kids can stay busy with a free craft table, donated and run by the Middletown Seventh-day Adventist School with support from Clearlake Grocery Outlet.
Free pony rides will be offered by Helen Owen of Owen Ranch at the Middletown Car Wash. The Community Methodist Church welcomes guests with music, cookies and cocoa. Plus, at the top of the hour, from 4 to 8 p.m., visitors can ring the 122-year-old bell in the oldest church in Middletown, built in 1893.
Nonprofit organizations set up booths with goodies and crafts on the streets throughout town, to raise funds for their good works.
The town looks festive with decorated merchant storefronts and business-sponsored Christmas trees that are decorated by area schoolchildren. The trees are later donated to local families in need through our local charity, Spirit of the Season. Thanks to Star Gardens Nursery for running the tree program.
Individual businesses compete for “best decorated” storefront, and they pass out their own refreshments to passersby.
It’s a perfect small-town event. Find out more at the Middletown Area Merchants Association website at www.middletownareamerchants.com.
Community members celebrating the holiday season at a previous Christmas in Middletown event in Middletown, California. Photo by Davis Palmer.
LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday will continue considering how the Registrar of Voters Office should be structured and managed, and hear the latest on the crop report and homeless numbers.
The board will meet beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, in the board chambers on the first floor of the Lake County Courthouse, 255 N. Forbes St., Lakeport.
The meeting can be watched live on Channel 8 and online at https://countyoflake.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx. Accompanying board documents, the agenda and archived board meeting videos also are available at that link.
In an untimed item, the board will continue its discussion and consideration of options for the leadership and structuring of the Registrar of Voters Office in the wake of Registrar Catherine McMullen’s departure last week after just five months on the job.
The board is considering options including keeping the elections office as a standalone department or consolidating it with another department.
At its Nov. 26 meeting, the board appointed Auditor-Controller/County Clerk Cathy Saderlund as registrar on an interim basis, from Dec. 3 to 10, as Lake County News has reported.
The board is also scheduled to hold closed session interviews for registrar of voters candidates, including candidates who would hold the job on an interim basis.
Also on Tuesday, at 9:30 a.m. the board will hear a presentation on the 2018 crop report and at 10 a.m. will hear about the Point in Time count.
The full agenda follows.
CONSENT AGENDA
5.1: Approve the amended county vehicle policy following meet and confer.
5.2: Approve long distance travel from May 16 to May 21, 2020, for Auditor-Controller Cathy Saderlund and Deputy County Administrative Officer III Stephen Carter to attend the Government Finance Officers Association annual conference in New Orleans, Louisiana.
5.3: Adopt resolution approving Agreement No. 19-0774-000-SG with California Department of Food and Agriculture for compliance with the Bee Safe Program for the period July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
5.4: Approve Animal Care and Control to be closed Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, to observe the county winter holiday.
5.5: Approve request to close Behavioral Health Services offices from noon to 5 p.m. on Friday Dec. 13, for holiday all-staff training meeting.
5.6: (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 agreement between the county of Lake and Ford Street Project for substance use disorder residential and detoxification services for FY 2019-20, for a contract maximum of $75,000 and authorize the board chair to sign the agreement.
5.7: Approve the minutes of the Board of Supervisors meeting held Oct. 1, 2019. ‘
5.8: Adopt a resolution approving a request from Health Services Department to submit an application for the Medical Reserve Corps Operational Readiness Award Funds through the National Association of County and City Health Officials and authorize the director of Health Services to sign said application.
5.9: a) Waive the formal bidding process, pursuant to Lake County Code Section 38.2, as it is not in the public interest because doing so would produce no economic benefit to the county. b) approve the purchase of e-mail security services from Mimecast in the amount of $13,900 and authorize the IT director to issue a purchase order.
5.10: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, adopt resolution authorizing the Lake County Watershed Protection District to file a grant application for a Prop 68 Watershed Restoration Planning Grant with a focus on establishing a streams and shorelines monitoring and assessment program.
5.11: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, adopt resolution authorizing the Lake County Watershed Protection District to file a grant application for a Pre-Disaster and Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program for FY 2019/2020 titled Lake County Flood Prevention through Creek Vegetation Management.
