LAKE COUNTY – Awed respect and hope were on the faces of approximately 30 people who had gathered Tuesday morning to watch Barack Hussein Obama become America”s 44th president on two wide-screen television sets in the Classic Rock Caf? at Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa.
“We have a reason to feel proud of our country again,” visiting Santa Rosa resident Virginia Hamilton said.
Like others in the room, Hamilton and her husband did not own a television. They own a Clearlake vacation home and had come and to join an informal gathering organized at the caf? by Upper Lake resident Deb Baumann.
“This has restored my faith in our country,” Riviera resident and Iraq veteran Dave Bischel said.
Healdsberg fisherman Brendon Sapp said he had just come in off of the lake to witness history.
“I was just holding my breath until he was sworn in,” Sapp said.
The crowd cheered when Obama was welcomed to the podium to make his inaugural speech.
“This is great. I thought the speech was outstanding and inspirational. I hope we can do it. I hope they give him the chance – I hope we give him the chance,” Davis resident Michael Motley said.
Kelseyville farmer Jim Leonardis said he felt “spectacular – whole new world – totally energized and optimistic.”
“I”ve never held my country in such high regard as I do at this moment,” Clearlake Oaks resident JoAnn Saccato said.
The event came together after Baumann asked her boss for Jan. 20 off the day after Obama”s landslide victory in November.
“I”m just happy that everyone was here and got to see this moment together,” Baumann said.
The crowd waved enthusiastically when former President George W. Bush waved goodbye on the screens. “Don”t let the door hit you,” was heard from the audience.
Baumann said it wouldn”t have been possible without the caf? and resort staff, who opened the caf?”s doors at 7 a.m. specifically for the inauguration breakfast.
Executive Chef Charles Roseneau said the turnout was surprising, but “the more the merrier” for the special occasion.
Riviera resident Gale Tompkins compared the moment to her days teaching first grade.
“When Clinton was sworn in, the students were watching in the classroom and it was such a great moment,” she said.
Contact Tiffany Revelle at trevelle@record-bee.com, or call her directly at 263-5636 ext. 37.
