LAKE COUNTY
The Lake County Fair Foundation Animal Program returns
The Lake County Fair Foundation works year-round to fundraise for improvements projects on the fairgrounds and has found unique ways to fundraise, including auctioning off an animal at the county fair. The Lake County Fair Foundation Animal Program was created when a generous 4-H member Erica Illg chose to raise an animal, sell it at the auction, and donate all the proceeds to the fair foundation back in 2015. From that year forward, outstanding exhibitors have been selected to have the honor of raising an animal to donate back to the fairgrounds. This year, Scott’s Valley 4-H member Emma Mertle was chosen to raise the foundation hog and will receive a scholarship in exchange for her generosity and hard work.
Emma is an incoming senior at Clear Lake High School and has a variety of talents, including playing volleyball, basketball, and golf and serving in leadership roles within student council. She is no stranger to raising hogs for the Lake County Fair and has raised 17 successful market ready animals during her showing career. This will be her last year exhibiting livestock animals, and she plans to attend Shasta Community College in the fall of 2023. She will major in agriculture communications and hopes to pursue a career in agriculture marketing.
Emma stood out to our selection committee due to her extensive experience with hogs, professionalism & poise during the interview process and her love for the fair. In her application, Emma said this: “I would love to give back to the place that has given me so many memories, knowledge, and overall fun for the past 8 years.” We wish her the very best and thank her for her selfless contribution!
The Fair Foundation would also like to thank Rainbow Ag for donating the hog’s feed and The Grove Family for their donation of a high quality hog. The Grove Family have been consistent supporters of the program and the fair, their son Dennis even raised the Foundation Hog back in 2019. All proceeds from this hog will benefit the Lake County Fair Foundation and be used for maintenance and improvement projects on the grounds. The hog will be the last animal to sell at the Junior Livestock Auction on September 3rd at the Junior Livestock Auction in the Baldwin Pavilion. The auction starts at 12 PM.
—Submitted
MENDOCINO AND LAKE COUNTIES
Redwood Credit Union to match donations up to $12,000 for Mendocino College Student Emergency Fund
The Fall 2022 semester is underway at Mendocino College, and students are getting back on track with education and career prep after an unpredictable few years. With inflation making prices for food, gas, books and living expenses higher, we know that some students will be struggling to make ends meet.
The Student Emergency Fund is one way we can help them to worry less and study more. Eligible students are able to receive up to $500 in a one-time emergency grant to stay on track.
Thanks to a generous matching gift from Redwood Credit Union, donors to the Mendocino College Student Emergency Fundraiser campaign can double their donation. With our generous community’s help, the Foundation hopes to turn $12,000 into $24,000 in emergency aid for students in Ukiah, Lakeport, Willits and Fort Bragg.
In a recent survey, three out of five students reported at least one basic needs insecurity such as food or housing.
Any contribution made to this campaign will be matched dollar for dollar by Redwood Credit Union. Your donation could mean the difference between a student dropping out or continuing on their path toward their certificate or degree. Visit foundation.mendocino.edu/donate and choose Student Emergency Fund. Thank you for your support. Any questions can be directed to Julie McGovern, Foundation Executive Director, at 707-468-3164 or jmcgovern@mendocino.edu.
—Submitted
SACRAMENTO
Newsom appoints Diana Ramos as California Surgeon General
Gov. Gavin Newsom this week announced the appointment of accomplished public health leader Dr. Diana Ramos as California Surgeon General. Ramos has more than three decades of cross-cutting experience and expertise with a focus on health equity and reproductive health. She currently serves at the California Department of Public Health’s Center for Healthy Communities, where she oversees the state’s public health and prevention programs.
The Governor established the role of Surgeon General in 2019 on his first day in office as part of a series of major health care proposals and actions. The California Surgeon General is a key spokesperson on public health issues throughout the state and advises the Governor on efforts to address health risks and challenges as effectively and as early as possible.
“California’s Surgeon General has a pivotal role in driving focused solutions to tackle the root causes of our most pressing health challenges and inequities,” said Newsom.
Diana Ramos, M.D., 55, of Laguna Beach, has served as a Public Health Administrator at the California Department of Public Health’s Center for Healthy Communities since 2021. She has been an Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine since 1999. Dr. Ramos has been a Per Diem Physician at Kaiser Permanente since 1998.
This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $216,420. Dr. Ramos is registered without party preference.