5.12: Sitting as the Lake County Watershed Protection District Board of Directors, approve the joint funding agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Dept. of the Interior for annual maintenance of the Kelsey Creek flow gauge station in the amount of $15,800 and authorize the chair to sign.
5.13: Approve the library to be closed to the public from Tuesday, Dec. 24, through Saturday, Dec. 28, to observe the county winter holiday.
5.14: Authorize the Public Services director to appoint Dave Hendrick as interim facilities maintenance superintendent at step three, retroactive to Oct. 03, 2019.
5.15: (a) Adopt resolution approving the Lake County Sheriff's Office to apply for state of California, Department of Parks and Recreation Off-Highway Vehicle Grant funds and (b) authorize the sheriff/coroner or his designee to sign the project agreement.
5.16: Approve sealed bid #19-17 to Adamson Police Products in the amount of $67,708.44 for the purchase of active shooter kits.
5.17: Approve the acceptance of the local Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program application for FY 2019/20 in the amount of $14,054 and authorize the chair to sign.
5.18: Approve the Department of Boating and Waterways 2020/21 application for financial aid in the amount of $373,119.82 and authorize the sheriff to sign.
5.19: Approve the Sun Ridge Systems software support services agreement for the FY 2019/20 in the amount of $36,698 for the support of its Law Enforcement Software Suite, and authorize the chair to sign.
5.20: Approve late travel claim for Analyst Hatti Mayer for the total amount of $78 and authorize the auditor to process payment.
5.21: Approve Amendment 1 to CivicSpark agreement reducing amount from $51,000 to $26,000 to account for change from Two Fellows to One Fellow and authorize Special Districts administrator to sign.
5.22: Approve Public Works director/assistant purchasing agent to issue a purchase order through the statewide bid contract in the amount of $29,388.61 to Wondries Fleet Group and authorize Public Works director/assistant purchasing agent to sign.
TIMED ITEMS
6.2, 9:30 a.m.: Presentation of 2018 Annual Crop Report.
6.3, 9:35 a.m.: Presentation of Crop Report Plus – Economic Contributions of Lake County Agriculture.
6.4, 10 a.m.: Presentation on the Point In Time Count.
UNTIMED ITEMS
7.2: Consideration of the early release of two members of the Lower Lake County Waterworks District No. 1 Board of Directors and the appointment of new candidates to fill the remainder of the unexpired term and a new term beginning Jan. 1, 2020.
7.3: Continued discussion and consideration of options for the elections function, including keeping it as a standalone department or consolidating it with another department.
7.4: Consideration of appointments to the Cobb Municipal Advisory Council.
7.5: Consideration of an ordinance amending Chapter 5 of the Lake County Code and Adopting by reference the 2019 California Building Standards Code.
7.6: Consideration of Change Order No. Two for Three SB1 Rehabilitation Improvement Projects, Bid No. 19-10, for a decrease of $7,218.08 and a revised contract amount of $553,500.15 and authorize the chair to sign.
CLOSED SESSION
8.1: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9 (d)(1): Flesch v Lake County District Attorney’s Office, et al.
8.2: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code sec. 54956.9 (d)(1): Global Industries v. Barbara Ringen.
8.3: Conference with legal counsel: Existing litigation pursuant to Gov. Code section 54956.9 (d)(1): FERC Project No. 77, Potter Valley Hydroelectric Project.
8.4: Public employee appointment pursuant to Gov. Code Section 54957(b)(1): (a) Interviews of registrar of voters/ interim registrar of voters (b) appointment of registrar of voters/ interim registrar of voters.
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.
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Nearly 250 guests joined Adventist Health Clear Lake’s Development Council in celebration of the second annual Benefit Gala at Boatique Winery on Nov. 9.
The Benefit Gala is the single largest fundraising event the hospital holds.
This year, the generosity of paddle-raise donors, event sponsors and silent auction bidders helped Adventist Health raised a grand total of $167,750.
