CLEARLAKE— Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin addressed the Lake County Republican Women, Federated (LCRWF) at their luncheon meeting at Howard’s Grotto on September 12.
Caring for burning, about to be burned or an area after the fire passes, one might imagine only magicians could juggle the duties performed by Sheriff Martin and his staff during our recent fires. Residents need to remember that when instructed to ‘get out’ of harms way, they must do so. It was learned that our communities did rather well in that respect.
With 25-30,000 people evacuated, the good work of our police force patrolling kept looters away. Only six burglars were arrested.
Not until this meeting was it learned that only a slight wind change saved the City of Clearlake from evacuation. This can be related to the saving of the Villages and Orchard Shores communities on Highway 20 when the Sulfur Fire tore through a section of Clearlake.
Attention was called to the many warning systems available to residents and all encouraged to take advantage of these in order to receive warnings of any future problems.
Staffing of our Sheriff’s office and field officers is very difficult due to limited funds in Lake County. It was learned that salaries for such positions in surrounding counties and throughout the state are much higher and often by the time a new employee becomes fully trained, he/she is pulled away by the higher salaries offered elsewhere. So again there is a new-hire being trained and Lake County faces the same situation over and over again.
At this time there are 15 vacancies in the department, with no one applying. Response time for on-the-beat officers has increased. Sheriff Martin spoke of the strain on current staff as they must work many hours of over-time because of the vacancies..
With California continually changing laws regarding prison terms, it makes it more and more difficult at the local level to take care of prison facilities. The nightmare of evacuating the jail during our recent fires was explained. But our people got the job done.
Sheriff Martin explained that the changes in the marijuana laws have in some ways helped law enforcement. The price has dropped which makes it less attractive to the criminal. If one is in it as a criminal, it is to make money.
How can Lake County increase funding for our police department? New businesses are needed to create more county tax income. The county needs to rebuild as pay comes from property taxes. It is time for all residents to become aware of this situation and work to correct the situation, if we want swift response time when we need the assistance of our on-the-beat police officers.
Sheriff Martin covered many subjects and answered individual questions. LCRWF was honored by his presence.
On this occasion, LCRWF had the pleasure of helping member Patty Patten celebrate her 100th birthday, which will occur on September 20.
Escorting her were her sons Doug, Dennis and daughter-in-law Lorna. “A Patty Patten Poem” honoring Patty’s life, composed by vice president Leona Butts, was read and presented to Patty, with closing verse, “ After years of wifedom, mothering and community work, With gratitude and respect, we continue writing Patty’s wonderful book.” There was a birthday cake candle for her to blow out, a joyous singing of “Happy Birthday” and an armful of red roses.
The next meeting of LCRWF will be on October 10 at the Greenview Restaurant in Hidden Valley. Featured speaker will be Allison Olson, California Federation of Republican Women advocate for Republican policies at the California State Capitol. She tracks and analyzes California state legislation and lobbies on behalf of the CFRW.
