Lake County Vintage 2026
It’s hard to believe now, but in 2016, just 10 years ago, California’s famous Lake County was struggling economically and known to the wider world, if known at all, for being rough around the edges. Clear Lake, now the crown jewel of the region, was in those days polluted by agricultural run-off and mining chemicals and plagued with masses of foul-smelling algae that drove would-be tourists away. The county had just been devastated by a series of historic wildfires.
It was at this low point that a bold initiative was proposed by a small band of visionary winegrape growers under the improbable leadership of self-described “bad-boy profiteer,” Mr. Z. They convinced the local wine industry organization to adopt a winning strategy for vaulting ahead of the competition in Napa Valley, which was then predominant but overdeveloped. They would convert 100 percent of Lake County’s vineyards into showcase models of organic agriculture and diversify their crops and income streams. Rather than supplying Napa labels with large quantities of anonymous grapes for blended vintages, they would focus on their own small batches of distinctive varietal vines, rapidly to become 100 percent organic. They coined the term “eco-ag tourism” and the rest is history.
Mr. Z, winner of the 2026 Right Livelihood Award, is more than modest about his role. “At the time it was just a shrewd business move,” he says. “I really didn’t see the light until we were way down the road. At one point I actually bragged about my mega-vineyards running little old ladies’ wells dry. Then I could buy them out on the cheap. I certainly didn’t think twice about pouring pesticides.”
To those who might doubt that the environmental leader came late to the fold, Mr. Z says, “Hell, back then I thought climate change was a hoax spread around by the solar industry. Sustainable was a word I loved because it could mean anything. To me it meant sustaining my own jet.”
Today, Mr. Z is president of Organic Lake County, an umbrella organization that represents the Organic Wine Tourism Bureau, Organic Farm Vacations, Eco-Ag Boat and Bicycle Tours, Detox and Cleanse Resorts and Spas, Lake Local and Organic Catering, Organic Lake Weddings, and many others. And, of course, Lake County’s reputation, now international, no longer centers on its being down and out, but on its unique organic wines, stunning scenery, pure spring water and exceptionally clean air.
Elizabeth Montgomery, Hidden Valley Lake
The Clintons
Surely, Mr. McKay’s recent letter to the Bee was intended as a devastating expose of the Clintons. I must chide him, however, because in his denunciations of the Clintons, he forgot Whitewater! Like all the other Chimera that the Republicans believe in, Whitewater cost the government millions of dollars to investigate. The result was nothing, which is much like Mr. Mac’s letter, much ado about nothing.
Mr. Mac listed seven crimes or moral lapses that the Clintons reputedly committed. Of course, Mr. Mac neither had nor has any proof. He alleges, for example, that the Clintons lost their law licenses. Like many professionals with licenses to practice (law, medicine, etc.), the Clintons let their licenses lapse when they were no longer active in the field, but the right-wing conspiracy theorists simply have to put a sinister spin on everything that the Clintons do. “Lapse” magically becomes “lost.”
Vince Foster, a man with psychological problems, committed suicide in 1993. Because Vince was associated with the Clintons, there must be skullduggery in his death. Yes, perhaps murder! The culprits would have to be the Clintons … etc., etc.
One gets so tired of hearing or reading the Republican attempts to smear the Clintons. The fact is that Mr. Clinton was a two-term President. Mrs. Clinton was a Senator and our Secretary of State. They both have served our country well. It is about time that the Republicans give up their feeble-minded attempts to smear these two great Americans.
Charles Moton, Lucerne
Lucerne water
As all Lucerne residents know, our water rates have gone up several hundred percent since California Water Service Company has taken over our water service.
It’s been another three years now and CalWater has requested yet another huge rate hike.
Most people in our disadvantaged community struggle with our water rates already, some having to decide between buying food or paying the water bill.
This can’t continue. In an effort to get the proper attention on the subject and begin the process of change a petition was started late Fall of last year.
We’ve made some great progress so far but haven’t been able to start canvassing as planned due to the unpredictable weather. In the meantime, Lucerne Pharmacy has kindly agreed to host the petition for any residents who haven’t signed or sent in their letter yet.
Every signature counts, we’re still shooting for as close to 100 percent as possible. It’s very important that we stand together on this. The only thing that surely won’t help is not signing, so if you haven’t yet, please do.
For those who may not know, Lake County has filed as a party to the current rate case in our defense. To help with that effort, email Jim Steele at Jim.Steele@lakecountyca.gov or write at 255 North Forbes St. Lakeport CA 95453 and tell him your story! The more the better.
And again, if you haven’t signed the petition yet, sign at Lucerne Pharmacy while supporting local business! Take your neighbor if they haven’t signed yet!
We’re all in this together and together is the only way we’ll move forward.
Lisa Carter, Lucerne