These funds will support two selected programs, Adventist Clear Lake Healthy Kids and the Live Well Institute, which will touch the lives of thousands of Lake County women and children and transform the health of many.
Guests, including Gold Sponsors Laurie and Doug Dohring, Dr. Edward Gabriel, Madi Mount, David and Denise Santos and the Redbud Health Care District, were welcomed on the red carpet to an evening of exquisite dining, passionate presentations and delightful entertainment.
At the start of the evening’s program there was a moment of silence in remembrance of the one-year anniversary of the Camp fire. Lake County first responders represented by Lake County Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Charlie Diener were honored with a standing ovation followed by a poignant vocal performance of “God Bless America” by Keith Cordis of Barron Cordia Management.
Following this, David Santos, president of Adventist Health Clear Lake painted a picture of his vision to strengthen collaboration with community organizations and create a healthier future for Lake County.
He encouraged attendees to partner with the Adventist Health in raising community awareness and philanthropic support to advance women’s and children’s health initiatives.
Auctioneer Ellen Toscano spurred the crowd to donate from $100 to $25,000 to achieve the night’s grand total in support of two projects; Adventist Health and Clear Lake Healthy Kids and expansion of the hospital’s Live Initiative. The evening was capped off with “after-glow” dancing to the music of the Funky Dozen.
Adventist Health and Clear Lake Healthy Kids will be a new touring education and outreach program for kids in Lake County.
Based on a model created by Rideout Healthy Kids, an Adventist Health-sponsored touring performance group in Yuba-Sutter, the program will use music, dance and comedy to teach important life building skills including healthy diet, exercise, positive image and treatment of oneself and others.
The Live Well Institute is home to Live Well, a one-of-a-kind program grounded in proven methods to help patients achieve optimal health.
Expansion of the program is planned to include specific services for women’s heart health, the No. 1 killer of women, causing one in three deaths each year.
Through this expansion, the program will focus on deepening our education around prevention and early diagnosis for cardiac disease for women.
“Women are the heart of our families and communities” said David Santos, president of Adventist Health Clear Lake. “Heart disease is rampant in Lake County. We want to address and educate the women in our communities because they are often misdiagnosed.”
“The Development Council of Adventist Health Clear Lake will continue to provide philanthropic support of new and innovative lifestyle medicine programs” said Ben Hill, manager, Development Council. “These new programs will help to transform the health of Lake County residents. Adventist Health Healthy Kids and the Live Well Institute will benefit thousands of Lake County women and children and will be adopted by households and families countywide.”
Adventist Health Clear Lake’s Development Council continues to work for the growth of programs that improve the health of Lake County residents.
The California Department of Public Health, in collaboration with local health departments, is reminding the public and health care providers that Valley fever cases typically peak in the fall.
Since 2014, there has been a steady increase in the number of Valley fever cases in California. In 2018, more than 7,500 Valley fever cases were confirmed, and early case counts for 2019 indicate that Valley fever activity remains high.
As of Nov. 19, more than 7,000 likely cases have been reported. Incidence is particularly high in the Central Valley and Central Coast regions of California, including Kern, San Luis Obispo, Kings, Fresno, Tulare, Monterey and Merced counties.
“People who live, work, or travel in areas where Valley fever is common are at higher risk of getting infected, especially if they work outdoors or participate in activities where soil is disturbed,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, state public health officer and CDPH director. “If you have symptoms that include cough, fever, or difficulty breathing for more than a week, we encourage you to talk to a health care provider.”
A person can help reduce the risk of infection by avoiding breathing in dirt or dust in areas where Valley fever is common.
In these areas, when it is windy outside and the air is dusty, stay inside and keep windows and doors closed. While driving, keep car windows closed and use recirculating air conditioning, if available.
If individuals must be outdoors, they should consider wearing a properly fitted mask (such as an N95 respirator mask) when the air is dusty, and avoid disturbing the soil whenever possible.
Valley fever, also known as coccidioidomycosis, or “cocci”, is caused by breathing in the spores of a fungus that grows in the soil and dirt in certain areas of California.
The fungal spores, which are too small to see, can be present in dust that gets into the air when it is windy or when soil is disturbed, such as through digging during construction.
This fungus usually infects the lungs and can cause respiratory symptoms including cough, fever, chest pain and tiredness.
In most people, the infection will go away on its own, but anyone who has these symptoms for more than a week should see a doctor or health care provider.
While anyone can get Valley fever, those most at-risk for severe disease include people 60 years or older, people who are African American or Filipino, pregnant women, and people with diabetes or conditions that weaken the immune system.
Employers with employees working outdoors should train workers about Valley fever symptoms and take steps to limit workers' exposure to dust, such as watering down soil before digging.
The state of California is taking action to raise awareness about Valley fever by allocating $2 million in the 2018-2019 budget to plan, develop, launch and evaluate a Valley Fever Awareness campaign that CDPH will launch in the coming months.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has also approved a bill to require construction employers engaging in specific work activities in counties where Valley fever is endemic to provide awareness training about Valley fever to their employees.
For additional information on Valley fever, please visit CDPH’s Valley fever website.
This rustic and kinder-to-your-heart version of French vichyssoise is shown served cold with a dollop of yogurt. It’s garnished with fresh thyme leaves and flowers. Photo by Esther Oertel.
The moment the summer heat subsides, my thoughts turn to soup. The big stockpot comes off the shelf and onto the stove at the first hint of cool weather. Fall’s shorter days and winter’s dampness lead me to seek such therapeutic liquid succor.
This is especially true today, with the drumbeat of rain on our metal roof and a blanket of gray turning noon to dusk.
Soup is one of my favorite meals; nothing comforts more than a steaming bowl, especially when paired with a hunk of warm, crusty bread.
I even long for soup during hot Lake County summers, when cool soups such as gazpacho or those made with fruit or cucumber are whipped up in a food processor.
There’s just something wonderful about marrying flavors and ingredients together in one pot, whether cool or hot.
My husband once told me that Walmart sales records reveal an uptick in the purchase of strawberry Pop Tarts when hurricanes threaten landfall. As a consequence, the chain stocks plenty of them in the paths of such storms.
Fruity pastry must be considered comforting when rainy danger threatens, at least in those areas.
As much as I love sweets, when a storm lurks on the horizon, I long to have a big batch of homemade soup at hand.
Soup transcends time, culture and location, with nearly every civilization having a form of it. Evidence for the existence of soup extends as far back as 6,000 B.C. The invention of early waterproof containers, most likely in the form of clay vessels or pouches made of animal skins, made it possible to heat water, spawning primitive soups.
It was the sale of soup for medicinal purposes by street vendors in Paris that led to today’s restaurant industry. A highly concentrated, warm liquid was sold as an antidote to physical exhaustion. A Parisian entrepreneur opened a shop in 1765 to sell the restorative liquid, which prompted the use of the word “restaurant,” meaning “something restoring,” to describe the business.
The word soup has origins in the practice of soaking bread in broth, “suppa” in Latin. From this root comes the French word “soupe,” as well as the English word “sop,” a piece of bread used to soak up soup or stew.
A rich stock, made from simmering meat, bones, or vegetables in water, is the secret to a good soup. Fish stock should only be boiled 30 to 45 minutes, but most other stocks take much longer to make, from three to eight hours, depending on the base.
Mirepoix, a combination of onions, carrots, and celery, contributes flavor to stock, along with various herbs and other aromatics.
Fund blanc, or white stock, is made with raw bones, most commonly chicken, and fund brun, or brown stock, is made using bones that have been roasted to add flavor and color.
Vegetable stock may be made using all manner of vegetables. Cooking water from vegetables made throughout the week may be saved in the fridge and used as the stock base.
If you’re not interested in making your own stock, don’t despair, as quality premade stocks are available at most supermarkets.
Soups are traditionally divided into two categories, clear and thick. Clear soups include broth (known as bouillon in French) and consommé, a complex soup that has gone through a clarifying process. Consommé tends to gel somewhat when cool.
Thick soups are classified based on the thickener, such as starch, cream, eggs, grains or butter. Types of thick soups include purees, bisques and cream soups.
After a long season of dry heat, soup weather has arrived in earnest. In anticipation of the months of happy soup-making ahead of us, below are five favorite soups from recipes that I’ve developed over the years.
A Spanish proverb says, “Of soup and love, the first is best.” While I disagree that food trumps love, a good bowl of soup can certainly inspire it.
Be warmed and comforted, sip with pleasure, and most of all, enjoy.
Smokey roasted carrot soup
White beans thicken the soup without compromising the warm flavor of smoked paprika.
Ingredients
2 pounds carrots (about 5-1/2 cups raw, which becomes 4 cups roasted) 2 large shallots Tablespoon olive or grape seed oil Teaspoon kosher or sea salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 1-1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika Quart vegetable or chicken stock About ½ of a 15-ounce can of white beans
Procedure
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Peel and cut carrots into uniform pieces, about 1 inch in length.
Roughly chop the shallots
In a two-quart bowl, toss carrots in the oil until all are glossy.
Add salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, tossing to combine evenly.
Turn carrots onto a baking sheet and mix in shallots.
Roast mixture in oven until tender and somewhat browned, about 25 minutes or more. (Stir halfway through for even cooking.)
Heat stock on stove in a four-quart saucepan; add carrot mixture.
Simmer for 10 minutes or so, and then add beans.
Remove from heat and puree with an immersion blender (recommended), a food processor, or a blender.
If desired, add more beans until desired thickness is achieved.
Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill.
Makes about 8 servings.
French onion soup
I cry copiously when chopping onions! I’ve tried many methods of avoiding burning tears but the time I wore my son’s snorkeling mask while I processed them was the only thing that truly worked.
Ingredients
10 onions (any combination of types) 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 2 cups white wine Quart vegetable or beef stock 1 and ¼ cups apple cider Bouquet garni (thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and parsley tied with kitchen string) Kosher salt Ground black pepper Splash of Cognac or brandy (optional) 1 cup Fontina or Gruyere cheese, grated Croutons (recipe follows)
Procedure
Finely slice onions into half-moon shapes. (For quicker processing, a food processor with the slicing attachment may be used.)
Heat olive oil in a large wide-bottomed pot.
Add a layer of onions to pot and sprinkle with a little salt. Repeat until all onions and salt are in the pot.
Allow onions to sweat down for 15 to 20 minutes before stirring. After that, stir occasionally until onions are dark mahogany in color and reduced to approximately two cups. This will take about 45 minutes to an hour.
Add enough wine to cover the onions and turn heat to high, reducing the wine to a syrupy consistency.
Add broth, apple cider, bouquet garni, and brandy, if using. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Ladle soup into bowls. Top each with a crouton, and then top with grated cheese.
Place bowls on a baking sheet and broil in oven until cheese is golden and bubbly, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Makes six to eight servings.
This warmly flavorful soup is made with roasted carrots and smoked paprika and is garnished with fresh dill. Photo by Esther Oertel.
Brush bread slices with olive oil (or toss with oil in a bowl until pieces are coated) and toast in oven until golden brown.
If desired, rub with a garlic clove after toasting.
‘Be kind to your heart’ vichyssoise
Classic vichyssoise includes butter and heavy cream; this is a lighter version. For a less rustic soup, you may peel the potatoes. Vichyssoise can be served warm or cold.
Ingredients
6 leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced into thin rounds and thoroughly cleaned 6 cups red potatoes (about 8 medium), with some skin left on (optional), diced 4 to 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Quart vegetable broth 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ½ cup Russian-style plain yogurt (and additional for garnish if serving cold, optional) Fresh herbs of your choice for garnish (such as parsley, dill, tarragon or thyme)
Procedure
Sauté leeks in olive oil in large soup pot until tender, about five minutes.
Add vegetable broth, potatoes, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Turn down heat, cover pot and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow soup to cool for a few minutes before pureeing with an immersion blender (preferred) or a food processor. (If using a food processor, you may have to process it in batches.)
Add yogurt and blend.
Serve soup warm or chill for several hours or overnight and serve cold. If serving cold, garnish with a dollop of yogurt.
Garnish warm or cold soup with chopped fresh herbs of your choice.
Makes about eight servings.
Spicy Mexican bean soup with chili-garlic crostini
This soup is easy to make and is warm and hearty on a cold winter’s day!
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil 1 purple onion, diced ½ red pepper, diced * ½ green pepper, diced * 3 – 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped Quart vegetable stock (homemade or otherwise) 2 – 15-ounce cans black beans ** 1 – 15-ounce can light kidney beans ** 1 – 15-ounce can corn kernels 1 – 6-ounce can tomato paste 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 teaspoons cumin 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish, if desired) Salt to taste, if desired Toasted pumpkin seeds or diced avocado for garnish, if desired
*Use any combination of colored bell peppers; the more colors, the merrier!
**Any combination of similar beans may be used, even 3 cans of one type. (If one type is used, black beans are recommended.)
Procedure
Sauté onion and peppers in olive oil in large soup pot over medium-high heat until just tender.
Add garlic and sauté about a minute more.
Add vegetable broth, beans and corn. Once the broth comes to a boil, reduce heat to low to simmer.
Mix in tomato paste; add vinegar, cumin and pepper flakes.
Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed.
Allow to simmer for at least 10 and up to 30 minutes until flavors blend and soup has thickened.
Add cilantro and simmer a few minutes more.
Ladle into bowls and add desired garnishes.
Serve with chili-garlic crostini. (Recipe follows.)
Makes six to eight servings.
Chili-garlic crostini
About 1 cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic 1 – 2 teaspoons dried chili flakes 1 French bread baguette, sliced
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Press garlic cloves with flat of knife so they are crushed.
Warm olive oil on stove; add garlic and pepper flakes and cook a minute or so more (not long).
Remove oil from heat and allow it to rest for a bit. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor.
Strain oil into a squeeze bottle or bowl and drizzle or brush oil on each baguette slice.
Arrange slices on a baking sheet and bake in oven until golden brown. Watch carefully; it takes only a few minutes.
Mushroom bisque with sherry
I am a huge mushroom fan and love the way their flavor is complimented by the addition of sherry. Olive oil may be subbed for butter and cream may be eliminated for a lighter (and vegan) version.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil) ¼ cup all-purpose flour ¾ cup minced shallots or onions 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 1 – ½ pounds fresh mixed mushrooms, cleaned and sliced ¼ inch thick 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock (or 4 cups, plus 2 cups water) 2 – ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ¾ cup dry sherry (not “cooking sherry”) 1/3 cup cream (optional)
For garnish:
½ cup finely chopped toasted walnuts (procedure follows)
Procedure
Melt butter (or oil, if using instead) in a large stock pot over medium-low heat. When melted, stir in flour and cook for a minute or so.
Add onions and sauté, stirring, for one or two minutes, then stir in garlic, thyme, and nutmeg and cook until fragrant, about one minute.
Add sliced mushrooms, stir to blend, and increase heat to medium. Add stock, sherry, and salt.
Cover and bring to a boil. Simmer, covered, until the mushrooms are tender, about 15 minutes.
When mushrooms are tender, puree soup using a hand-held immersion blender, a food processor, or a standing blender. (If using either of the latter two, puree the soup in batches. If using a standing blender, be sure to hold the lid tight with a towel to keep contents inside.)
If desired, soup may be strained through a medium-mesh strainer, using a ladle to help push it through. (This is an optional step.)
Once soup is pureed (and strained, if taking that step), add cream (if using) and stir to blend. If needed, gently heat soup to desired temperature.
Serve with a sprinkling of toasted walnuts.
Makes six generous or eight small servings
Note: When using a blender to puree hot soups, remove liquid from the heat and allow it to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender and fill it no more than halfway. Release one corner of the lid, which prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.
Original recipes are by Esther Oertel.
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, Calif. She lives in Middletown, Calif.
Leeks must be thoroughly cleaned, as dirt often becomes trapped in their many layers. This can be done by slicing them and immersing in a bowl of water. Layers should be separated to ensure that the water reaches all parts. Photo by Esther Oertel.
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